Recently I decided to start volunteering again but it does have its challenges. First, the place will have a group of staff and volunteers who have been there for longer and know each other, have a particular workflow, good chemistry and team communication. I am effectively an outsider and an unknown quantity, especially if there is no formal induction or introduction to my colleagues. Also I've learned with the benefit of hindsight that it's better to do only a few hours at a time, I did a full day stint a few days a week before and faced burnout, loneliness and boredom. Also frustrating is how hard it is to relate to other staff and volunteers when they don't engage me in conversation, ask my name and small talk, or they do but then move on or just ask me superficial yes/no questions, not to mention sometimes one or two can be obnoxious in showing me how things are supposed to be done and somewhat show irritation with me.
But despite all that I still do it, for something to put on my CV, to leave the house, to challenge my limits and perhaps help out in some way.
