Careeranthropy… are you “giving back” or “giving forward”?

Many career clients I’ve worked with over the years have expressed how they seek purpose or personal meaning reflected in their careers.  I’ve come to use the term “careeranthropy” to reflect the way that your career can contribute to humankind (“anthropy”) and bring you a sense of fulfilment.

Whilst for some this may be interpreted as deciding on a deliberate shift towards working in a not for profit or starting up a social enterprise, for many it means contributing time, money and/ or skills towards helping others, either within a work context or as non paid work in your wider career.

I’ve met people who later in life after a successful career say that they now want to “give back” – by contributing their skills, knowledge, contacts and energy to help others.  That’s great, and admirable.   Just think though… what if everyone decided to “give forward” instead?  There is certainly no lack of need in the community for assistance, be it reading with first graders, enhancing websites for charities or assisting organisations with strategic planning and governance. The wonderful thing is, you can choose to contribute to something you are passionate about and that energises you. The possibilities are endless.

At the start of your career, and on the way through, the contacts you make and skills you develop when giving (time, money and/or expertise) to the community are strong career builders.

Opportunities abound to help with general volunteering, skilled volunteering, fundraising and giving.  If you work for a big company you may find that there are already programs that you can sign up for and get involved.  If not, why not be an advocate for promoting a giving culture in your organisation.

Aside from the satisfaction that careeranthropy brings, it also serves to enhance your career , by building networks and new skills.

(Tip: Did you know that LinkedIn has a section for Volunteer Work?  You can list your unpaid work, which can be beneficial in demonstrating your skill set and that you are a contributor.)

In what ways do you, or could you “give forward” in your career..?  I’d love to hear from you!