Joinsupermoms

What job would you do for free?

If you’ve ever learned a practical skill like project management, you would know that hands-on experience is the key to successful execution. Keeping up the energy and excitement on a project is a different matter, so do this for free to love your job.

Volunteering to take on workplace projects outside your role is a great way to gain that experience. Experts say it’s also the best way to stay in love with your job.

Start with smaller, short-term projects and progressively take on larger tasks until you learn the ropes.

Next, you can propose ideas of your own, initiate and then execute your own project.

It may seem like you’re taking on fresh tasks for free at first. What you are really doing is gaining hands-on experience that you can include on your resume.

When you successfully execute several assignments, think about getting feedback from colleagues or clients. If the reviews come out great, you might be on your way to higher paid role or to branching out to being your own boss.

You’ll be gaining hands-on experience in a new field without having to leave your job. Here are a few tips to get started.

Explore

Try your hands on different tasks within your organisation to see which one you find most enjoyable. Look for tasks that do not interfere too much with your core job responsibilities.

Hopefully there are several you can choose from. Your favourite should be the one you seek a certification in. You can start with free certifications. Eventually though, aim to acquire a certification that is recognised in its field.

Plan

Map out a schedule for when you intend to  volunteer, detailing precisely how much you can take on. Then schedule time for your certification trainings. Aim for certifications that allow you to mainstream your tasks into your learning outcomes.

Sign Up and Show Up

There’s something about making your commitment formal. At least for me, it adds a sense of accountability and duty. It also prepares everyone for what to expect of you and what new challenges they might entrust to you.

So let colleagues, family and friends know your new schedule and time-adjustments you may be making to daily routines. Again, don’t let your core duties suffer. Be responsible by committing to a reasonable schedule for volunteering and learning.

And that’s it. See where new knowledge and experience might take you. You may qualify to apply for higher roles or you may opt to start up your side hustle.