Biggest Challenges of Volunteer Work: Hardest Parts and How to Overcome Them

Standing knee-deep in drizzle waiting for the shelter doors to unlock, I realised nobody talks about the hardest bits of volunteering. People love the stories where everything goes right—smiling faces, heartfelt thank-yous, those feel-good photos in newsletters. But that’s only a sliver of the truth. It's what lies underneath that tugs at you the most: the moments you feel helpless, the uncertainties, the times your good intentions crash against a wall of reality. That's the gritty side nobody puts on a recruitment poster, as I've seen in food banks in Pilton to green spaces off Leith Walk. If you’re thinking about volunteering, or struggling with it already, you’re definitely not alone. You might be wondering, “What’s the single most difficult thing about giving your time for free?” It’s not just time or tiredness—it’s about handling the weight of caring in places that need it most.

The Emotional Rollercoaster of Volunteer Work

People assume volunteering is pure joy, but emotions can hit you sideways. Helping people facing real struggles—addiction, poverty, trauma—isn’t something anyone just shrugs off. I remember a woman at our community kitchen, her battered suitcase tugging behind her like an anchor. She barely said a word. I wanted to fix everything for her, but I couldn’t. That’s the sting: the feeling of not being enough. Every volunteer faces those moments. You hand out meals, you sort supplies, you clean muddy boots, but sometimes it feels like whispering into the wind.

Science backs this up. A 2023 University of Manchester study found over 48% of regular UK volunteers report "emotional exhaustion" or stress after a year, especially in roles working with vulnerable groups. So if you finish a shift feeling wrung out, you’re not broken—you’re human. The highs—like seeing someone’s face light up or hearing genuine laughter—can make you feel on top of the world. But the lows linger, and if you’re not careful, they build up fast. There are sleepless nights where something someone said echoes in your head. You catch yourself thinking about the families you helped—and the ones you couldn’t. Learning to process these emotions is part of the job, not a failure.

This kind of emotional whiplash demands a strange type of resilience. It’s about being able to open your heart, absorb the rough stuff, and still turn up next week. Not everyone finds that easy. The good news? There are ways to cope. The best tip I got was from another old-hand volunteer: "Don’t bottle it up. Have someone to talk to—preferably outside your volunteering circle." Venting helps. Some groups even organise reflection sessions, where volunteers share stories over biscuits and tea. It’s not group therapy, but it chips away at that isolated feeling. Little reminders—like taking time for yourself, and not feeling guilty about missing the occasional shift—matter. You can’t pour from an empty cup.

Navigating Burnout and Setting Boundaries

People burn out in all kinds of jobs, but in volunteering, it creeps in so quietly. There’s a weird guilt tied to it. You volunteered—shouldn’t you be above complaining? Actually, that’s the trap. You say yes to everything: extra shifts, extra responsibilities, covering when others drop out. Soon, you’re more tired than after your paid job, snapping at loved ones, losing sleep. In a 2024 Scottish Volunteering Network survey, 62% said they’d pulled back or quit a role due to ‘taking on too much’ or ‘never getting a break.’ Nonprofits, stretched thin, sometimes refuse to say no to offers of help. Suddenly, your goodwill is just taken as an endless resource.

So where do you draw the line? Learning to say ‘no’ is essential. It’s not just polite—it's survival. One Edinburgh-based mental health charity gives new volunteers ‘pause cards’—literally little cards that remind you, “It’s okay to step back.” You’re more useful at 80% over two years than 120% for six weeks. Setting boundaries doesn’t make you selfish. It means you’re in it for the long haul. Start by scheduling actual breaks. Mark your days off—and stick to them. Tell your coordinator how many hours you have, and don’t budge unless it’s a real emergency. Also, keep your own social life separate. Don’t let all your energy get swallowed up.

Burnout doesn’t just steal your energy, it robs you of compassion. Suddenly you don’t care as much. That’s when little mistakes, snappiness, and detachment set in. Recognise the signs: chronic tiredness, dread before each shift, and feeling hopeless about outcomes. When these creep in, it’s time to step back—without apology. Talking openly with others, both inside and outside your team, helps break the shame cycle. Remember, volunteering is about impact, not martyrdom. If you’re struggling, you’re not alone. A friend of mine took a three-month break after she hit a wall; she came back fresher and with new ideas. Taking time away isn't quitting—sometimes it’s essential for your volunteer work journey.

Dealing with Limited Resources and Frustration

This is the part that surprised me most. Volunteering isn’t just about your energy; it’s about the real-life limits you face. Most organisations run on tight budgets and never have enough hands or funds. You’ll find yourself wanting to do more—invest in better food, update equipment, support different groups—only to hit walls. In 2025, most UK community groups saw public funding drop by more than 14%, while demand for help jumped by 30% (source: LocalGov Finance Report, Jan 2025). That’s a recipe for impossible choices: who gets the last bag of pasta, how to split winter coats between 40 kids and only 20 items—and that gnawing frustration when you fall short, no matter how hard you try.

Table: UK Volunteer Organisations - Resources vs. Demand (2024-2025)

So, what can you do? Get creative. Some groups have turned simple coffee mornings into massive donation drives. Others partner with local businesses—for example, a bakery in Stockbridge donates unsold bread twice a week, which feeds families and saves food waste. Be persistent: ask for help, and accept it. Tap into your wider social network. If you feel stuck, raise concerns with your coordinator. Don't be afraid to question processes—sometimes the "way it’s always been done" needs to change. Volunteering stretches your problem-solving in ways you never expected. And when resources are thin, celebrate every win, no matter how tiny. Sometimes offering a safe, welcoming space matters more than fancy resources.

When you can’t deliver everything people need, honesty goes a long way. I’ve watched experienced volunteers gently explain shortages without making anyone feel small. It’s tough, but most people get it if you’re open. Remember: you can’t fix everything, and nobody expects you to. Focus on the positive impact you’re able to make, no matter how small. It counts, even on the days when it doesn’t feel like enough.

Building Community and Staying Motivated

Volunteering can be lonely, especially if you feel like you don’t fit in. Sometimes teams are full of cliques or people who’ve been there forever. Other times, you’re one of only a few showing up week after week. Yet, community is what keeps most people going. The sense of belonging and shared purpose can lift you up—if you let it. Making connections matters more than you think.

So how do you build that feeling? Go beyond the basic hello. Ask other volunteers about their lives. Bring snacks to share. Suggest little rituals—tea breaks, book swaps, or silly “volunteer of the week” awards. People remember these moments. I’ve seen volunteers bring in music from their home country and suddenly shy new arrivals find themselves dancing around the kettle. These small acts create trust. Don't wait for somebody else to make the first move.

Motivation waxes and wanes for everyone. Some days, you’ll bounce in full of energy; other days, you’ll drag your feet. Keep sight of your “why.” Maybe it’s giving back to your community, learning a new skill, or simply making new friends. If your first role doesn’t fit, switch things up. Try a different area—some people do better sorting donations than working the front desk. Flexibility is key. In a recent Edinburgh survey, 73% of long-term volunteers said “community connection” is what keeps them coming back, far more than any single cause or event.

To stay motivated, it helps to set goals—even tiny ones. Think about learning someone’s name each shift, or picking up a new task. Celebrate progress, and don’t underplay your impact. Some groups use gratitude boards, where anybody can pin short thank-you notes for jobs big or small. Seeing your effort recognised matters. And remember to acknowledge your own growth. After a year, you’ll probably be amazed at how much you’ve learned and changed.

So yes, volunteering comes with challenges—sometimes tough enough to make you want to pack it in. But with the right support, boundaries, and community, you can face the hardest parts and keep going, stronger for the journey. And that, even on the gloomiest Scottish afternoon, is worth every moment.