Freedom does not come from working by yourself

 

Many people do not want to work under someone else, be it in their profession, in a company, or even as a volunteer. The notion is that when you work under someone, you lose your freedom and you have to be accountable for your work. 

Thus many people opt for their own business, wanting to be their own boss. But in your own business, you are accountable to so many people. If you cannot be accountable to even one person, how can you be accountable to many? This is the paradox. In fact, having your own business binds you more than having a boss! 

Refusing to work under someone is a sign of weakness, not strength. A strong person feels comfortable working under anyone, because he knows his strength. It is the weak and poor in spirit who do not like to work under someone else because they are unaware of their strength. They cannot be successful in business or in any profession. Even working under a wise person, those who are timid and weak in spirit will be uncomfortable. But those who know their strength, effectively work even under a fool! 

The same applies to volunteers. Often volunteers do not want to work under someone else, but this merely demonstrates their weakness. With such an attitude, they achieve very little. 

How does one deal with the frustration of working under a fool? When you know your strength, with skill and intelligence you can turn every disadvantage into an advantage. A fool can bring out the best in your communication skills! 

So watch out! If you feel uncomfortable working under someone, it clearly shows you need to strengthen yourself. Desiring freedom from circumstances, situations or people is not freedom at all. Knowing that nobody can take away your freedom – that is strength. And when you realize your strength is unshakable, you will be able to work under anyone.

Being a true volunteer

 

Who is a volunteer? A volunteer is someone who comes to help without being asked. Someone who is self-motivated and inspired becomes a volunteer. 

It is possible for a volunteer’s inspirational motivation to diminish, which can bring frustration. Usually a volunteer’s attitude comes from demand rather than humility, and this dilutes the quality of the service. 

Another downfall for volunteers is that they slip away from commitment, thinking there is no “boss,” thinking, “If I like it, I’ll do it; if I don’t like it, I won’t do it!” It is like the steering wheel of a car – if all the tires say they do not need to be steered, then the car cannot move forward. If you want to construct a building, you have to accept the authority of the structural engineer, the “boss.” 

All these problems can be overcome only by being more grounded in spiritual knowledge. A volunteer devoid of spirituality is utterly weak. 

The following guidelines are essential to be a true volunteer:

• A volunteer needs to remain faithful to his commitment. 
• The integrity of a volunteer comes from his spiritual practices. A volunteer must accept the leader of the project. 
• The strength of a volunteer is based on the challenges he is ready and willing to face. 
• A volunteer moves beyond boundaries when he finds he is capable of doing so much more than he ever thought of doing. 
• A true volunteer does not expect appreciation or reward and he who thinks he is obliging someone is thoroughly mistaken. 

A person volunteers because he derives joy from it. That joy itself is the reward, and it is immediate. It does not come on the first of every month in the form of a salary. When a volunteer realizes this, he is filled with gratitude. When a volunteer waivers from within, his support is knowledge and good friends.