volunteering, downside?

[janny108]

Hi I volunteer at the hospital 3x a week. I'd like paid employment of course. Everyone is nice, but I'm not really part of the "circle" and today people were talking about a going away party for someone. I like the work but I'm not really included....Anyone else experience this?

 

[mina]

Even when I was a salaried employee of my place of employment, I wasn't part of the "circle". Mainly because I'm quiet and I refused to participate in gossip. I was disappointed once or twice, but I was more glad to be left out of certain things. Some of those people were exhausting to be around and really created a negative work environment among staff. I usually have one or two people I'm close with at work and don't get involved in the group hug fests. But parties were usually planned by a committee and everyone was supposed to participate- volunteers weren't excluded but their help and involvement was not mandatory. I appreciated that because things were kept as fair and professional as possible in those instances.

 

[Wren]

Yeah, I volunteered as the assistant to a museum curator and felt the same way. It sucks, but I wasn't considered one of them even though I worked there a few days every week. I think it's because I was only there on a temporary basis. Knowing someone isn't committed to the place long-term, in that they'll leave when they get paid employment, probably causes people to create greater distance than they otherwise would. (At least that's what I hope. I was offered a paid position there just when I was ready to give notice that I was moving out of state and I'd like to think I would have been considered one of them had I accepted that position.)

 

[janny108]

How long did you volunteer, Henrietta?

 

[Toasted Sandwich]

make them some scones for morning tea