Why Buy the Cow…

Dutch cow in the grassland during summertime. by Dirk-Jan Kraan, via Flickr

So, you know the old adage…

Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?

Now, I’m not going to bring this up in an unprofessional manner. I mean, we know how I feel about that by now, don’t we? But I am going to use the thought to mention an interesting – or troublesome – idea that I recently had. Post-graduation, I am now relentlessly applying for work. In some cases, unpaid work even. As I put in an application for another volunteer position, this thought randomly crossed my mind: Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free? OR Is there such a thing as too much volunteerism?

Let’s be honest, I know that this isn’t the case. I have read over and over again that this isn’t the case. But sometimes, particularly in a bad job market, it’s hard to know, or feel, that you are making the right call. And maybe there is such a thing as too much volunteerism. Could too much volunteer work on your resume look to a potential employer like you are unable to find paid employment? Could this possibly be a red flag? Suggest that you aren’t worth paying?

Okay, again, I don’t really believe this is the case, but maybe… just maybe… could I be developing a reputation for myself? Should I be holding out for the proverbial ring?

Related Links (that disprove my neurotic, but hopefully entertaining, theory!)

• What Not to Do When Applying for Library Jobs
• Tips for Library Job Applicants in a Tight Market
• Guardienne of the Tomes: Open Letter to LIS Students and Librarians-to-Be
• Re:Generations – A Year In…

P.S. FEEDBACK HERE WOULD BE GREAT