Volunteer carefully.

A lot of people think that if they say 'yes ' to everything they will get noticed, get praised and get promoted. Well that is not true most times. From my life experience in college I had two room mates that we do virtually everything together. When it's time to sweep, do the dishes, do the laundry and other chores I am the only one who will volunteer. I realised that they were taking me for a monkey when I over heard her discussing with her boyfriend that I will wash her underwear because she has to get her fingers done. Damn! I felt like hell. Believe it's like this, Rachel the clever and sweet girl above them will use this ' I'll do it ', you will end up overworked, undervalued and abused.

Before you put your hand up to volunteer for anything think carefully. You have to ask yourself various questions:

1) is this a dirty job that no one else wants?

2) How will I look to other people if I volunteer?

3) How will this further my plans?

4) why is this person asking for volunteers?

5) is this person genuinely and really in need of my help?

It's might be a dirty job that no one else wants and by volunteering you might look very good in the eyes of Senior Management _ they might think you are capable of rising to a challenge, being useful and being prepared to get your sleeves rolled up and stuck in. And on the other hand they might think you are a prat. You might generate a load of Goodwill for helping out someone in real good need of support .

Be careful and choose your moments. There is no point sticking your hand up if it means you're going to be seen as a monkey. You can only step that one step forward when you are confident you will look good, gain benefit or make a difference to someone who really needs help.

Also be aware that sometimes you seem to have volunteered without putting your hand up or stepping forward. It just happens that sometimes all you colleagues or friends take a collective step backward leaving you there in the open makes it seems volunteering when you really had no intention of doing so. Well when this happens you will have to ride with it and do the job. But make sure it doesn't happen again. Keep your ears open next time and make sure you're stepping backward with the rest of them.