Reflections on work, life, and the little things that make a difference
This column explores the small patterns that quietly shape our days – uncovering meaning in ordinary moments. It doesn’t claim to offer answers but hopes to bring a little perspective and calm along the way.
When Self-Interest Meets Generosity
In the course of my work, I come across many volunteers in different spaces, different communities and different causes, but often, the same quiet question sits underneath it all – what brings people to give the gift of their time?
And over the years, I’ve started to notice small patterns emerge. Some volunteers come with a very clear sense of what they want to get out of the process. They have a particular reason for stepping up, and when those conditions aren’t met, their involvement tends to be short-lived. It’s not that they don’t care but their willingness to adapt is limited.
In contrast to this, other volunteers give freely, say yes to almost everything, and step in wherever needed. There is something deeply admirable about that kind of generosity, but over time, it can become difficult to sustain. Energy runs low or other parts of life begin to pull them away and eventually, they too step back.
Interestingly, there is a third group that doesn’t stand out immediately. These are volunteers who are generous but not endlessly so. You might hear them say things like “I can help on Tuesdays but not weekends” or “I’m happy to take this on but I’ll need support with that part”.
And watching them over time, I began to notice something. It wasn’t that they cared more than others but at the same time, they weren’t trying to give everything either. They seemed to understand that if they were going to give their time and energy, it had to be done in a way that worked for them directly. And because of that approach, they could give effortlessly and with consistency.
A Thought to Carry With Us?
This made me reflect on how we often speak of selflessness as the ideal – as though the best way to give is to give without condition, without boundary and without any thought of self.
But does this “selflessness” truly sustain the work in the long term? Instead, might it be beneficial to accept that looking after our own capacity isn’t separate from helping others but part of it?
Because the work – whatever form it takes – often needs more than just moments of generosity. What it actually needs is continuity, which rarely comes from giving everything away.
Ganga Sudhan enjoys finding small insights in everyday moments and sharing them as reflections on work, life and the in-betweens. You can reach him at [email protected] or find him on LinkedIn via the QR Code to follow his latest musings.
