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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to volunteer?

7 replies

Opal93 · 08/04/2021 12:56

I had a very bad experience in my first job at 18 and honestly, it put me off ever working again, plus I got rejected for every job I applied for. I am autistic and find the demands of most job roles very difficult, and I had my children very young and one has complex special needs which unfortunately meant looking for work was not a priority. It’s something I have been deeply embarrassed by and I know I am very very limited in skill and feel so useless. It gets me down knowing that if I apply for a job no one is likely to take me on when I haven’t worked for 10 years. So I have decided to try to build up on my skills and I have applied to volunteer at Women’s Aid now that my kids are at school and I could commit time to it. I have so little confidence I am worried I won’t even be good at that, but the one thing I do have is quite a lot of adverse experiences and come out the other end and might be able to help others. Do you think volunteering is a good idea to get some skills to increase chance of future employment? Better late than never I guess!

OP posts:
TeenMinusTests · 08/04/2021 13:12

I think volunteering to build your confidence and experience is an excellent idea.

Aprilx · 08/04/2021 13:13

Sounds like a great idea.

CrazyHorse · 08/04/2021 13:25

Volunteering sounds like a fantastic idea- I have no idea of WA is the right place for you to volunteer, so please don't feel nicked back if they don't find something for you (I have no idea how it works) but I'm sure you have something to give to society.

doctorhamster · 08/04/2021 13:29

Yes volunteering is a great place to start.

funnylittlefloozie · 08/04/2021 13:33

Volunteering is an excellent way to build up your skills and your confidence. You shouldn't feel embarrassed about having limited experience due to caring for your child with complex special needs - that's an amazing thing you've been doing.

Womens Aid sounds like a great place to volunteer, but dont forget, loads of organisations are crying out for volunteers, so even if WA isnt quite the right fit for you, somewhere else will be. Very best of luck, and i hope you enjoy it.

emilyfrost · 08/04/2021 13:37

YANBU. Volunteering is an excellent way to build confidence and skill sets without the pressures of a full time job.

Go for it, you’ll be great Smile

Leeds2 · 08/04/2021 13:54

Volunteering is an excellent way to gain some experience of the working world, and will be brilliant for your self confidence as well as your CV. With your various life experiences, I'm sure you will have a lot to offer.

Just remember that WA may not have any spaces for volunteers at the moment, so don't get disheartened if they turn you down and go on and try for something else.

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