At some point we’ve all thought, “I’d love to quit my job so I can go change the world!” That’s not always practical, though; there are perfectly valid reasons to stay gainfully employed. But do you realize you can have just as much of an impact – and perhaps even more – by actually holding onto that job?
It’s called leverage – as an employee, you have opportunities to use your already-existing community, assets and resources, and to even compound your contribution. That means less start-up effort in your world-changing plan; less risk and greater amplitude.
Here are five simple, yet impactful, ways you can start changing the world without leaving your day job.
1. Use Other People’s Money.
If your company has one, take advantage of their matching gifts program. Some companies, like Microsoft, not only match donations to registered non-profits, but also give a dollar amount for hours volunteered! You can effectively double your contribution by doing this – as a solo entrepreneur, I do miss this kind of easy impact. If your company doesn’t match employee contributions, you can still find opportunities to donate where a match has been offered, though – usually by another donor as a challenge during a seasonal pledge drive.
2. Volunteer.
Actually yes, you do have time – the same 24 hours in a day that all your colleagues and other committed folk have. Plus, with so much research showing the positive impact volunteering can have on your mood and sense of self-esteem, it’s as much an investment in yourself as anything! Find a volunteering opportunity (if you’re stuck, check out volunteermatch.org), get involved – even if it’s an hour a week – and watch your world change as you help change it for others.
3. Tithe or give a fixed percentage of your salary via direct debit.
Give what you can. It doesn’t have to be huge, remember: we do what we can, with what we have, where we are. Just give SOMETHING. Setting up a regular direct debit makes it easier – it’s taken out before your pay hits your bank account, so you tend not to miss it, and over time those contributions add up to some real world-changing!
4. Create or join communities of like-minded colleagues and drive impactful initiatives.
Everybody loves pictures of their pets, right? Why not get your colleagues to support a pet calendar to raise funds for a local shelter? Care about health/the environment/animals? Lobby your company for healthier, vegetarian and vegan options in the cafeterias, or drive recycling and composting programs. The personal and professional benefits of this sort of world-changing are huge: you’ll make friends and professional connections while showcasing your leadership qualities.
5. Be a positive example to your colleagues and business associates.
The way we live our lives has an impact and creates ripples effect in our communities. Refusing to gossip, showing generosity (of spirit or means), speaking positively and encouraging others, being accountable, cleaning up after ourselves, recycling, sharing, stepping in or speaking out to stop an injustice, adopting a homeless animal, giving someone a hot meal, spending quality time with our family… the opportunities to change the world through our own example are endless! If nothing else, having the courage to stand for something gives others the courage to do the same. Enough of that and real change starts to happen – it’s viral.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead
Never hold yourself back from doing something because you can only do a little. Remember, even something as vast and powerful as the ocean is just made up of millions of little drops…
I’d love to hear how you’re changing the world while still employed – will you share your story with me here?
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