Volunteering as a Lifelong Career: Calling, Multi-organizational Involvement, and Life Impact

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20899/jpna.ye5tbx82

Keywords:

Volunteering career, Calling, Nonprofit organization, Narrative inquiry

Abstract

This study explores how long-term volunteering can develop into a meaningful and sustained career path. Using narrative inquiry with 15 volunteers in Indonesia, we examine how individuals are motivated to begin volunteering, how they structure their ongoing involvement, and how they expand their roles across multiple nonprofit organizations. Our findings identify three flexible phases in the volunteering career: motivational foundations, focused involvement in one organization, and societal leadership across several organizations. We also identify four factors—environmental, spiritual, personal, and ambassadorial—that influence sustained engagement. While volunteers experience personal fulfillment and a strong sense of purpose, they also face challenges in balancing their commitments with family and work life. This study contributes to understanding volunteering as a form of long-term career development, shaped by both individual motivations and social contexts.

Author Biographies

  • Aun Falestien Faletehan, UIN Sunan Ampel Surabaya

    Aun Falestien Faletehan is Associate Professor of Human Resource Management at Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Sunan Ampel Surabaya, Indonesia. His research examines the intersection of religious values and organizational practices, with a focus on nonprofit human resource management, faith-based organization, meaningful work, and the inclusion of marginalized communities in both organizational and societal contexts.

  • Johan Wempe, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

    Johan Wempe is Professor Emeritus of Business Ethics affiliated with the School of Business and Economics at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands. His research focuses on corporate integrity, corporate social responsibility, ethical decision-making in organizations, and stakeholder theory. Throughout his distinguished career, he has contributed extensively to the field through influential publications and engagement in interdisciplinary ethical debates.

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Published

2025-09-15

Issue

Online First

Section

Research Articles

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