Finding Impact Beyond the Job Search

When I started my career transition, aka my “sabbatical,” I knew I needed something to ground me beyond the job search. What I did not expect was that volunteering would become one of the most meaningful parts of this season. It reminded me that my value is not tied solely to my job title or employment status and that contributing to something bigger than myself brought a sense of purpose on days/weeks when motivation was low.

Job searching alone can become consuming and let’s be honest, exhausting. Early on in my career transition, I learned that I needed something else in my life to create balance. Creating balance beyond the job search was one of the three things I learned in the first 100+ days of my career transition. In Fall 2025, I began volunteering with Serve Your City / Ward 6 Mutual Aid, an organization rooted in community care, equity, and meeting people where they are. Their programs support underserved communities across DC from youth enrichment and food justice to direct support for unhoused neighbors.

I started on the packing team, assembling items for weekly distribution. It was simple work on the surface, sorting toiletries, feminine products, and socks, but it was essential to the mission. Eventually, I joined the distribution team. Every week, we gather outside Union Station to provide food, toiletries, clothing, and essential items to unhoused individuals. It’s direct, human, face‑to‑face service. On my first day, we met a gentleman lying over a steam vent, shivering. We gave him a hat, gloves, and a sleeping bag that doubled as a jacket along with food and toiletries. That moment hit me harder than I expected. It reminded me that impact is not about how big the action is, it’s about being present.

I’ve always believed in impact, especially the kind that comes from simply showing up. I say this often because it’s true, I may not have the full resources or knowledge to cure or eradicate social issues, but I can still make a difference. Even if it’s for a small population, even if it’s one person at a time, it still matters. That’s my way of contributing to making a difference where I can.

Volunteering has been healing for me during my career transition, but more importantly, it’s allowed me to make a real difference. If reading this has sparked something in you, I would encourage you to support Serve Your City / Ward 6 Mutual Aid in whatever way feels right. And if you are in a season where you can contribute financially, please consider making a donation. Every bit of support helps our unhoused and underserved neighbors here in DC.

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