tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556657999892839298.post2113253141638234918..comments2024-03-19T08:35:01.699+00:00Comments on Love my life: Volunteers neededMeanqueenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02705837426373680532noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556657999892839298.post-17202894831100823902013-08-04T08:05:04.227+01:002013-08-04T08:05:04.227+01:00The thought hadn't really occurred to me of ma...The thought hadn't really occurred to me of making my own voluntary work to do. I had always thought in terms of some sort of "organised" volunteering once I've settled into retirement, but I shall keep my eyes open to see what I might do "off my own bat". Litterpicking is obviously a useful thing to do and I certainly hate seeing litter scattered round everywhere (in "countryish" bits in particular). Hmm..Fortunately there is very little "littering" in the area I am moving to soon (big smile time!) ...only just the odd few bits (and I've "got my eye" on them as something I could do). I'm not interested in children and wouldn't want the responsibility of dogs (yuk! to clearing up after them)...but I shall have to put my thinking cap on seeing "what (voluntary) work I can create for myself". All thoughts welcome from other people who have made their own (voluntary) work as to what they do..ceridwenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07618044461222968902noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556657999892839298.post-3755408549329765192013-08-04T01:16:16.912+01:002013-08-04T01:16:16.912+01:00It was arranged to meet the council workers so i ...It was arranged to meet the council workers so i was passing the bags to them so it wasn't to bad and i was young. <br />I like the sound of your friend Helens job, i'd love to do houses up but theres the small matter of the money to buy one. I can turn my hand and do a lot of stuff myself, and i sometimes get materials at trade price.<br />I suppose i'll just have to keep on truckin' for now.<br />Dave.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556657999892839298.post-41421929457913131662013-08-03T21:56:44.464+01:002013-08-03T21:56:44.464+01:00Nancy from Northern California
I really enjoyed t...Nancy from Northern California <br />I really enjoyed this post because I retired 9 months ago from working 45 years full-time (plus an additional 2 years part-time during high school). I consider myself so lucky to be a retiree when many people I see may never experience the freedom I have to choose how to fill my days. I've always been a list maker so prior to leaving the working world, I made a huge one with both fun (and no so fun chores) to do during my first year. So far this is really working for me and I am checking things off plus adding more items as I go alone. I also made a decision not to commit to volunteer work until I had gone 12 months without working. Now that my first year as a retiree is coming to a close, I am ready to drop off a volunteer app at my local library with hopes of helping out 1/2 day a week. Thanks again, Ilona!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556657999892839298.post-6780582470495422232013-08-03T09:50:45.059+01:002013-08-03T09:50:45.059+01:00Fence painting done, tidying the garden now. Shed ...Fence painting done, tidying the garden now. Shed door to paint next week. Meanqueenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02705837426373680532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556657999892839298.post-58307677867456429752013-08-03T09:49:32.486+01:002013-08-03T09:49:32.486+01:00People ask if I am getting paid for litter picking...People ask if I am getting paid for litter picking, and are a little surprised when I say no. They can't understand why anyone would want to pick someone else's rubbish up. Meanqueenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02705837426373680532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556657999892839298.post-16892506916330499842013-08-03T09:47:18.857+01:002013-08-03T09:47:18.857+01:00Yes, that's a big quarry, Dave. That job sound...Yes, that's a big quarry, Dave. That job sounds horrible. I was always up for a bit of handballing, but it usually took me longer than the blokes. <br /><br />The way I coped with work towards the end was to detach my brain from my body. I went through the motions, check vehicle and load, get in cab, drive, stop, deliver, drive back, but my mind was elsewhere, planning what I was going to do when I went home. Little treats to look forward to. The company might have owned my body for the time I was at work, but they didn't own my mind. Hang on in there, Dave, your turn will come. Meanqueenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02705837426373680532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556657999892839298.post-49791849286099026862013-08-03T09:41:09.839+01:002013-08-03T09:41:09.839+01:00Ha ha, that made me laugh, 'dust appears every...Ha ha, that made me laugh, 'dust appears every day'. It does around here as well, and it stays put until I have a minute to shift it. Meanqueenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02705837426373680532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556657999892839298.post-24338094013155882042013-08-03T09:38:49.855+01:002013-08-03T09:38:49.855+01:00Exactly like me, Sue. Ain't it grand being ret...Exactly like me, Sue. Ain't it grand being retired :o)Meanqueenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02705837426373680532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556657999892839298.post-69242314776997456312013-08-03T09:37:08.012+01:002013-08-03T09:37:08.012+01:00My mum was called Martha, and she babysat her gran...My mum was called Martha, and she babysat her grand children. They loved their little fat nanny, as opposed to the other one who was tall and skinny, ha ha. Enjoy yours while they are young. Meanqueenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02705837426373680532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556657999892839298.post-45670655034759755772013-08-03T09:34:46.564+01:002013-08-03T09:34:46.564+01:00Something to look forward to mom. Delivering food ...Something to look forward to mom. Delivering food to people who can't get out is such a good thing to do.Meanqueenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02705837426373680532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556657999892839298.post-45718807886915683172013-08-03T09:32:40.799+01:002013-08-03T09:32:40.799+01:00That's a great result mm, and such a worthwhil...That's a great result mm, and such a worthwhile cause.Meanqueenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02705837426373680532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556657999892839298.post-24927485507249129552013-08-03T07:39:38.458+01:002013-08-03T07:39:38.458+01:00I `m like you. I`d never be bored once retired. Th...I `m like you. I`d never be bored once retired. There is household to run, frugal meals to prepare, the garden to manage, meet ups with friends, walking and cycling outings, and I`m sure I would also go and do some volunteering somehow. I`d easily keep busy and fill my days with things I love doing. You are right. Sitting back and doing nothing at all would kill me. People that have no hobbies or interests out of working hours are the ones I feel sorry for. They will find it truly hard to keep active and involved in community things. I know that I would love retirement. Let`s face it, I would love to retire now, if I could. I work part time now, so two working days out of five are mine. I enjoy those days already. I potter about and work in my garden, plant things, plan things, do some sewing, cook lovely meals, and just enjoy being myself. I`d love to do it fulltime, too.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09114653674812242486noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556657999892839298.post-5739117578210891572013-08-03T02:43:24.280+01:002013-08-03T02:43:24.280+01:00I am about your age and I retired 7 years ago afte...I am about your age and I retired 7 years ago after a loved one died. I've been reading your blog for a while now and have found it very uplifting and inspiring. I love to hear about your walks and seeing your wonderful pictures. I do volunteer...I babysit three of my grandchildren four days a week. Martha from KansasAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556657999892839298.post-36243020571998792222013-08-03T02:41:01.488+01:002013-08-03T02:41:01.488+01:00I am in the US and I have always volunteered at on...I am in the US and I have always volunteered at one thing or another. I have a 37-year-old daughter in Special Olympics and, for about 15 years, I was heavily involved in that organization. I am retired, and my current gig is organizing an adult spelling bee once a year for a group that raises funds for college scholarships for women. We cleared $2,300 profit the first year and nearly $2,800 the second year.mikemaxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06569666073239903588noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556657999892839298.post-78747977385030108202013-08-03T01:59:48.524+01:002013-08-03T01:59:48.524+01:00Greetings! I volunteered at my son's school fo...Greetings! I volunteered at my son's school for several years. After that, i spent about 7 years volunteering for Meals on Wheels here in the States. I didn't have to work in those days,(I know how good i had it.), nowadays i do have to work. So, until i get to retirement age i have no time for volunteering. I do miss it, though. I truly believe that volunteering is the secret of a life well lived.<br />Love this post!momsavnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556657999892839298.post-38200061536126916512013-08-02T23:13:14.841+01:002013-08-02T23:13:14.841+01:00I have retired at the age of 56. Just could not ha...I have retired at the age of 56. Just could not hack employment anymore - but that is not saying that I did not reach my goal in work, I ended up as a Director's Personal Assistant, with occasional help to the CEO. From there it was a steady downhill descent to working as a receptionist.. not me at all. Anyway, now I volunteer with our local foodbank, do a lot of gardening, and look after some of the four grandchildren at least once a week.<br /><br />It's not that I don't work for pay anymore, but I do work for enjoyment. And there is no greater enjoyment than doing something you enjoy.<br /><br />Note to self: remember to get up and feed the daughter's tortoise, we are currently 'Jed' sitting. He loves being with Grandma!<br /><br />The husband took redundancy from his job recently, he could not really work much longer as he is an electrician, and any electrician will tell you - they spend a lot of time on their knees. His are absolutely stuffed - arthritis has set in but he loves walking. So it was quite a relief for him to accept redundancy and get some more time in his life. Time for picnics and day trips with the little ones. And the odd walk or two! <br />Janethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16147299200960914730noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556657999892839298.post-6624870427879950302013-08-02T22:41:45.405+01:002013-08-02T22:41:45.405+01:00Since getting early retirement 10years ago I have ...Since getting early retirement 10years ago I have moved house which was a major decision to move several hundred miles but has been the right one. I volunteered to puppy walk for Guide Dogs and have had four pups over the last six years, three of which are now qualified Guide Dogs and one is now our own beloved pet. I no longer puppy walk but board the pups when required for other puppy walkers in the area. I am also involved in local fund raising, also for Guide Dogs. This voluntary work has been so rewarding and I enjoy it very much. <br />There is also more time for all the things I like to do such as gardening, and crafty stuff and I can visit my family who live quite a distance away whenever I want without having to fit it round work.<br /><br />Being retired is like getting my life back even although I did enjoy my job.<br /><br />I am grateful that I am able with care to get by financialy and I have good health and plenty of interests which enables me to enjoy being retired. A bit like yourself Ilona.<br /><br />Sue <br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556657999892839298.post-6919914752844772742013-08-02T18:43:45.294+01:002013-08-02T18:43:45.294+01:00I would imagine that you were fantastic for the Sm...I would imagine that you were fantastic for the Smaritians as you seem to have a lovely friendly nature about you. I like the way you talk sense and your blog makes me giggle.<br /><br />Although Im too young to retire, I have just taken a long break from my job and the days are gone in a flash! I hope that by the time I do want to start taking it easy I can do that! xAmandahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17837231212054602602noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556657999892839298.post-32527770515341933362013-08-02T17:29:32.119+01:002013-08-02T17:29:32.119+01:00I have done various bits of voluntary work too, es...I have done various bits of voluntary work too, especially when children were at home and I could not work full-time (I know that is such an old-fashioned idea!) To be honest some of my best experiences were to do with the voluntary things I have done. I loved the weekly lunch club for local elderly residents, and met some lovely people who really appreciated what you did for them - something I find is increasingly lacking these days. God I do sound old - and I am not yet (quite) 50!! You are right about there being so many volunteering opportunities - both formal and informal, and so many people who do not contribute to others. You can actually be quite selfish about what you do too, I really fancy learning to steer a canal boat on the Chichester Canal, or helping out at a steam railway. AlisonB43https://www.blogger.com/profile/08351165562595634549noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556657999892839298.post-46568537204948147692013-08-02T16:10:12.817+01:002013-08-02T16:10:12.817+01:00That's nice of you to help your friend by pain...That's nice of you to help your friend by painting the fence for her. You certainly keep busy! I pick up my grandkids after school every day during the school year and stay with them until their dad gets home (he gets home first before my daughter does). I used to volunteer at a nearby school by helping out with first graders who need extra help with reading. The school closed last year so I now will see what else I can do in the Fall. I seem to keep busy without those things because I have a whole house to take care of, cleaning and cooking, shopping for food, gardening a little, etc., etc. I can always find something to do around here. Dust appears every day!Kearnygirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01429493116809940852noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556657999892839298.post-50209399813619312692013-08-02T15:06:16.009+01:002013-08-02T15:06:16.009+01:00Blinking transport - tell me about it. Your bimble...Blinking transport - tell me about it. Your bimble around North Ferriby brought back memories of the nearby Melton chalk quarry i used to load from. 2 x 10 ton loads per day of bagged powdered chalk that we used to deliver to the councils to whiteline football pitches all unloaded by hand and living in the cab all week. <br /> The work i do now is easy, last night was a double deck trailer unloaded by the warehouse staff and tonight a load of cardboard which will be unloaded by forklift truck. <br /> Your right about the social life Ilona or lack of it. Its not a job with set hours and most people think we've nothing better to do. <br />I envy you, my retirement date has been put back.<br />I'd love to do something else but its not easy to get a change.<br />Dave.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556657999892839298.post-6763976594568287372013-08-02T12:54:25.501+01:002013-08-02T12:54:25.501+01:00I have always done voluntary work, from helping in...I have always done voluntary work, from helping in my son's school, serving in the Scrapstore, fund raising (and many other roles) for a dog rescue and taking disabled people out.<br />What I found interesting, was peoples reaction. They could not believe I was doing it for no pay.Kathhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04003521059890699861noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556657999892839298.post-86977417973996534552013-08-02T11:28:37.427+01:002013-08-02T11:28:37.427+01:00You sound as if you have the balance to your life ...You sound as if you have the balance to your life just right. I volunteer by caring for grandchildren during term time, 2 days a week, help with fundraising for the village by growing plants for our plant sale every May and in charge of 3 gardens and 3 cats, all in different locations whilst their staff take hols, at the moment, having to remember which cat prefers what food! Good luck with the fence painting, hope it is not too hot for you.Quilting Cathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15023557945944113423noreply@blogger.com