I am due to undertake voluntary work at a hospice shop tomorrow and I wondered if anyone has done anything similar? I have not had a depressive episode for almost two years and want to make my way back into the world
At 55 I realise I am on the scrapheap as far as paid employment goes but I am totally bored of my idle lifestyle. The voluntary work is only 6 hours per week to start off with more hours if I would like them later on. To say I am apprehensive would be an understatement. I was diagnosed as suffering from depression and anxiety some years ago and I can feel the old butterflies in the stomach. I keep thinking of finding a way to get out of my obligation but I will just suffer from self-loathing if I do that. Sorry for boring everyone. I realise my problem is minor after all, I have nothing to lose.

Hi there Athelstan!  Firstly, your post is not boring, it’s inspiring!  Good on you for having the courage to do this. You’ve done all the hard work of getting it organised, so please do go through with it!  It’s understandable to be nervous about starting anything new, but the people you will be volunteering with will be DELIGHTED to have a new face around and an extra pair of hands to help and I am sure they will be more than welcoming to you. If all else fails, just make a brew, and you will instantly be one of the team! I haven’t done any voluntary work for a few years now so I’m afraid I can’t share any experiences with you, but please share yours on here and let us all know how things go. 
Lots of luck and very best wishes,
Lizzie

Dear Athelstan, that is great news, well done you.  I know it can be nerve wracking going into any type of work after any break, even a holiday. How did it go?  Thinking of you, Helen

Hi Athelstan

Do you mind me asking how you got into your volunteering?

I work full time and have other commitments so I’d find it difficult to commit to six hours every week, but would quite like the opportunity to help out with something every now and then.

Also, please don’t write yourself completely off from the job market. If I were employing someone a C.V. with voluntary work on it would certainly stand out to me.

All the best

Karma

Great to read about volunteering but I would say in my limited experience 55 is no scrap heap.

I am a trainee technical author in an engineering company, the youngest in the company at 25, my mentor is 68!