Volunteering May Be More Like Work Than You Think

DeeJay and I are having problems. We may not have the “right stuff” to be volunteers in the Share-A-Pet program. The program’s sponsor met my initial inquiry with enthusiasm. I read the email with delight as DeeJay met all the basic working requirements. I pictured us visiting nursing homes and hospitals helping people experience a little pleasure from our company. But then I was sent a two-page list of dog certification requirements. Oh boy, were we in trouble! Out of twelve items, maybe we could pass three for sure, a couple others were possibilities and the rest highly doubtful. I was devastated. I really wanted to pursue becoming a volunteer and my hopes were dashed before we began.  Then I started to question my motives for this particular volunteer venture.

A route back to my health care career?

I had worked in health care for 25 years. Maybe this was my subconscious way of getting back in the game without having a real job. I love being around doctors and patients. Was I just using DeeJay as a means to get into hospitals and talk to patients? These thoughts, bizarre as it seems, went through my mind. When I got rational I realized that no, that was not my motivation; Share-A-Pet was a good cause and could be a good volunteer activity for us, it would just take a lot more work than I had anticipated.

It will work because I am not a quitter

So rather than giving up on the idea I will find a way to make it work because I am not a quitter. The next step will be to go to a meeting and find out about working with a trainer that can help turn a friendly family pet into a Therapy Obedience Professional. DeeJay is already a TOP dog in my book, now all he needs is to pass their test. Looks like we will have our work cut out for us!

Categories: Retirement, Career Management & Transition, Volunteering