Volunteering next year, need to quit

Discussion in 'Homeschooling' started by Maybe, Jun 12, 2014.

  1. Maybe

    Maybe New Member

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    I am supposed to do a lot of volunteer work for a place that outsources classes for home school next year. I started my one child going there two years ago, right after I had my youngest and the birth was traumatic.

    They really laid on the pressure for volunteers for next year. I said I would be willing to help. Now I am in charge for doing a lot, something I did not really expect. Then, to add to it, the classes they have to offer next year, none are ones we want. And my children do not want to go there. To add to it, it costs money, and we are having financial issues lately. We have two kids in college. We have been trying to cut everything financially. Plus, if I had the time to do that volunteer work, I should be getting a paying job. Also, I feel like my toddlers have been neglected while I have spent all my time on stuff for the older kids. I need to have the time to do more with my younger children. They are giving up naps and need a lot more than they used to.

    I do not want to burn bridges with this group. But everything adds up that this just will not work out for us next year. Finances are the biggest issue, but time and interest are issues too. What would you do? Would you just tell them you cannot afford to participate this year? Would you suck it up and just pay for it and do it anyway? (at this point, we are drawing money from our savings to pay the bills, between college and an accident my one child was in, and damages to our home that required major repairs that cost thousands of dollars, we are just broke, and my husband took a 30% pay cut at work).
     
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  3. martablack

    martablack New Member

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    I would be honest and say while I "love" the group, we can not afford to do it next year. If pressed I would mention just the things above: college, accident, and the pay cut.
     
  4. kbabe1968

    kbabe1968 New Member

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    You need to do what you need to do for your family. If pulling out of this co-op is what you need to do, you need to do it. Your family NEEDS to come first. And if they don't understand, that's on them, not on you. I know you don't want to burn bridges, so appeal to their maternal side. (((HUGS)))
     
  5. Maybe

    Maybe New Member

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    One thing is..it is not a coop. It is an outsource place. You pay and they teach your children. I pay what breaks down to $12.50/hr for the classes. So, in a coop situation, you pay a very small fee that usually goes toward supplies and space. But everyone does their part to teach and help and such. This is a place where with the enrollment, they bring in over $125/hr per class, but often more because classes can be bigger than that. But, as a volunteer, I will still pay full tuition for my children go, but work for free.
     
  6. CrazyMom

    CrazyMom Banned

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    Maybe...simply say you're sorry, but you're spread too thin to volunteer, have a lot of financial stress, and may have to get a paying job.

    It's really that simple. Don't feel bad.

    Trust me....if you ever want to use them in the future....as long as you're paying them, they'll welcome you with open arms.

    DO tell them as soon as possible. Giving as much notice as possible that you won't be taking the volunteer position will be appreciated.

    You're being honest. What are they gonna do? Fire you? :)
     
  7. Sea

    Sea Member

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    Your title says it all, '...need to quit'. ;)
     
  8. Lindina

    Lindina Active Member

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    So it's more like a private school. No need to feel bad about unenrolling your children from a private school. Just be honest and tell them what you told us -- you love it, but circumstances have dictated. If you think you'd go back when things get better, tell them that too. All the best to you, Maybe.
     
  9. valleyfam

    valleyfam New Member

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    I will simply add be prepared if they offer a discount for you child in exchange for your volunteering. I know you say they don't but if you go in saying you can not afford it they may offer some sort of deal or scholarship. I would be prepared to say how grateful you are for the offer but that still the added transportation cost and cost of your time to your family for meal preparation and the sort still make it a non viable option for you this year. This may not even come up but I'd hate for you to be blind sided by an offer and back off from your decision.
     
  10. Jackie

    Jackie Active Member

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    But it's more than just finances. They are not offering what your children need right now. Why pay money you don't have for something that isn't going to meet your needs? You are responsible TO YOUR FAMILY, not to this place. It is also costing you in time.
     

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