Jenn sighed as she gathered the information she had
been sent for the church newsletter. She had had the job for a long time. It was not especially hard, only took a couple hours a week, and it was an easy way to contribute. But she was seriously tired of it.
Someone told her once that if you did a volunteer job for three years, you owned it. They were right. Or maybe the job owned her.
And so she decided to un-volunteer. On the first of the following month, she sent a note to the Board and told them that she felt it was
time for someone new with fresh ideas to take over the newsletter. She said she would do it until the end of the month, and then it was up to someone else.
Three people tried to talk her out of it. “But you are so good at it,” one said. “You are the only one who has gotten it out consistently.” Another
asked if she would keep doing the newsletter “until we find someone.” And Jenn said no. She knew that likely meant they would not try too hard.
When you have been volunteering in a role or with an organization for some time, you may realize one day that you really need a change. You may feel burned
out.
You may have developed other interests you would like to pursue. You may be at a different point in your life, maybe with more freedom to try some things. Whatever the reason, you know
it is time for a change. But sometimes, making that change can seen complicated.
1. First, consider yourself. Are you reasonably sure you are ready to relinquish the job? Or are there things you could change to make it fresh and better for you? Take your time to decide.
2. Consider your timing. Suppose you are in charge of a fundraiser or hold a position like secretary or treasurer of an organization. In that case, you probably need to see a project through or hold off until the end of the fiscal year or whatever way time is measured. Or if there has been some sort of
falling-out where a large number of people left, perhaps you should not make things harder just now. Let “the powers that be” know your intentions and set a definite date for ending your commitment. Offer to help whoever takes your place.
3. Be prepared for pushback. This is going
to inconvenience someone. They are going to have to find a replacement. Hold firm and be positive. Suggest that enlisting new people with new ideas is good. Add that this will allow you to be useful in another capacity. (You don’t have to say what or when.)
Two months later, Jenn was so glad she had
handed over her volunteer job. A stay-at-home mom with three small children was delighted to take it over. Meanwhile, Jenn was using her newfound time to take a history course.
Volunteering is terrific. Organizations always need people with energy and time to help. It’s a great way to gain or
polish skills, make friends, and be helpful. And you usually feel very appreciated.
Just remember that your time is valuable, and you should use it in the best way that works for you. And
sometimes, that means un-volunteering.