[LiteraryLark]

I'd like to get into volunteer work, but there is a problem.

My schedule is already pretty booked. I work about 5 days a week depending on my schedule (it flexes with every Tuesday off), and my goal is to work as much as possible so I can save up for a new car.

There is only one place where I can see myself do volunteer work is at the local animal shelter. I was heavily medicated when I first did the initial training a few years ago (and ended up flaking) so I don't remember too much about the responsibilities, but I believe that if I work with cats all I do is keep them company and present them to prospective pet owners, which now while recovered from my hospitalization will be easy for me. The only requirement is to make a commitment to volunteer for so long...and to not get attached to every animal I see.

How would I make time for volunteer work? Will the animal shelter be ok with a one day a week commitment?

[Skeezyks]

Hello LiteraryLark! I celebrate your desire to be of service to your community! A person can be very proud of the work s/he does as a volunteer! I don't know what kind of time commitment the animal shelter requires of its volunteers. I would think that whatever amount of time you can give would be appreciated. But you'll want to check with the shelter on this.

Regarding how to make time for volunteer work... I think the important thing here is to be clear about what you can & can't do. You mentioned you're trying to work as many hours as possible in order to save up for a new car. Realistically, do you have the time & energy available to commit to a volunteer job? Are there other additional responsibilities you have? Realistically, will you need to forego some other activities in order to be able to fit volunteering into your schedule? If so which ones can you forego, or cut back on, & is this going to be okay with you?

The important thing here, from my perspective, is to make certain this is going to work for you before you get into it. What you don't want to do, is to get started & then realize you just can't keep it up so you have to quit. This will just make you feel bad & possibly damage your chances of returning at some later time. If volunteering is going to stretch you too severely at the present time, perhaps it might be better to wait until you can drive to work in your new car!

Good luck!