A common surprise that usually awaits people when they retire is the reality of losing their hitherto engaging and busy work life. Many feel a sense of detachment from their purpose because their entire life was centered around their professional career. However, volunteering can offer you an opportunity to live perhaps the best life yet in retirement. Through volunteering, you can give back meaningfully to humanity. For example, some folks eventually embrace their passion while volunteering in retirement.
A common surprise that usually awaits people when they retire is the reality of losing their hitherto engaging and busy work life. Many feel a sense of detachment from their purpose because their entire life was centered around their professional career. However, volunteering can offer you an opportunity to live perhaps the best life yet in retirement.
Let’s look at how to volunteer and give back meaningfully in retirement.
The first step towards engaging in meaningful volunteering is to start with who you are as an individual. What are you passionate about? What are your hobbies? The answers to these questions will give you a clue as to what you will enjoy volunteering for in retirement. You derive satisfaction and fulfilment when you work in an area that personally interests you.
Next is to consider the skills and abilities you have built in your professional career. These skills will come in handy when choosing an area to volunteer. For example, a nonprofit organisation might be trying to fix up their website. If you have web design skills or content creation, you could fix and manage it.
In addition, do well to research your preferred organisation. Be open to information, there might be an opportunity to volunteer in your local community. Search online for openings that suit you.
The first step towards engaging in meaningful volunteering is to start with who you are as an individual. What are you passionate about? What are your hobbies? The answers to these questions will give you a clue as to what you will enjoy volunteering for in retirement.
After considering the above insights for volunteering, here are a few suggestions to get you engaged:
Become a supporter for a cause you believe in
One of the ways you can volunteer is to lend your voice to a cause you believe in. Your experience comes with years of insight that could be of great value to the cause you support. Also, because of your experience, your perspective on a local issue could be greatly enlightening and helpful.
Deploy your expertise and skills
Your skills and expertise are priceless at this stage. Ensure to deploy them strategically and adequately in any area you want to volunteer in. Volunteering this way comes more naturally to you. Think about skills and abilities that are unique to you and offer them as a solution to a challenge you have identified.
Become a mentor
Providing support through mentorship to the younger generation either professionally or otherwise is vital to their development.
Also, children and younger adults are quite a vulnerable set in the community, and volunteering to guide or mentor them is highly beneficial. You could also reach out to local schools to coach them on a career path.
Help to raise funds
Your network is your net worth. If you have built a great network over the years of your professional career, these networks could be your major contribution to volunteering now.
Many nonprofits depend on donations to keep them running. You can support with funds or help to attract other donors to support the organisation. You can also lend your skills to prepare proposals and reach out to donors.
Lend a hand
Every community has those that need one support or the other. For example, vulnerable groups like senior citizens and those with disabilities may need help with everyday affairs. Look for gaps you could bring your skills, resources or experience and fill them.
In summary, your retirement years are a golden opportunity to touch lives and leave a legacy. If you have prepared well for your retirement in terms of financial security, there is little or nothing to be afraid of, but to simply leave a life of impact. And if you have not started on a great path to secure your future today, you can reach out to us at Oak pensions. We will be more than glad to assist you.
Regardless of your current financial status, to save for retirement, open a Retirement Savings Account (RSA), and have 10% of your income go into your RSA. Your RSA is money set aside from each paycheck and deposited with a Pension Fund Administrator (PFA) for a financially stable life in retirement. For more info on RSA, contact Oak Pensions via www.oakpensions.com, info@oakpensions.com or call the Marketing Manager on 09087448661.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ernest Ademola Ehigie is a Copywriter, Content Developer, Author, Brand Consultant, and Communications Manager with over 5 years in marketing communications. He has written several articles, policy documents, press releases, radio and TV adverts for businesses and organizations. He's the author of the book, "Why You Must Lead" and currently works as a content manager for Detail and Avedia, a leading retail and media consulting firm.
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