There are many things we will do without payment because that's not what we need. We help our friends and family because we love them. If your parents paid you every time you went round to help them with some gardening or DIY would you still go if they didn't have the funds to pay you any more? 'Of course not' is the answer you're looking for, by the way.
Volunteering wouldn't exist if payment was the only way to get people to help.
Some volunteer because it brings them closer to a charity that has a significant meaning to them. Some do it for the social aspects. There are many reasons and it soon becomes clear that money isn't the only motivator.
Children are encouraged with reward-based motivation from an early age. From sticker charts for good behaviour to certificates for doing what they need to do anyway - attend school, listen to teachers, etc. We are taking away the joy of learning far too early. And the intrinsic motivation that already have.
We live in a competitive world so I'm not of the school of thought that doesn't want winners and losers. You can't win every race and you won't lose every race. But you don't need external rewards for everything you do throughout life. We all complete some tasks with no external rewards because it makes us feel good.
I attended a workshop in a European capital with participants from across the world. Our travel expenses were paid but we received no fee for our time yet none of us questioned this as we were proud to be asked and all wanted to be there. There was a discussion about whether we were an unusual group in this way but it seems many are moving towards enjoyment and quality of life motivation rather than purely money. Many people are cutting back their work hours to spend more time with loved ones. Some choose part-time work over full-time so they can balance their life with less stress. And some like to take a long sabbatical well before retirement so they have the energy to enjoy life. It seems we are remembering that we all should 'work to live' not 'live to work'.
Sure, we all need a certain level of financial income to survive but beyond that we might be happier and more fulfilled with more non-work time whether we choose to travel, volunteer, learn a new skill or watch the family grow. It's not about being lazy and not working but about finding what motivates you. Running your local scout group or delivering meals on wheels might help you to feel what you do is more worthwhile and to feel more connected to your community. Try gardening in the local park or if you fancy being rebellious with flowers try some Guerilla Gardening and brighten up your neighbourhood. Or you might like to join an art class or a book club - either locally or online.
Simply put, there's a lot more to life than just money. Health and happiness have no price so make the most of them as you only get one life to enjoy.
Volunteering wouldn't exist if payment was the only way to get people to help.
Some volunteer because it brings them closer to a charity that has a significant meaning to them. Some do it for the social aspects. There are many reasons and it soon becomes clear that money isn't the only motivator.
Children are encouraged with reward-based motivation from an early age. From sticker charts for good behaviour to certificates for doing what they need to do anyway - attend school, listen to teachers, etc. We are taking away the joy of learning far too early. And the intrinsic motivation that already have.
We live in a competitive world so I'm not of the school of thought that doesn't want winners and losers. You can't win every race and you won't lose every race. But you don't need external rewards for everything you do throughout life. We all complete some tasks with no external rewards because it makes us feel good.
I attended a workshop in a European capital with participants from across the world. Our travel expenses were paid but we received no fee for our time yet none of us questioned this as we were proud to be asked and all wanted to be there. There was a discussion about whether we were an unusual group in this way but it seems many are moving towards enjoyment and quality of life motivation rather than purely money. Many people are cutting back their work hours to spend more time with loved ones. Some choose part-time work over full-time so they can balance their life with less stress. And some like to take a long sabbatical well before retirement so they have the energy to enjoy life. It seems we are remembering that we all should 'work to live' not 'live to work'.
Sure, we all need a certain level of financial income to survive but beyond that we might be happier and more fulfilled with more non-work time whether we choose to travel, volunteer, learn a new skill or watch the family grow. It's not about being lazy and not working but about finding what motivates you. Running your local scout group or delivering meals on wheels might help you to feel what you do is more worthwhile and to feel more connected to your community. Try gardening in the local park or if you fancy being rebellious with flowers try some Guerilla Gardening and brighten up your neighbourhood. Or you might like to join an art class or a book club - either locally or online.
Simply put, there's a lot more to life than just money. Health and happiness have no price so make the most of them as you only get one life to enjoy.
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