Life After Work: The Unexpected Joy of Volunteering

Author: Mac Chiulli

Fundraising on Red-Nose Day/Mac Chiulli

For decades, my identity was defined by my career. From the age of 16 until my mandatory retirement from the UN, I was a dedicated "workaholic." I loved the hum of the international atmosphere and the challenges of the private and public sectors. Honestly, the prospect of retirement was frightening; had it not been mandatory, I might still be at my desk today.

However, I’ve discovered a beautiful secret: there is absolutely nothing to fear in retirement. In fact, life "after work" can be even more vibrant, varied, and rewarding—

largely because it is finally on your own terms.

Lobbying in Albany for Medical Aid in Dying which became law in December/Mac Chiulli

Living in a city like New York, the opportunities to find purpose through service are endless. Whether you want to mentor youth, support the elderly, or sharpen a professional skill, the right match is waiting for you. Excellent starting points include NYC Service, New York Cares, NYC Parks, and Idealist.

My own journey started small—just a few hours on Monday evenings helping with an ESL (English as a Second Language) programme in Harlem. That one step opened a door to a world of fulfilment I hadn’t imagined. Since then, I’ve shared finance skills with high schoolers, helped the Museum of Math with special projects and bookkeeping, and explored the city’s soul through arts organizations like Creative Time and Open House NY. I’ve even directed traffic for Summer Streets, danced on the Highline and crawled through Washington Square Park!

Currently, my heart is in my work with Big Apple Greeter—where I get to show off the

Being a 'sprite puppeteer' in the Greenwich Village Halloween Parade/Mac Chiulli

city I love to visitors—and my involvement with AFICS/NY.

Through these experiences, I’ve learned that the true value of volunteering isn't just about the work itself. It’s the people you meet—kind, interesting, and like-minded souls. It’s the genuine gratitude from organizations that truly need your help. Most importantly, I’ve found that the old cliché is absolutely true: you receive far more than you give.

In this "Year of the Volunteer", I encourage you to look into your community and find a need that sparks your interest. I guarantee you won’t regret it. Why not start your next great adventure right here with AFICS/NY?

Mac Chiulli has been involved with AFICS since her retirement in 2014, as Executive Officer of DGACM, and now serves as Treasurer of AFICS/NY. She and her husband are transplants to New York City, but love (almost) every aspect of it.