There is not much use for money after reaching an advanced age. Of course basic expenses like rent food and medical bills must be paid but outside of that money to me has no meaning. When I was younger and chasing the ladies it was important to have enough cash to wine and dine them. That was my main incentive to make money. But since my sex drive is greatly diminished there is no need for extra cash or women. My goal is to keep busy doing things that now have more meaning.
Many older people do volunteer work to give them a purpose in life, and also to keep themselves busy. Most work in hospitals or nursing homes where volunteer work is needed. I could have done the same but I had a better idea and that was to donate my services to any person that needed my help. That meant working for free.
I started out visiting small businesses and explaining to the owners that I worked for free and would be glad to give them a hand. Some asked me to sweep the floor or scrub out the toilet bowl, others asked me to stock their shelves. They all asked me to return the next day but I said that others also needed my free service. The following weeks was spent on the phone setting up appointments with housewives that could not afford cleaning help. At first they were shocked to hear me say that I was willing to work for free. But I convinced them that It was an honest proposal and for the next few years I was kept busy doing cleaning chores.
After buying a desktop computer I discovered another way to offer my services for free. It was an opportunity to write as many entertaining articles as possible at no cost to its readers. I found many article directories that were happy to publish anything that was interesting and within their guidelines. It was then time to give up my volunteer services to lazy housewives and devote myself to the art of writing. But it was not that easy to break off a free service which was needed to do laundry or wash cars. I had to lie to my friends and neighbors and say that I developed a serious case of arthritis and was no longer available. They swallowed my story and left me alone with the time to write my articles.
I now try to write one article a day. Once I have a writing idea it takes me only a few hour to compose and edit it. Submitting the article to about thirty directories is what is time consuming. Each directory has its own format and it must be followed. I have no writing blocks because my life was full of change and many different types of people. It only takes a little imagination to turn past events into an interesting story. I will continue doing it as a volunteer service until I run out of material to write about. But I think that is doubtful.
melpol
Related Articles
Free Co-op Mailing Listing Service Helps Book Publishers & Self Publishers Sell Books
By: Helen Hecker | 08/12/2006 | Publishing
Publishers know they can save a lot of money joining others in joint or cooperative mailings. Co-op mailing is not a new concept or idea, but finding other publishers who want to mail to the same lists isn't easy.
To Help or not to Help--that is the Question
By: Roy E. Klienwachter | 24/06/2007 | Motivational
It is within the nature of the human being to help themselves--most of us belief that we can do it ourselves and we place little value on help. This philosophy has never worked well for us...
Projects Abroad Conservation Volunteers Organise Beach Clean-up in Thailand
By: Projects Abroad | 08/08/2007 | Travel
Projects Abroad Conservation Volunteers in Thailand clean Koh Yao Beach
Beach Cleanup Volunteers - Helping the Environment and Themselves
By: Daniel Salas | 04/10/2007 | Causes and Organizations
Are you ready to help the environment, get some fresh air and exercise, and have fun with family and friends? Consider volunteering at a beach cleanup, either locally or during your next vacation.
A Conversation About Development, Human Rights and the Role of Volunteers
By: Megan Taddy | 08/11/2007 | Causes and Organizations
GVN's Media Team writes and places articles about volunteer experiences, socially-conscious travel, the issues that affect people in disadvantaged communities and the fight for a more just and equitable world.
The Worth of a Book: Education in the Philippines
By: Nooshin Shabani | 08/11/2007 | Causes and Organizations
GVN's Media Team writes and places articles about volunteer experiences, socially-conscious travel, the issues that affect people in disadvantaged communities and the fight for a more just and equitable world.
Volunteer In Kenya For Once In A Lifetime Experience
By: Alex Landin | 05/02/2008 | Travel
Kenya is an African country that is revered by anthropologists and is considered as the cradle of civilization or humanity. The wilderness in Kenya comes with hidden dangers. For the adventurous at heart, Kenya presents the perfect opportunity with its magnificent wildlife reserves, pristine beaches, mighty mountains, thriving coral reefs,...
Volunteering in Costa Rica
By: Moe Tamani | 15/06/2008 | Exotic Locations
Costa Rica is one of the few regions in the world that has an amazing diversity of flora and fauna. Situated in Latin America, Costa Rica has some of the most beautiful and mysterious wild life living in the tropical forests or rain forests. Some of the tropical mammals that you will find here include sloths, monkeys, tapirs, and then there are the wild cats like jaguars.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find Michael Ackroyd Sr. who is a ...
By: Tina | 22-07-2008
How do I find Michael Ackroyd Sr. who is a volunteer firefighter in Niagara County?
Looking for creative outlet for animal/eco volunteering
By: Teri | 20-07-2008
I'd like to get involved with an project that works toward animal and/or eco sustainability issues. I looked on the web but found nothing that was aligned with my background of healing (hands on and movement practices/therapies) or the arts. As a choreographer/performer, healer and life purpose coach I feel that I could help be a catalyst for global/cosmic change, if I could find the appropriate outlet.
Thanks, teri
Shoes
By: kernncat | 19-07-2008
shoe exchange run to bike
Trying to find out information on Past chiefs ...
By: Beth | 16-07-2008
Trying to find out information on Past chiefs, past fire apparatus of the Baxter Volunteer Fire Dept. in Baxter, WV
Where can I find some videos regarding the Camp I ...
By: Heather | 13-07-2008
Where can I find some videos regarding the Camp I am Me
SafeHaven
By: Flymom24 | 08-07-2008
Is there a SafeHaven women's shelter located in Arlington, Texas? If so I need website to this location.
Q&A Powered by:
Writing 
