I have three months to kill before I go to law school and my current job is boring me to death. I would quit, but then I would have to spend three months at home doing nothing.
I need to somehow occupy my time, and I figured that since no one would hire me for only three months, I could volunteer somewhere. I just need to find someplace that isn’t as dull as my current job.
I live in Brooklyn New York. Any suggestions?
Are there any political candidates out there who really impress you? Their campaigns could use your help.
What is your current job? I’m asking so that I can compare the dullness factor.
How about finding an agency that provides legal services to the poor, homeless, or mentally ill persons and asking them what you could do in their agency? That would give you some valuable experience in your chosen field.
The Idealist has a some volunteering opportunities in New York. You might be able to find something that would interest you.
Alternatively there is Do it for Charity - This is a bit UK centred, but there might be something relevant in their overseas section.
Look for something that has a fund-raising event scheduled. They need flyers and mailings and that sort of thing. Since it has a finite end, you can tell them that once their event is over, you have to move on. For instance, my local Walmart had a domestic violence table set up. They’re having a golf outing and another event this summer. You could volunteer time for that particular event and then resume your personal schedule.
ESL tutoring is pretty interesting. Adult students are usually very motivated and the process of tutoring makes you think a lot about how people learn and how English works. Most ESL places are desperate for tutors and will start you pretty quickly with minimal training.
I loved teaching adults. One thing in this area: they require a six-month commitment.
Here are some ideas that could keep you busy.
I volunteered, and then accepted a job with a nighttime shelter for homeless adults. You’ll never get used to the smell and the drunken folks can be kind of annoying, but the people are usually grateful for your efforts. People treat you like you’re some kind of saint - “You work with the HOMELESS?” “That is so awesome!” That gets very annoying very quickly.
Sorry for the delay in responding.
I work in a liquor store. I used to be a manager, but then the store was sold and the new boss decided that he shouldn’t leave the store. That makes me a stock boy/cashier now.
Your idea sounds good. I’ll try to find some agencies like that in NYC.
Habitat for Humanity is good.
Do you know NYC history, and do you like it? If so, we should talk. I’ll email you.
There’s at least one website that’s geared toward matching volunteers and organizations thst need them - it’s volunteermatch.org. Good luck.
www.nycares.org is a pretty cool organization, they focus on one-time-only volunteer jobs. most are reoccurring, so if you enjoyed it you can sign up every week but there’s no obligation to. obviously you’re not doing any mission critical work on that schedule but it’s a nice way to try different stuff out.