’TIS THE SEASON for tree trimming, holiday parties, Christmas caroling, wrapping presents and hara-kiri (or at least that’s how it feels sometimes — i.e., put me out of my misery!). With everyone working harder and longer (is there anyone left who’s only doing the work of one?!!!), it seems the holiday joys (translate into chores) leave us feeling either limp or furious.

That’s why what I’m about to say will sound even more peculiar: This year, give yourself a holiday gift. Volunteer for something!
Yes, you read right. Add to your work load. Offer to serve on a board (charity or otherwise), volunteer for a soup kitchen, head up a committee, join a club (okay, so the New Jersey Ad Club comes immediately to mind).

Whatever it is, we somehow manage to muddle through and do some good. And in the process of giving, hindsight shows that we’ve given ourselves something too. At the very least, it’s something to add to your resume. And at the very most, you gain a sense of accomplishment, the knowledge that you’ve made a difference to someone or something else, and eventually a new circle of friends and co-workers with whom to share experiences, joys, sometimes failure and oftentimes sheer exhilaration!
I never thought when I became part of the New Jersey Advertising Club that I would one day be its president. But the pride (and, okay, trepidation) that I feel is both joyful and unexpected. Care to join me?

For information about the Ad Club, call me at 800.497.0622 extension 414.

Pat Tesman

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