Why Volunteering Actually Pays

When I was young, I did a lot of volunteer work because I was trying to build my resume. I really enjoyed most of it, and it gave me a good idea of what I did and did not want to do for paid work.
As I am currently "rethinking" the whole institutional work environment notion, I am once again considering doing some volunteer work. This time it is not so much experience that I want to gain, but rather I need good references that can highlight my skills. By volunteering, I can control what "work experience" I have and I can target the job to yield a reference supporting my desired skills.
My paid job operates under the agenda of my institution. They want me to do one thing, so that is what they will tell other employers that I can (hopefully) do successfully.
If Iwant to move away from what I am doing now, I have to be very proactive to create pockets of experience that I use to spring to another (far less institutional) job.
What are your experiences with volunteer work? Does it pay to volunteer?

When is something free or cheap actually expensive?

I have create a list of things that are supposidly free or cheap, but actually expensive. Please send me a comment to add to the list.

Things that break and you have to keep replacing them.
An example is found in my shoe closet. I buy cheap shoes for work, brands that constantly need to be replaced, instead of buying one decent pair. I am sure this costs me more in the long run.

Free but very,very crowded language/adult education classes/first aid or driver's training
Sure, you can attend for free, but isn't your time worth something? If you studied in a smaller class or you paid a qualified instructor, you would learn a language/graduate very quickly and actually be able to make money, drive without killing someone, or save a life. Your time is not free, even if the class is free.

Library books that you return late or lose
I once paid over $100 for lost library books that I had taken to work and left in the wrong place to be thrown out. Go to the library with a buddy, so at least one of you will remember the date.

Eye glasses that have the wrong presription lenses
Just like everything in life, eyes change too. Wearing the wrong lens means that you save money, but you may end up seeing poorly, or not at all, as you age.

Food that you bought on sale that is too close to the no use date.
This one speaks for itself. Is it worth getting sick by eating something that is past its prime?

Free online dating sites.
Call me shallow, but I only want to hook up with a guy who can spare a few bucks to find me. The old adage, you get what you pay for, was never more true in this particular example.

Book Review: Thank You For Firing Me

Good Points:

• It is very funny which can be helpful if someone has had the life shattering experience of actually being fired.
• It is full of ideas outside of the corporate/government/institutional work spheres. This is in a very good point in my opinion because these types of full time jobs take too much tijme away from other things.
• The book does a very good job of explaining the idea that sometimes things we think are big disasters actually turn out to be big opportunities. I have had this experience in my life and not even realized it until years later so I can identify with their point.
• It is cheap if you buy it on Amazon ($11.00 compared to $18.00 with Irewards card at Chapters)

Bad Points:

• It has a few time wasters such as "training to be a life coach."This is just my opinion so sorry to all you life coaches out there. Hey, take me on for free and prove me wrong.
• The website disappointed me a bit. Not enough there.

I am back!

After starting this blog several years ago, I am now back and plan to blog more regularily. Please add me to your follow list and let me know what topics you would like to discuss.