Volunteering - Should I stick it out?

[RadioGagga]

Hello,

I've recently started volunteering with small children. It's not something I have ever done workwise before and I'm still not sure if it's really me.
They staff are very friendly, the children are lovely. It's ok but I don't love it. I thought most people who make a career out of working with children must love it and feel like it's a vocation?
I have my own children that I adore.
I wanted to do something meaningful and so have given this a try.
Should I stick it out? Thanks

Give it a bit longer. It takes time to feel settled. Very few people do something that they absolutely love but you are helping people. I don't mean you should commit to it forever but give it a bit longer and see how you feel.

Ok thanks Binglebong

I agree with Bingle, give it a little while longer and see how you feel. I volunteer doing various things at dd2's primary school.

Sometimes I really love it...sometimes not so much. Sometimes there are days like yesterday when the 8yo who could barely read a word without a prompt, the week before the Christmas break, can all of a sudden read most of the page on her own & can sound out the words she struggled with ON HER OWN! and coherently discusses the content of the book instead of "ummmmmm...". It feels fantastic, it really does!

That sounds wonderful Lucy.

If it's something that is for your children like at school or an extra curricular activity give it a bit more time. If you are volunteering because you want to help the community try something else, there are so many different things you can do. Working with kids isn't for everyone and that's ok.

It's seperate from my children but I do sometimes help out at their school and preschools too which I enjoy.

I thought most people who make a career out of working with children must love it and feel like it's a vocation?

I’m a primary school teacher and though I say I love my job, it’s still very hard work and there are lots of days I’d rather be at home.