A realistic breakdown
One of the most common questions people ask before becoming a mentor is simple and honest:
“Do I actually have time for this?”
The answer may surprise you.
The truth about mentoring time commitment
Mentoring doesn’t require a dramatic lifestyle change. In fact, most mentors spend about 2-4 hours per month with their mentee.
That’s roughly:
- 1–2 outings a month
- Flexible scheduling
- Activities you might already enjoy (coffee, walks, games, conversation)
With Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound, mentors are supported by staff, matched thoughtfully, and guided every step of the way — so the commitment feels manageable, not overwhelming.
What mentoring time actually looks like
Mentoring is about being present, not planning elaborate activities.
Common activities include:
- Talking about school or life
- Exploring shared interests
- Attending community events
- Simply spending time together
There’s no pressure to entertain or teach — consistency matters more than complexity.
Built for real life
Mentorship works because it’s designed for real people with real schedules.
You don’t need:
- A background in education
- Special skills
- Perfect availability
You just need the willingness to show up.
If you’ve been waiting for “more time”
Most mentors didn’t start because they had extra time, they started because they made space for something meaningful.
And in return, they gained perspective, connection, and purpose.
Mentoring doesn’t take as much time as you think, but it gives back more than you expect.
Become a mentor today: https://inspirebig.org/become-a-big/
