In India, where relationships and duties run deep, we’ve somehow twisted the idea of volunteering and honorary jobs. What was meant to be an act of passion or service to the community has slowly morphed into this odd expectation. And the worst part? People often see these roles as if they’re doing someone a favor.

Let’s set the record straight—volunteering isn’t an extension of your daily commitments. It’s not about doing someone a favor just by showing up. Volunteering, at its core, is a personal choice to contribute to something bigger than yourself. It’s an opportunity to give back but also a chance to learn, grow, and meet new people. So, it’s not just about giving time but also about gaining perspective and enriching your life with new experiences.

Yet, how often do we see people treat volunteering as a way to prove something? The classic “I’m doing this because someone asked me,” or worse, to impress some committee or community leader. We seem to forget that actual volunteering comes from a sense of responsibility and empathy. It’s about service, not status.

Now, honorary jobs… ah, the misunderstood sibling of volunteering. You don’t get paid in these positions, but you’re still trusted with responsibility. Yet, many assume these roles are “for the show”—another title to flaunt at the next social gathering.

Take, for instance, being on the board of a non-profit. You may not get a paycheck, but your presence is meant to bring value through your expertise, not just because your name looks fancy on their letterhead. The misunderstanding here is profound: people think they’re doing the organization a favor just by being there. Sorry to burst the bubble, but an honorary job is still a job. Your work is expected to add real value—not just your name.

Somewhere down the line, we’ve romanticized volunteering and honorary jobs as acts of favor, like helping a neighbor with groceries. But this attitude misses the point entirely. We dilute their real power by treating these roles as obligations or social brownie points. These are not just roles you take on because someone asked or because you want to be seen doing good.

This mindset also harms the cause. What happens when the spotlight shifts if you’re only volunteering or taking an honorary job for recognition? The energy wanes, the work suffers, and the organization that relied on you is left scrambling.

We need to change the way we think—volunteering and honorary jobs aren’t favors. They’re commitments. And the only way to honor those commitments is to treat them with the seriousness they deserve.

Here’s a fresh idea: how about we start volunteering and taking up honorary jobs because we actually care? Imagine the difference it would make if we viewed these roles not as ways to fill up our social calendar or boost our ego, but as real contributions to a cause we believe in. It may sound radical, but it’s just about returning to basics.

A great example of this shift can be seen in organizations that truly value volunteer work, where people are driven by passion and not perks. These are the groups that make a difference, that grow, and that genuinely appreciate the volunteers who put in the hours—not for show, but for the cause. Your genuine contributions are not just noticed, but they are the driving force behind the impact these organizations make. And as for honorary jobs, when individuals take them seriously, the impact is huge. You’re not just a figurehead; you’re a guiding force.

It’s time we stopped confusing volunteering and honorary jobs with favors or obligations. If you choose to volunteer, do it because you care about the cause. If you take up an honorary position, treat it with the respect and responsibility it deserves. You’re not doing anyone a favor by showing up—you’re contributing to something bigger than yourself, to a cause that matters.

And that’s the real reward.