hvert - I do a lot of volunteer work (currently at a soup kitchen and a free clinic for the uninsured) and I have seen all of the things you have outlined. I can see how they can be frustrating but here is where I am with the volunteer thing - I am mostly retired now and I tell myself that I will gladly take the downside of volunteer work before going back to paid full-time work. I was completely ready to let go of my full-time, stressful paid position. That doesn't mean that I don't still want my life to be meaningful.

Perhaps there would be another way to meet new people and create relationships and depth to your life i.e. social groups, hobbies, sports, book club, walking/hiking group, etc. Volunteer work isn't for everyone. My husband has been retired for several years and does no organized volunteer work. It just isn't for him. He does help elderly neighbors out with projects. Same thing, unscheduled.

Figuring life out is a constant process.

(((Hugs)))