Are Service-Oriented hours less meaningful if paid?

[g0ldendoodle]

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I am a current applicant without an acceptance, so I am starting to look at how to improve my application. I think service was a weakness of my application.

I am considering paid jobs in homeless services, such as outreach coordinator, intake coordinator, case manager, overnight shelter attendant, etc. They pay a few dollars above minimum wage. Since they are full-time, I would get to spend a lot of time helping those less fortunate.

Or, I could I remain in my unrelated full-time job and volunteer with similar organizations several days per month. I have had a hard time finding organizations for weekend volunteering, most are weekday only and I have to work during the week to support myself.

Would these hours mean less because they are paid? Would they even count for service?

 

[Mr.Smile12]

I do not expect applicants to subscribe to a vow of poverty or destitution. You need money to continue through the application process, so we should not render judgment (IMO) on whether your service orientation activities are paid or unpaid.

Social workers are paid. Yes, they are paid poorly, but they are at least employed whenever possible. Same thing with teachers.

 

[LizzyM]

I just saw someone who has been a teacher for almost 2 years get highest marks for community service....

 

[chilly_md]

There shouldn't be an issue with that. Do consider if there is going to be a big pay difference from your current job and this if you are relying on this income to support yourself.

 

[g0ldendoodle]

There shouldn't be an issue with that. Do consider if there is going to be a big pay difference from your current job and this if you are relying on this income to support yourself.

Yes there would be a large pay difference, I’d have to be more frugal but it would still cover basic expenses I think. Unfortunately I don’t think I would be fee waiver eligible since it’s based on last year’s income. I am also looking into research jobs since they pay a good bit more and would also strengthen my application.