5 Hardest Things about Volunteering

Volunteering can be hard. Here are five reasons why I found it difficult when I first started volunteering.  I hope by reading this you can be prepared, before embarking on your own adventure. However I do believe that the positives far outweigh the challenging experiences you may face.

1. Being out of your comfort zone

Humans are creatures of habit, getting out of our comfort zone and doing something completely new and unknown can be a challenge for many of us. It makes us feel vulnerable and exposed, which can cause anxiety and a wave of uncertainty.

However you will not believe how much you will grow as a person if you give something different a chance. Just do it, don’t over think or over analyze the situation. Don’t listen to those people around you that may be discouraging your passion. Fear is our worst enemy, it holds us back from so many wonderful opportunities.

I remember when I wanted to go to Africa, to volunteer at an ape sanctuary. For years and years, I kept putting it off, because everyone kept telling me how Africa was dangerous and I shouldn’t risk my safety to help some animals. One day, I finally decided that I had to go. I had to see for myself and make up my own mind. I am so grateful for the charity to have given me this opportunity to work so closely with such incredibly intelligent species. This time in my life, although completely out of my comfort zone, I was at my happiest and most fulfilled.

2. Feeling overworked and exhausted

There is often a lot of work to do and sometimes it feels like it’s never ending. The charity may only get volunteers periodically. As a volunteer, you need to ensure your time is used to the best of it’s ability.

Because of this you often want to help and do as much as possible. Just be careful not to over work yourself or drain yourself, because then you will be of no use to anyone.

I remember when we were given the job of painting this huge night enclosure. We were excited to be able to help the staff, but were naive in thinking it would be a quick job. We had to first scrape off the rusted areas, top, bottom and sides. Then we had to paint one coat of rust-proofing (red) and then paint the whole enclosure in a green weather resistant coat, twice! The three of us worked, all day on this for two whole weeks. It was a back breaking, awkward job. You cannot believe how exhausting this task was, but how pleasing and rewarding it felt, knowing that we could make this difference to the charity. It meant the cage could with-stand another few years of weather and rambunctious apes!

3. Feeling emotionally involved and invested

If you are anything like me, you get emotionally attached very quickly. Unfortunately you don’t want to become so involved that it causes clashes in decision making. You must remember these charities have been dealing with these animals for many years and have had their fair share of volunteers coming and going.

Each charity runs differently, and if you do have prior animal experience, don’t walk in feeling that you know it all. These charities are open to feedback, as long as it is constructive and feasible for their abilities and resources.

There is a reason why you must follow certain protocols, even if it doesn’t seem obvious at first. Be sensitive and encouraging towards their efforts and good work.

4. Limited communication with staff

If you travel to an organisation in another country, they likely speak another language. If you do not know the local language, there may be a language barrier with the staff. This can be frustrating and challenging sometimes.

Most will likely know limited English but it can be hard to fully connect with the staff. Even with limited ability to communicate, friendships can be made, because you are all working for the welfare of each animals.

Learn to be patient, listen and try to learn the local language. By doing this small gesture, you will make the local staff feel important and so happy.

5. Finishing your volunteer time and coming home

Often the hardest part about volunteering is having to come home. I know for me, whether I volunteered for 3 weeks or 6 months, it was never long enough. I often became so connected with the animals and staff that leaving was the hardest, most confusing thing to do.

Although I love my home, it’s still hard returning after such an incredible experience spent with animals. You often feel as if you don’t belong and can’t connect with your friends in the same way. I know this feeling too well. Adjusting back to your old routine can be challenging. Make sure you find the motivation to keep going and find what it is your passionate about and pursue it, what ever it may be.

I do hope you get the chance and have the courage to volunteer with animals somewhere. Giving your time and energy to a place that truly appreciates your efforts is extremely rewarding. You will be able to make a real impact, not only on your life but the lives of so many animals.

Thanks for reading!

Please leave a comment about anything you read, or if need any advice. I would love to hear from you.

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