text: should i volunteer while i don't have a job? i've been unemployed for 6 mos.  my mother blew up at me last night because she feels i shouldn't volunteer while i'm not employed, because it doesn't pay and won't help me become independent.  i feel volunteering in our local hospital's library would be good--it would give me something constructive to do, and would help me become a librarian (my dream job) later on in life.  there aren't that many places in our area that could help me get into that field.   should i just do what my mother wants?  she says she doesn't want to be a mother anymore, and she's tired of supporting me.   she's had a hard time since her dad passed away in july.  i'm just tired of all the yelling and lectures and fighting, and would appreciate advice. i was in the exact same boat..my mother's parents both passed away and she became extremely harsh and obviously didn't want to be a mother anymore, either.  if you feel that you would like to volunteer, why don't you try doing it one day  a week.  there is no limit to how many hours or days you volunteer, considering you are not getting paid.  you could even volunteer maybe sunday's for 3 or 4 hours.  if you want to be a librarian, then volunteering at a library would look excellent on your resume.  why don't you also try getting a job at a local bookstore?  barnes and noble are always hiring.  that also would look good on  a resume.  you should definitely try to get a paying job on top of volunteering as to become more independent and 'get out of your mother's hair' so to speak.  becoming more independent will get you further on your own and you won't get in to fights as much...