RoadTest Review Success Rate

I must confess appreciation is an intangible reward that would have me move mountains. If I perceive my efforts are of no value, I will shut down. The attitude formed from years of working in corporate. I became very jaded with returns for effort. I was paid very well but felt at times not appreciated.

I developed an understanding that at any time I could be replaced. Make the most of what you have when you have it. If and when that anvil dropped I would be prepared and land on my feet. I invested in myself regardless of the company's support. I developed skills the company would not train me on. Years later they used them. I looked to future knowledge for solutions when the attitude was to do it this way and forget the other stuff.

I sold to planners on my door theory for design and implementation. Let's build it and instead of creating walls let's build doors that give us the opportunity to do more. I had some wonderful appreciation and some pissing on my sticks as I'm rubbing them together to start the fire.

I enjoy the application process. I try to submit a persuasive application. Something unique or another way of looking at the same old, same old. At one point the application process asked you to confirm you will return the equipment. To me, it only stands to reason if I can't comply with the requirements of completing the exercise then returning the materials is expected.

That is why I feel the RoadTest review is never about free stuff. It is about delivering on a commitment and being acknowledged for the delivery. Yeah, you will get a $15K scope in the process but with my approach, I feel I have earned it.

Jasus, I'm wordy today!

The reward either for volunteering or for road testing is usually disproportionate to the effort required. It requires one to place a fairly high value on some fairly meager intangible rewards. Hopefully others appreciate your sacrifice.

I wonder if you included your last line in a road test application, if it would improve your chances....

Appreciate that understanding and respect it.

Long before I retired, I expressed concern about the connotations associated with the word volunteer. I coached youth soccer. It required a time commitment of three times a week on average. I received a call from the organizer indicating I needed to attend public awareness sessions in addition to the field soccer commitment. I let them know that I would not be attending the sessions. 

The refusal created a stir. All coaches have to attend was their response. My reply was my commitment extended to soccer with the kids and not the promotion of the club. If they needed that additional commitment, they would need to find another coach.

A few large organizations depend on volunteers for their existence. It is surprising how well they treat the people who volunteer. They understand the value of the commitment and what it would cost to get that otherwise. They actually run their business based on volunteers.

I volunteer at the local food bank. I have made a commitment to be onsite every Friday. That commitment along with others enables the Director to open the doors to distribute food. At times I am unable to attend. I let the Director know. Some volunteers fly south for the winter and don't participate for extended periods of time.

The RoadTest provides no compensation. You get something out of it if your application is selected but the same could be said about the food bank involvement. In that case, the return is emotional.

I have a strong connection between the term volunteer and commitment. I volunteer. I make a choice to participate in some capacity and try to see it through.

Since I retired any time that I am not otherwise engaged I consider it a limited commodity that can be consumed. It has been suggested, oh you have nothing to do so you can volunteer for this. I tell them that in the past I chose to spend the time earning a living. Now that I have more control over time, I'm going to spend it the way I want to. Volunteering can be time-consuming with little to no compensation. At times it can cost you. Add to the mix additional demands it becomes work.

Lately, there have been some pretty appealing RoadTests. For some of them, I have actually prepared an application but never sent it. For a few, I have sent the application knowing it will be a difficult RoadTest because of time constraints. Luckily for me, the application wasn't successful.

Understanding the relationship that I have between volunteering and commitment, I find it difficult to comprehend how someone doesn't follow through with the exercise. I would have to pack the stuff up and send it back at my cost, just to appease my guilt.

I agree. There are always delays. If you keep me informed, I usually extend it.