The world can always use a lift; No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted, as the quote goes. While people are by and large good, there are more people who want to make a difference than there are people actually making a difference. This is understandable on one level because the rush of 21st-century life ensured that people are busier than ever. But instead of waiting for your free time to present itself before you finally start doing good, why not start making doing good part of your working life?
Getting Involved
It doesnt matter what your job is: there are always ways for your organisation to get involved with local projects and start making a difference to your community, no matter how small that difference might be. For example, if youre a business owner then you can dedicate a portion of your profits to a cause that you feel passionate about. Or, if you work with a team of colleagues, you could decide to all volunteer for some hours per work at a charity of your choosing. Youll start small, but you might be surprised just how much of a difference you can make when you all band together and get bitten by the doing good bug!
Net Positive Job
If youre one of those people who are passionate about making a difference in the world, why not make it your career rather than just an extension of your current position? When we first look for a job, we understandably look a position that pays enough for us to be comfortable, but after a while, you might feel unsatisfied if the only rewards of your job are financially based. If this sounds like you, consider switching to a career more in line with your passions. Its easier than you think. If you want to work with people, start by getting an associate degree from UMA. If youre passionate about the environment, get training then begin working with organisations that work directly to save the environment. Theres an added benefit to getting extra education, too: if you have the desired educational training youll be able to earn more money than you would if you began at an entry-level job.
Be the Difference
Its not always the big differences that do the most good. Sometimes, a series of small tasks can have just a big an impact. In your job, make good acts a part of your daily schedule. You can integrate small gestures into the office routine. It might be paying it forward at your local coffee shop, have fun days in the office to raise money, or just fostering an inviting, connected workplace. Even bringing a positive attitude with you to work and praising co-workers for their good work can have positive knock-on effects that cant be measured.
Taking It Out of the Office
As weve hopefully shown, its easier to make a difference through your career than you might have thought, and once you get started with charity work you never really stop. Make it part of your job, and youll be on the path to making a net positive contribution to the world!