Gransnet forums

Work/volunteering

Started volunteering post...but just not for me...

(12 Posts)
GrannyOrNanny Sat 04-Jan-20 20:23:35

Prior to Christmas I started a volunteering job, just one morning a week every Wednesday but I don’t think it’s for me. It’s office based and as I already work in an office (my permanent job) now regret taking this one on. I feel guilty telling them.

Am I being unfair or should I just continue and see if it passes?

rosenoir Sat 04-Jan-20 20:31:45

I would email them apologizing that your situation has changed and you will no longer have time to volunteer.

Easier than on the phone and nicer than saying you do not like it.

GrannyOrNanny Sat 04-Jan-20 20:36:34

@Rosenoir, I think I may have to but just feel I’d be wasting their time if I were to continue.

M0nica Sat 04-Jan-20 20:42:01

I know how you feel. I took on a volunteering job, similar to one I had done happily for over a decade until the scheme closed.

I wasted a year hating its replacement more and more as I tried to make it work. I should have given up much earlier and saved myself unhappiness and distress.

MerylStreep Sat 04-Jan-20 20:49:07

GranyorNanny
I wouldn't worry too much. Most charities have a high turn over of volunteers. This isn't just my observation of where I volunteer but from a friend who manages a well known charity.
It would be nice to email them, most don't.
I've left 2 charities in the past few years as they weren't for me.

Hetty58 Sat 04-Jan-20 20:49:15

Maybe giving them a few week's notice would be best?

GrannyOrNanny Sun 05-Jan-20 19:18:25

@MerylStreep, thanks you’ve put things in perspective for me. BTW...Great username!

Tangerine Sun 05-Jan-20 20:37:09

If you don't like it, don't do it.

As others have said, email them and say your circumstances have changed and you are no longer able to volunteer.

Depending on how much you dislike it, I agree with Hetty58 that it might be nice to give them notice.

One other idea - if it is something specific you don't like, could you raise the subject with them and see if matters could be improved?

HettyMaud Sun 05-Jan-20 20:43:04

I did exactly the same thing. I hated it. I realised everyone else was being paid. Also I was given rubbish and unworthwhile jobs. I lasted 3 weeks. Just tell them it's not for you.

evianers Sun 12-Jan-20 14:55:07

Started volunteering in our local tourist office, wanting to meet people of various nationalities and helping them in their own language. Sadly, no-one came in whilst I was on duty. Have since given up after 5 weeks but not because of the above. No. Gave the necessary and personal details on the admissions form. Before I had even started, nextdoor neighbour came smirking and told me she "knew all about me". Rather alarming, but soldiered on. Whilst on duty 4th time, spoke of the above and that I was not happy that all the volunteers knew my personal business by looking through the form, to which he replied "oh we all do that". A week later was asked to sign the necessary Data Protection Act! At that point I gave up.

Daisymae Sun 12-Jan-20 16:50:31

Happened to me. I joined the local Age concern thinking I would be befriending. Ended up filling out benefits claims forms. National Trust thought I could do their admin. Having spent a lifetime in an office environment I thought that I would decline.

trisher Sun 12-Jan-20 17:00:12

Volunteering sould be about enjoying yourself and doing all the things you don't get to do in the rest of your life. Tell them you are intending to leave, tell them the role didn't fit but before you do look carefully at what you think would be your perfect role and what you really would enjoy doing and if you still like the charity tell them what you are looking to do. If they haven't anything suitable just move on.