Want To Volunteer After Long Time Out Of Work

[Teasel]

I've jot been able to work for around 15 years! Ive just applied to volunteer once a week and the prospect is exciting. But as I've been out of the loop for such a long time I'm a bit unsure what to do re explaining why I've been out for work for such a long time. What do you all think?

Should I be honest and says I've not been capable because of c-ptsd? Or be a lot more vague? Or even lie!?

Would really appreciate any tips as need to fill in the application form they sent me.

Many thanks eek!

 

[ms spock]

I wouldn't give personal information in much detail. I would be very careful what you put, but that is just me.

I would put about looking after other people, studying, having a medical condition (but no details), caring for children, looking after a friend, something generic which is not too revealing.

Good luck and enjoy your volunteering.

 

[Dee Morris]

I'd be vague without lying. I started volunteering at a children's home this post semester as part of a service learning project for Diversity in human services class. We only needed 20 hours but I loved it and continued to volunteer after the hours I needed was complete. I've found it very therapeutic. When I interviewed for the position, I did choose to disclose the PTSD but no details. For me, it wasn't a problem. However, I'll be going back to work this year and probably won't be disclosing that information. My plan is to just say that I took time off to attend to a personal health issue and leave it at that. The time I've spent in college will account for the last several years so I only need to worry about explaining about 3 years. Good luck!

 

[Seagreen]

You are not obliged to tell them anything. Just reveal whatever you feel comfortable with.

 

[Justmehere]

That's great that you are taking steps to volunteer!

Many places are desperate enough for volunteers that they may not care that you have not been working for 15 years. They may even see it as an asset - you might be able to volunteer during daytime hours that others can't volunteer for because of their work schedules.

As for any explanation, stating you had a medical condition is enough. I agree with others, be honest and be vague. Don't lie - that could really come back at you in unexpected ways and get you in trouble.

I hope you have a lot of fun volunteering! I find it very therapeutic myself. :)

 

[Deleted member 1860]

I'm voting for being vague. Unfortunately in this world, a lot of stigmatism exists and with PTSD there are a number of misconceptions about the disorder thanks to the media. At the most say that you've been attending to personal health issues.

This is something that I fear when I go back to work, and one of the major reasons why I am embarking on a new career path as that will open up more doors for me as I get training as a part of the school curriculum. Good Luck!

 

[Purplemunchkin]

Another vote for vague, without lying.

I guess it depends on how/where/what you're volunteering to do and whether your health is likely to cause any problems?

Good luck with it though, let us know how you get on.

 

[Recovery4Me]

I live in a state where until this year, certain offerings of information (on the law books) could actually get someone fired. For instance, my gay friends had to not 'volunteer' info on their life partners or preferences. Some of my friends positioning were as follows & I quote," We were not lying by omission, just choosing not to disclose personal information due to our own boundaries. It is simply none of their business."

Volunteering of time & service is a gift to someone or some organization. Your personal life is none of their business. You can simply offer perhaps a truth...you felt it was 'time' to give to the community and did not elect or have to work prior to this period. Trust me, some organization will be so happy that you have decided to do so!! Congrats on your volunteering decision!:tup:

 

[BloomInWinter]

I now just offer up the skills I can do, and say no or explain the ones I'm not comfortable doing as "That's not one of my strong suits."

Usually, organizations are happy to just have people care enough to show up and do what they can, as they can. Just because we have PTSD doesn't mean our contributions aren't as valuable. Everyone has areas they are talented in, and areas they aren't.

Nobody knows our faults, usually, unless we try to people-please and take on things we aren't likely to be successful at. Or, because we lack self-esteem, we tell them the negatives, which are none of their business unless it has already impacted them in some way.

Bottom line, no matter how terribly we do a task, we're still doing it better than those who aren't even trying.

 

[Suzetig]

It depends on the type of volunteering, I work with a service that uses a lot of volunteers and for the role with us I'd want to know someone had ptsd so that I could ensure they were properly supported. I know there's fear of discrimination but if they're a reasonably good voluntary organisation they'll work with you where they can - I note you're in the uk and there are quite strong legal protections for people with disabilities and ptsd would count as a disability. Good luck with what you're planning to do.

 

[Teasel]

Thankyou for everone's replies, they have all really helped me wrap my head around something I've not needed to think about for a very long time.

Today I have contacted previous employers, all of whom no longer have any records from my times working with them, so have decided to use friends for references.
I've completed the application form - even with that simple thing I'd forgotten the kind of language you should use and had great help from friends with that.

Completing the form also made me realise I do have an awful lot of skills relevant for the position. So that's love, and has helped me relax about it.

I've no worry about my C-ptsd being badly triggered or myself being any kind of danger in this position. It involves fairly mundane tasks dealing with people on the phone in an office. And I have plenty of experience of that so...

I'll send the form off soon and we'll see how I get on, thanks again :hug:

And @Recovery4Me I'm sorry your friends had to hide being gay, it sucks x

 

[Teasel]

Just thought I'd pop in to say had the interview today, and I got it! Turned out they didn't even ask about my health issues! Been nervous as all hell leading up to today but very pleased I did it and looking forward to volunterring now

Thanks again for everyone's comments :)