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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by TexasChic on April 16, 2009, at 22:59:42
I decided to email the place that I would like to volunteer for. I've never volunteered, but have always wanted to. Not only would it help others, but I think it would help me get out of the self induced isolated rut I'm in. Of course, with anxiety issues, anything new is difficult, even something like volunteering. But I found a place close to work that caters to children, which is the one thing that draws me more than anything else. It's a medically-managed child care agency, and it says it needs volunteers to rock and feed babies and assist with activities for older children. I couldn't imagine anything else I would rather do. I've always said, if I could do anything, I would work at a daycare, but it just doesn't pay enough to live off of.
So-o-o, I finally email them, and they have this lon-n-n-g application, a background check, an interview, and three references to be filled out. The final is where the problem lies for me. Who could I possibly use for the three references? I can't seem to hang on to friends, so the only people I ever interact with are people from work or family. I could use family members, but surely not for all three! But I've only known my coworkers for 2 months, so I can't exactly use them either! So what should I do??? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!
-T
P.S. I do have a couple of people from my last job that I used for references for my current job, but I haven't spoken to them since I worked there and I feel awkward about trying to contact them now for this. Especially a second time for a reference (I never contacted them ahead of time for the job reference, and I have always felt really bad about that). They may be the only solution, but any other suggestions would be appreciated too.
Posted by fayeroe on April 17, 2009, at 10:32:19
In reply to Volunteering... so, after much trepidation,, posted by TexasChic on April 16, 2009, at 22:59:42
First, TC, I want to tell you how impressed I am. Babies that need to be cuddled and rocked need you..they need people like you who is drawn to them and can give time.
The 12th step of AA and Al=Anon says "we are at our best when we help others"...I didn't quote it correctly but that is what it means. That step is one that I think about frequently because I am a different person when I am helping someone. Completely happy and focused. Unfortunately, I do not do enough for others and I need to do what you are doing and step up.
Use one "distant" relative as a reference. Go to your boss and explain your situation. Be candid. Contact one person that you worked with in your previous job.
Use me.....:-) xoxox pat
Posted by Phillipa on April 17, 2009, at 12:27:17
In reply to Volunteering... so, after much trepidation,, posted by TexasChic on April 16, 2009, at 22:59:42
T that is very admirable. Background checks are necessary for good reasons in a daycare. I know I couldn't do that. I envy you your patience. Previous friends. Love Phillipa
Posted by TexasChic on April 17, 2009, at 21:47:29
In reply to Re: Volunteering... so, after much trepidation, » TexasChic, posted by Phillipa on April 17, 2009, at 12:27:17
Thanks so much you guys, for the kind words and suggestions. This is something I've been thinking about for a long time, but I didn't think about there being so many obstacles. Now I have to see if I can overcome these obstacles. There are some other agencies I might be able to volunteer at more easily, which may then give me the references I need for this type of place. I'll keep you updated.
All this potential change in routine is hard for me to contemplate, but I'm taking baby steps, trying to work towards the things I want to do. I think maybe I would like to go back to school to be able to get a job working with children, and I think volunteering in an environment like the one I'm trying to get into would help me decide for sure that that's what I want to do. So now I have to take the steps that will get me to the steps that will help me decide! Sounds kind of crazy, but it makes sense to me. Thanks again for all the support. Talking things out with yall helps me figure things out.
-T
Posted by Kath on April 18, 2009, at 21:08:06
In reply to Volunteering... so, after much trepidation,, posted by TexasChic on April 16, 2009, at 22:59:42
Hi TC - rocking babies - how heavenly!
Good for you - looking at it in a knowing-where-you-want-to-head way & that it MIGHT take a bit to get there.
Do you have a doctor, dentist, hairdresser, vegetable-store-person - anyone who you have known for a while, no matter in what capacity....a car repair person? Just thoughts.
love, Kath & YAY for you in forging forward.
This is the end of the thread.
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