I should be grateful

[Yeti1]

I’m unable to work because no one would hire me (I lost 5 jobs in a period of a few years), so I feel unproductive and useless. I do volunteer work but it’s not rewarding. I have a wonderful husband, but I’m still depressed. I cry all the time. I know I sound selfish, but I need to feel productive and useful.

[hypercat54]

Hi I am surprised voluntary work doesn't make you feel useful again and a vital part of the staff. I was out of work for years and got my state pension (I am in the UK) 2 years ago. I took up voluntary work in a local charity shop coz I was feeling the same as you. I find this very rewarding.

Maybe it's not the right type of work for you? I am a people person so I usually work on the til and help people find what they want. I love it. I don't find sorting stock in the back room is my cup of tea though it is nice for a change. Maybe think about what you would enjoy.

[Otaku12]

Hey,Like hypercat already mentioned, maybe the type of volunteer work you're doing just isn't the right one for you. I've volunteered at numerous places and some felt great, others made me feel useless. I've found that places that are organized and have assigned tasks are the most productive feeling. Unorganized just feels like everyone ends up standing around getting nothing accomplished. There's this place called "Feed My Starving Children" where you pack meals for underfed children (possibly adults too). It is so amazingly organized and I felt incredibly productive. At the end of your shift you know how many meals you packed and where the meals are going to. I also volunteered at a food pantry, which was the opposite experience, they had barely anything for me to do and I ended moving some boxes around for no apparent reason. And who knows, if you find a place you like there may be job opportunities too. Hope this helps a little.