I didn’t get serious about volunteering until I was 34. Wow, I wasted a lot of opportunities to grow professionally.

Volunteering is the magical way to grow as a professional without having to invest money. Volunteer in the activities you want to get better at. Volunteer to help other people as often as you can. You will grow tremendously through the experience. You will learn new skills, you will learn what you really enjoy doing, and you will learn what you really can’t stand doing. You will get better in so many ways, and you will meet some interesting people along the way.

Don’t make volunteering your full-time job. Do make it a very important way to mature, to develop yourself, to meet new people, and to make a positive difference in the world.