There’s only so many hours in my day, and only so many funds in my bank account to pay for babysitters. I have to use my free time efficiently and effectively. Unfortunately, I’m finding this means I’m spending more time shuttling between the grocery, dry cleaners, and car wash and less time doing what I set out to do when I quit my job: volunteering.
The recession has impaired not only my shopping budget, but my ability to give of my time and self to others.
I’m a selfishista. A cheapista. A narcissista. I can’t get past paying the babysitter to stay a few more hours so I can do something besides accomplishing my bare bones needs.
When I stopped work, I made a pact with myself to give back to the community considering my new ”lady of leisure” status. I was elected to a local board, joined my Temple’s membership community, and got involved with my son’s preschool. But while I thought that all this volunteering would just cost me time, I’m found myself adding more and more babysitter hours to fulfill all my non-paid commitments.
The belt tightening around my house didn’t necessarily mean I had to get rid of my babysitter altogether (hello, I can be cheap, but I still need my sanity), but it does mean that I have to make tough choices. And the grocery, even though I loathe it, will win every time.
The selfishista has arrived, and unfortunately, volunteering is going to take a hit. Anyone else out there cutting back on the unpaid commitments too?
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m ashamed to say that I don’t do any volunteer work for the exact reason you listed.
I used to be active in our church, but since moving to a new city (and away from friends and family), there isn’t anyone to swap babysitting with or grandparents to watch him on the weekends.
I keep saying I’ll get back to it once he’s in school, but that seems so far away, especially with Baby #2 on the way.
I try to help out in other ways (read: small doable things like walkathons) when I can, because I simply can’t devote large chunks of my time to volunteering. I pledged to myself that when the kids are older and more self-sufficient, I will get more involved in community service. That seems to placate my guilty conscience — for the most part.
I have not been able to provide as many things to the various places I volunteer but I still do what I can. Also, any time I find health & beauty items practically for free (sale and double coupon) I stock up to give them away. A small way to help others
I certainly understand what you are saying though. I just have very creative ways to help for a small amount.