What is the main reason you go to work? Or, if you're a stay at home mom, your husband goes to work? Let's be honest… if there was no salary, most would rather stay at home. So you could say:start volunteering, why would you? But anyone who does volunteer work knows better. You may not get money back, but you will get something else. Have you been toying with the idea of volunteering for a while? Then you can read tips and advice here to find your (voluntary) dream job.
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Did you know that the Netherlands would collapse immediately if all volunteers would stop working? You might not say it, but there are a lot of volunteers active. And they all do important work. Exact figures are difficult to find, because studies differ in outcomes. But it is clear that in 2016 no less than 36% of the Dutch did voluntary work at least once. From collecting for a good cause to weekly driver on the neighborhood bus.
“Nice words, but what do you actually do yourself?” you may wonder. Maybe not, but we'd like to tell you anyway. I myself have been doing voluntary work at the Dutch Council for Refugees for a number of years now. And Joyce now has experience with giving birth to goats… She does volunteer work at an animal park. And soon she will go even further, because then she will volunteer for lonely elderly people. Why do we do that? You can read more about that below.
It's hard to explain to some people. But since you're still reading, you probably don't belong to that group. Doing voluntary work – usually – does not generate a salary. Sometimes there is a voluntary contribution. But that is also an amount that the less social fellow man probably won't get out of bed for. Travel costs and other expenses incurred are often reimbursed. But an organization is not obliged to do that either. Be sure to check this when you sign your contract. Because even if you are a volunteer, you are entitled to a contract.
The maximum compensation for volunteering is €150 per month and €1500 per year. If you adhere to these maximums, you do not have to pay tax on your volunteer contribution. But beware if you are on benefits. Just to be sure, read the website of the tax authorities. You don't have to count yourself rich. Most of the volunteer work is really voluntary. And by the way, we're not doing it to get rich, are we?
Volunteering is always a good idea for those looking for paid work. You may not get a salary… but you do build a network. You also gain experience in the workplace. And last but not least, you can often follow courses through volunteer work. They make you wiser, but also look good on your resume. And they are usually reimbursed by your employer. Moreover, by doing volunteer work you show that you want to get started. And you'll have something to talk about during your next job interview.
Returning moms looking to return to work after caring for the kids for a few years can also improve their job prospects by volunteering. Or students, who have to look for a place on the labor market after graduation. Or teenagers who don't really know what they want to do when they grow up. Did you know that Luc, Joyce's son, started when he was twelve? And that's how Joyce herself rolled in again. So you see how easy connections are. Although you can usually start right away with volunteering and connections are not really necessary. Often there will be an 'application interview' to see if the job is right for you. And sometimes you also need a Certificate of Good Conduct, depending on the volunteer work you want to do.
Do you want to do volunteer work? Apart from work experience and a great CV, you get something in return. Actually the most important of all. Appreciation, gratitude, wisdom and a lot of fun. That is, if you choose volunteer work that really suits you. What's on your mind? Are they lonely elderly or refugees? Or would you like to work with children at the sports club or at school? The possibilities are endless. Think carefully beforehand about what you would like to see different in society. If you choose something you love, you are guaranteed to get a lot out of your volunteer work.
As we said above, choose with your heart in the first place. Gerard and Gordon were very nice with all those old people, but does that also suit you? Or would you rather work in an animal shelter? If you also want to supplement your CV with your volunteer work, it is of course smart to take this into account. There are also plenty of voluntary positions available in the legal or administrative sector, for example.
There is often a municipal point about volunteering in the region. Information about this can be found at a town hall or community center. And of course you can also poke around a bit on the internet. You can search for volunteer work in your area on volunteerwerk.nl. Indicate where you live and where your interests lie, and you can start volunteering tomorrow, so to speak. Well… it doesn't always go that fast.
Did you take the plunge? Do you want to do volunteer work? Then you can read some extra tips and advice here.
Do you have any good tips from your experiences with volunteering? You can share it in a comment below!
Have you already started volunteering? We are very curious about that! Let us know in a comment below what you do, and why you enjoy it so much. Who knows who can inspire you!
