It's been an interesting morning. I travelled to the other side of London today to have a chat about a volunteer opportunity at a charity shop.
It's a new departure for me. Having spent the last 13 years at home, bringing up LB, it feels strange to venture out into the world of work again (albeit in a voluntary capacity). I don't start for another two weeks, but I'm quite looking forward to a new challenge and a new phase in my life.
Don't get me wrong, I love being at home and have managed to keep myself busy all these years with one thing and another, but LB is growing up, getting more and more independent and it is time for me to take steps to get myself a life.
The shop where I'm volunteering is a half hour train journey away, but the route is quite direct. I'll be working two mornings to begin with and we'll take it from there.
Having visited the shop this morning, it is strange to think I will be spending quite a bit of time there from now on. I've never really considered life in a charity shop save as a customer, so it will be interesting to find out more about the day to day workings and where I'll fit in.
When I walked in today, most of the other volunteers where young. I felt decidedly old. I was reassured by the manager that there are some older volunteers too.
I have to admit that I probably couldn't have worked in a charity shop a few years ago, as I would have wanted to buy things whilst I was there, but currently I hardly shop in them at all and am hoping that I won't be tempted to buy anything.
I'm deliberately only taking a minimum amount of money with me just for emergencies and to help me to avoid temptation, especially, as I'm currently trying to minimise our stuff as opposed to acquiring more.
The shop itself is on a busy London High Street, in quite an upmarket area. There are at least another 5 charity shops along the road on the walk from train station. It will be interesting just to get out of our borough for a couple of days a week and experience life in a different part of London. I'll let you know how I get on when the time comes.
Any useful tips from those of you already working in charity shops would be most welcome. All being well, I'll be joining your ranks very soon.
I am sure you will enjoy your work in the shop. Charity shops in England sound much nicer than our second hand stores here. Please fill us in on your adventures (taking the minimum of cash will surely keep you from purchasing items you do not need).
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Thanks Jackie.
DeleteI enjoy 'playing shop' immensely. I'm sure you'll have many tales to tell.
ReplyDeletexx
Hi Mum, I hope I'm going to enjoy it too. I'll keep you posted.
DeleteI was the forever stay at home mum and regret nothing and I'm older than you !
ReplyDeleteI started to volunteer in the village charity shop a friend started six years ago & loved it. As you know for the past two years I have been co- manager since my friend moved on to other things.
I love the people I meet and work with from teenagers to ninety year olds.
It's an amazing opportunity and I wish you well xxxx
Hi Penny, no I don't regret a minute of it either. I wouldn't have it any other way. The time does come when you need to look for something for yourself though and this will be a start. Your idea about offsetting is a good one if I really can't resist something.
DeletePS: if you buy something then off set it by donating something !
ReplyDeleteHi, I have only just come across your blog. Good luck with the volunteering. I have been a volunteer for over 25 years at our hospice shop. I first started when I lost my husband and wanted something to do on a Saturday for I still worked during the week and my daughter suggested I should give it a go. I did the manage the shop for over a year but found it hard work being there all day/week and lifting the heavy bags now I only work Saturday mornings and love it. I usually sort the books, bric brac, linen and sonetimes clothes. We have changed a lot since I first started and now have a well run and modern shop. I get tempted to buy especially new gifts which do for presents or raffle prizes..
ReplyDeleteI know you will love it, btw where are you based, I live very close to Heathrow airport.
Hazel c uk
Hi, thanks for dropping by. I live in Hackney, East London, but he shop is in NW London, but only a half hour journey on the overground.
DeleteJust relax and don't overthink it would be my advice. I can't say I love working at the shop, but it can be fun, I've met fun people and it's raising money for a good cause.
ReplyDeleteThank you, I think that's very good advice.
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