Have you done volunteer work? What type? Do any of your friends volunteer?
Like @dreamcatcher I have done more volunteering, unpaid gigs than paid work. I have volunteered at
- event volunteer for state government funded, profiled Festivals (children, arts & cultural)
- customer service guide for state government institutions
- charity events (i.e. massive book sales)
I think I'm the only one who volunteers this much (if at all) out of my social group.
I have learnt some new skills, and came into contact with a wider cross section of people than I would otherwise from studying etc. But in all honesty, my volunteering experience has been a mixed bag. I have had felt the volunteering experience had been very one-sided.
That said, I believe the best volunteering experiences are ones that are treated like proper jobs by both the hirer and the applicant (even if there's no pay). Everyone is truly engaged in helping each other and both has something (skill, resouce) to put on the table to make the experience fruitful.
