Aching for Routine

There are times, like all this week, when I physically ache because I miss the routine of work so much. I loved my last position -- the chaos of managing a group of projects, of encouraging people to meet deadlines, of figuring out ways to make things happen when they absolutely cannot. I miss the noise of the telephones, the (sometimes) silly reports demanded at the last minute, but most of all I miss the people.

Volunteering has been an important outlet for me, and I was a committed volunteer when I was working 60 hours a week. Now, with the economy in such serious trouble and so many people out of work -- not to mention retirement savings having been slashed -- lending a helping hand is important.

Volunteering helps fill my need to interact and to solve problems. I get to meet great people, and I continue to make new friends. I know that sounds selfish, but those are important criteria to me when I choose where to spend my time. What is important to you? What are you missing about your prior job? People? Noise? Numbers? Quiet? Review those qualities missing from your life as you search for a job, then find an opportunity to volunteer to fill those gaps.

On Saturday, August 1, Emily Dodd, Resource Manager for Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley (www.rtsv.org), will share some ways to make the volunteer work you do add value not only to the lives of others, but to your resume. Join us at 9 a.m. at East Valley Church -- stay active, stay connected!