Volunteering in Retirement – Is It for You?

Many retirees tell me the one thing they miss most from their working lives is the structure. It’s the need to get up in the morning, be at work for a certain time, attend meetings, solve problems, be with people, and have a sense of accomplishment.

If you crave structure, then volunteering may be for you. By being a volunteer, you give back through your time and talents, to the benefit of others. It may be a fulfilling way to be involved and get the structure you are looking for.

For myself, I am a volunteer advisor with Catalyste+. For over twelve years, I have mentored both Inuit and non-Intuit in Nunavut, Canada’s newest territory, established in 1999. As part of its growth strategy, the Government of Nunavut set as one of its objectives that Inuit will hold most of the responsible jobs.

As a mentor, I provide my mentees with the human resources skills needed within their respective positions. In return, my mentees have provided me with an insight to their culture and way of life including the challenges faced as they transition to managing Nunavut’s territorial affairs.

Through my volunteering, I have met marvellous people. Not only the people I’ve mentored but also fellow Catalyste+ volunteers.

If you have a strong need to help others, consider volunteering. Catalyste+ is one alternative. The options for volunteering are limitless. Examples are:
·     Teaching English or French as a second language
·     Assisting new immigrant children with math and other school subjects
·     Assisting in local art galleries, museums and zoos
·     Volunteering in local hospitals
·     Working with disadvantaged youth
·     Delivering meals to shut-ins
·     Counseling young mothers
·     Participating in housing programs like Habitat for Humanity

No matter what your career skills or background experience, find your own volunteering niche. If you are interested in volunteering, contact your local library or the Internet under “volunteering” for contact names and organizations specializing in placing new volunteers.

For addition retirement insights, visit www.whencaniretire.ca

Rick Atkinson, Mister Retirement. Author of: Retirement: The Ultimate Life Journey, Life After Work: Live it, Love it!, Strategies for Retiring Right! Why Me and No Gold Watch! Coaching Clients for Retirement – A Primer, and Don’t Just Retire – Live it, Love it ! Also author of the workbooks: Strategies for Retiring Right! and The First Step!