Is Volunteering My Time Hurting My Bottom Line

A Factsheet from

Doing good is good business, until you can’t pay your bills

You’re running a local workshop, mentoring start-ups, helping organise events, all for free. You care and you’re exhausted. Your paid work’s slipping, and your bank balance is flashing red.

It’s hard to balance giving back and staying afloat.

Tally your time
Track your volunteering hours over a month. Include prep, travel, calls. You might be shocked at how much it adds up

Know ‘why’
Are you doing it for visibility? To give back? For the warm glow? Clarify your goals. That helps you decide what to keep and what to kick into touch, at least for now

Budget your generosity
Just like expenses, set a volunteering allowance. For example: “I donate 5 hours/month to causes I care about.” That helps you say yes or no

Look for win–win opportunities
Offer free work in exchange for:

• Social media shoutouts
• Referrals
• Free space or services
• Strategic visibility

Your time has value even when freely given

Be upfront

“I’d love to help, but I only have time for [x]. Could we look at a sponsored slot or reduced rate?”

Many will respect your honesty and may find a budget after all

Value yourself the way you value others
If your volunteering is pushing you into stress, debt, or burnout, it’s time to stop. You can’t pour from an empty cup

Register at http://www.business111.com for more factsheets By Liz Barclay