What are the rules for volunteering and then quiting?

Question

I have this annoying habit of volunteering for everything but shortly after I get the feeling that the people are using me. What are the rules for volunteering and then quiting. Is it rude to volunteer and then quit shortly after. Or should I just stop volunteering unless I deam it totally neccesary

Answer 1

Finding the right volunteering opportunity is like finding the right job -- it takes a while, it takes trying different experiences, before you find the right one. Volunteering is a great way to explore career possibilities, to show on your resume that you are invested in your community, to build certain skills, to do things you can't/don't do in your paid work, to meet people, etc. It's also a great way to get references for paid work.

Volunteer, but start being more picky about assignments you take on. Look for opportunities that are very short-term, that have a definite start and end date. Then you can fulfill your obligation but walk away and not take on any more assignments if you feel the organization doesn't value you. When you go to a volunteer orientation, ask questions -- ask how your contributions will be used at the organization, how they will be recognized, etc.

Answer 2

stop volunteering.  You are putting the organization in a bad spot when they rely on you.

Answer 3

First, thanks for volunteering. Volunteers are true heroes.

Second, don't stop volunteering based on what you've shared. It may very well be that the groups you've been part of so far are in fact using you, or rather abusing you. Not intentionally perhaps, but out of desperation. Many volunteer groups are woefully understaffed and fresh help may get overloaded as the exhausted volunteers try to shift some of the burden.

So, don't give up too quickly. Share your feeling that you're being given too much too quickly and ask for a little less. If they are worth your time they will happily accomodate you rather than lose you. A half a volunteer is better than none.

And remember too everyone has their own limits, maybe yours is less than what they are trying to load on you. Again, ask for less, but let it be known you want to help.

Or it could be simple interpersonal issues, or the type of work, that is subconsciously turning you off. If so simply tell them (after giving it a good try) that it's not working out.

Keep looking for something that fits for you, but only volunteer for one at a time.

Good luck and don't give up, volunteering is great.

Answer 4

I have had to stop volunteering because I always took care of others & needed to learn to take care of myself. Get a job you get paid to do. You deserve that. When you respect yourself others respect you. I was working at a hospital & a volunteer there used to tell me how she was treated rudely by the staff. I was shocked & wondered why. I think some people are competitive with anyone that is working in the same place they are in. So if you get paid atleast you will be compensated. I wanted more money for what I was doing & had to leave even though I was paid cause I was not treated as well as I should have been. Have fun with your life & time. i think you are supposed to give 2 weeks notice just like any other job. I know at my paid job people didn't even do that cause they were so angry when they left.