To keep volunteering or to quit?

[laura*]

I've been gone from this wonderful forum for three years. When I left, I had been lurking in a different forum - one where I wasn't even a registered user. I got disgusted by the sexism in that other forum and decided to avoid anything bike related online. I'm hopefully back for a while!

In real life I've been volunteering (and sometimes even getting paid) at a bike co-op. I've become quite skilled at helping people fix their own bikes. I've "grown" a lot during my time there. However, I've also become very burnt out. A year ago, I already reduced my involvement with the co-op. I'm thinking it is time now to fully withdraw.

The mix of people coming into the co-op has changed over the years. I'd say there are now far fewer college students who are interested in bikes. There are more people who need to fix their bike but don't want to learn anything. This means the mix of patrons is less fun to work with. Also lately our staff has had to deal with repeated vandalism and theft.

A shift at the co-op is only a few hours. However, working there has always dominated my entire day. Many of those days in theory I could have been out on a bike ride. But instead I was helping other people with their bikes. Actually, I've hardly even been on a bike the last two years.

A few years ago, a transit bus destroyed a multi-purpose bike of mine. I started building up multiple bikes to replace it. You'd think that with access to a full bike workshop they'd all be done. However, I haven't wanted to spend additional time at the co-op. I now have four plus projects here that haven't been touched in a year.

So, is it time for me to move on?

[Crankin]

Off the top of my head, I'd say yes. Or at least cut down your commitment, while you figure out what you want to do.
Organizations and jobs (volunteer ones, too) change over time, and sometimes, we have no control over this. Nothing is worth the stress you describe. Volunteering is supposed to make you feel good. If this was a paid position, it sounds like you would be looking for another job.
Sit down and make a list of priorities. Write it out. If you want to ride more, than figure out how that can happen. I can tell you from experience that life is too short to worry about this stuff.
A few months ago, I commented here that organizations took advantage of volunteers, particularly women, to the point it made me feel like it was slave labor. Some didn't like that comment, but, basically, it comes down to the fact that I said before; volunteering should make you feel good. Perhaps my perspective is different, given that I have always worked in human service related fields. I don't feel the need to volunteer in "helping" things, because I do that every day in my real life paid career. I can see how this would be different if you had a business oriented career, where the bottom line was more important.
You have the opportunity to take the skills you learned at the co-op and build your bike! And maybe, you could even help others with their repairs, out of your home. One of the mechanics at a shop I used to go to left the LBS and now has a thriving business out of her garage.

[laura*]

Volunteering is supposed to make you feel good. If this was a paid position, it sounds like you would be looking for another job.

Originally, shifts were fairly evenly split between frustrating, neutral, and feeling good. And that was OK at the time. With my reduced participation, I've been choosing times with a much higher chance of "feeling good". But that doesn't seem to be enough anymore. Perhaps I'm not learning much anymore, and thus the time commitment is feeling excessive.

We've had a major drop in the number of core volunteers*, and are likely to switch to an all paid staff model. Most of the crew are actually interested in enough paid hours that this can be a half-time job.

* I think this is because of the change in our patron mix. There aren't enough "bike nuts" coming through the pipeline.

[ny biker]

I agree with Crankin, it sounds like you should stop going. There has to be some balance between what you give to them and something positive that you get back. Otherwise it brings you down and creates negativity in other parts of your life.

I would think you could even go back at some point if you want to give it another try. And you've learned so much, there are other ways to share that knowledge -- for example I learn from fellow bike club members when we're out riding and someone has a mechanical problem, and I've stopped to help strangers on the bike trail more than once.

And welcome back!

[rebeccaC]

One of the best models I’ve seen for helping others learn about working on their bikes was the Bike Kitchen in San Francisco. Helping others to become self-sufficient is good for the individual and for the community. From your words it seems you’ve lost that opportunity with the changes so it would also seem natural to re-examine your commitment.

I’ve always committed some of my time to helping others in my community….more or less time depending on my other life commitments.
The most valuable skills I can bring to any volunteer effort are compassion, an open mind, a willingness to do whatever is needed, and a positive attitude. I haven’t been in a volunteer position where things have changed to the point that you're writing about. I would be thinking hard about how to affect positive changes or even about my commitment too if it did though.

Perhaps taking the time you would be volunteering to just enjoy building up your bikes and go out riding would be best for you at the moment…..and if you want to…thinking about how you can continue to share your bike building/maintenance skills with others through a job or volunteering.

…..and thanks for the original commitment to helping others become self-sufficient with their bicycles, regardless of the what’s going on now know the intent was worthwhile and needed!!!!!!!!

eta...i recently just left another bike forum because of the alpha-male sexist attitudes being allowed without allowing comment on it.....it's just not really worth our time to participate in any way on websites like that.

[smilingcat]

I've volunteered in the past and know the feeling of being burnt out, USED and other negative adjectives. When you start thinking in the negative, its time to move on. If you were there to help teach others on bike maintenance but the clientele are more interested in freebie repair, that's a disconnect for you. I wouldn't feel bad to leave behind. Someone will fill your shoes.

Sometimes, leaving a volunteering job feel like you are letting down the people, but it isn't. And like Catrin says, it should be a feel good thing.

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 was getting really burnt out on refurbishing huffy's, rusted out mud/dirt filled bottom bracket, one-piece cranks, rusted on seat posts, goose necks...

You did lot of good and its time to enjoy your reward at volunteering (experience as a bike wrench). Finish your bikes and go ride. Enjoy your life.

[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.

[shootingstar]

You've given a lot and given well.
Throw yourself in those personal projects. You may come back to volunteering in cycling in a different way.

I've volunteered for 4 different organizations over a 15 yr. period. I didn't feel like slave labour and my career is a blend of direct client service plus planning and technical. I didn't feel like slave labour because for 2 of non-profit organizations, paid staff really did work very hard for low wages but for high skill performance and dealing with a lot of public demands and expectations.

One of the organizations where everyone was volunteer, was a cycling women's organization. Did rides, ran workshops and had a conference every 2 years. We attracted over 300 women in southern Ontario. The hardest part, laura was the 4 core organizers, including myself, had to give up on the organization after 5 years. WE were burnt out but there was no new volunteer blood to carry the organization forward. It was a very sad feeling for all of us.

I do have a good friend still via that core group. Yes, she is cycling advocate and has a paid govn't job in alternative transportation.

Meanwhile my partner is an uber volunteer after his retirement. So Crankin, I disagree it's often women. IN the cycling advocacy world (in Canada), there appears a preponderance of male volunteers. World of cycling advocacy includes technical discussion with municipalities on infrastructure which to me, I find boring vs. igniting interest in cycling for the public. However after awhile there are some talkers, but no action...which includes some women.

Meanwhile my partner seems to tolerate endless committee meetings and regional/provincial meetings. He is a good organizer and loves helping fledgling non-profits in carving out vision and making it happen. He is known in the Greater Vancouver area.

Meanwhile I haven't volunteered for anything in the city where I live in past 5 years... I haven't taken time to figure out what lights up my interest to volunteer. Except my energy has turned "inward"? to blogging/writing and art, if I'm not cycling.

[rebeccaC]

Meanwhile my partner seems to tolerate endless committee meetings and regional/provincial meetings. He is a good organizer and loves helping fledgling non-profits in carving out vision and making it happen. He is known in the Greater Vancouver area.

Your partner is enriching your life too through his volunteering and those positive feelings he brings to your relationship.

I have a richer, happier and more satisfying life because of the volunteer work I’ve done/am doing. When I focus on others rather than just myself I gain more purpose, empathy and self-efficacy. I also enjoy working with people/causes outside of my usual social/work network and the developing of new relationships with people working together towards a positive community mission. For me the optimism, joy and purpose I’ve gained from my volunteer work far outweigh the time I’ve spent.

Someone who isn’t enjoying it anymore should be like laura, asking themselves why and pinpointing what’s bothering them….that can help them decide in a thoughtful way how to proceed.

[Crankin]

You are right, Shooting Star, in the cycling advocacy world, it is mostly men. Not so, in the worlds where I was volunteering. I must say, though, the only volunteer gig I have truly enjoyed is my bike leading/teaching with AMC. I am doing what I'd be doing anyways, and there was no learing curve in terms of the part in dealing with people. However, after a couple of years on the bike committee, I did step down. Too much work for someone with a full time job. Now that I am working less, I do occasionally go to meetings, when i know they are discussing an issue I have been involved with. They have asked me to rejoin the committee, but, I always say no. I am happy to lead rides and teach at the bike workshop, but that's it. I think you hit the nail on the head when you talked about your partner's tolerance for endless committee meetings. I have no tolerance for that! I spent too many hours listening to arguing about whether it would be tuna or egg salad served at functions. Also, as an educator, I spent 32 years in endless, mind numbing committee meetings, staff meetings, etc. when it could have been done by memo or email. I also intensely dislike asking people for money. I just can't do it, no matter how much I believe in a cause.
My current job takes a lot of emotional strength, and part of my self care is being selfish with how I spend my time. That means taking lots of time for fitness/cycling, being with my DH and friends, and just overall not doing anything else that's a drain on my energy, like sitting in endless meetings. Laura *should* proceed thoughtfully, but burnout is pretty common in volunteer organizations for all the reasons that have been discussed here. I am not perfect, and at this point in my life, I have stopped doing things and seeing people that don't make me happy!

[shootingstar]

My current job takes a lot of emotional strength, and part of my self care is being selfish with how I spend my time. That means taking lots of time for fitness/cycling, being with my DH and friends, and just overall not doing anything else that's a drain on my energy..

Your job how you give is important.

Part of my problem right now, is living in a city where I don't feel in synch but know that I might be stereotyping the general populace. I live in a city where the most caring, outspoken organizations on local social justice matters are much smaller and their public "voice" is more muted. Probably because less volunteers, locals more deeply emeshed with business (for money) or just...burnt out/don't have energy to speak out publicly. Living out in the prairies is different from Toronto or Vancouver.

I've never been part of volunteer organizations where we worried much about food. (Just strike a deal with a local Chinese big restaurant and throw the fundraiser there. ) It was more on govn't policy, our positions to govn't and what to present to govn't as part of a non-profit organization on social justice matters, building coalitions with other like-oriented organizations -- OR publishing/in the arts that had a non-mainstream voice/vision (if it wasn't cycling).

LIke Rebecca, I am at my best when I'm "mission" driven for volunteer work... I certainly have learned so much from other incredible volunteers, especially those who will speak out on behalf for the organization and for the organization's "clients".

I feel for you laura. There is fatigue and above all, some sadness. That's how I felt when we had to dissolve the women's cycling group in Toronto at that time.

And now I realize in my dim memory, that I also was passionately involved in that alternative magazine, we also had to put the magazine to bed because of lack of new volunteer blood to take up the torch. We had 300+ paid subscribers to our magazine(!, including universities) across North America. It was such a sad feeling to " bury" this magazine and its voice.

But now, just discovered another volunteer has recently put into wiki about the magazine: http://www.asiancanadianwiki.org/w/Asianadian Some people even scanned and .pdf'd all the issues! So glad someone did this 2 decades later..

So I wrote a note to my writer-niece....wanted her to know someone else in the family did actively support literary efforts...

Just sayin' this so that people know that volunteer work given in passion, may unknowingly inspire ..the next generation. More than you realize.