To keep volunteering or to quit?

[laura*]

One of the best models I’ve seen for helping others learn about working on their bikes was the Bike Kitchen in San Francisco.

We operate on the same model. We used to have as many staff as shown on their web page. Currently though we're open slightly more hours with only 1/4 to 1/3 as many mechanics. That's probably a recipe for burnout...

From your words it seems you’ve lost that opportunity with the changes so it would also seem natural to re-examine your commitment.

The changes aren't necessarily something the shop has done. Instead, it's a change in the clientele. There just seem to be a lot fewer people excited about bikes and riding. And that's translated in fewer people coming through the pipeline to become core staff. (Observation: There's nothing quite as soul zapping as trying to help a 60 year old homeless guy who doesn't know how to use a wrench!)

Another dynamic is that I've developed a backlog of personal projects (home repair, etc.). I'm at my best when there are no schedule encumbrances - then I can just throw myself into the project. This is probably the real reason that is pushing me to quit.

Also being a woman in bike repair, guys are more willing to butt in your work as though you don't know what you are doing.

I hadn't quite noticed the dynamic because we've usually been understaffed and overcrowded. There was a shift where the guys could only work the second half. Another woman was filling in for the first half. She told me to observe. The moment the boys were on duty and we were overstaffed, suddenly I had plenty of time to prepare a bike for sale.