I think it's time to get honest about volunteering. I like Bridget's openness about how her volunteering helped her with her career.

At the end of the day, we all need to get a reward for doing anything. Did you offer to help dry up so you could ask your mum a favour? Get back in her good books after some trouble? Or to help create a clean living environment?

I don't think there's anything wrong with admitting what's in it for us when we volunteer. It's a trade isn't it? Some of your time for something that works for you. I'm interested to find out where the common ground is. A top ten of reasons to volunteer if you like. Not the obvious rational reasons but maybe the things a bit deeper, like feeling more worthwhile, being driven by guilt, enjoying feeling useful.

But don't let me put words into your mouth. You have your own reasons and I'd love to hear about them.

Q: How do you know when you've done a good bit of volunteering?