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Avatar universal

Should I quit Birthright (OT)?

In light of recent medical issues arising and a financial strain, should I stop volunteering at the preg. center? As it is I only go in twice a month for a total of 4 hours a month. I go on Saturdays and lately we've had one or two girls come in (mostly for baby or maternity clothes) and one call (usually an advertisement or the director).

I feel like such a bum for wanting to not go anymore because I have only been volunteering for maybe 6 months. But it takes me about 30 minutes to get there and gas prices are skyrocketing. Sometimes I barely have enough $$$ for diapers at the end of the month. I feel like a selfish person for not wanting to go. And all I keep hearing in my head is, "You never finish anything you start." Of course that isn't TRUE, but it's like a broken record.

I just need some rational, clear-headed people to help me sort through my emotional and mental chaos on this one. I just hate leaving people high-n-dry! I guess I just need to learn to say "No" sometimes.
12 Responses
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332156 tn?1266843139
Joy..these girls are right. Dont feel bad. Noone will think horrible of you. Like Atia said about volunteering all the time you already have. That should make you feel good. You know what you feel in your heart to do...dont let anything make you feel bad. Good luck!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I wouldn't worry either.  6 months of volunteering is a lot more than most people give of their time.  And don't think of this as permanent.  Just think of it as not being right for you at this moment in your life, but down the road, when circumstances have changed, you can always give your time again.

Good luck! :-D
Helpful - 0
290018 tn?1240365868
still cant find the freaking book lol ...I dont have a copy or i would look for it.  I thought the name of it was "Setting Boundaries" but the only book on amazon I found with that title was $95.00 so i'm thinking that wasnt it b/c this book was a little short paperback that would not have cost that much.  I'm going to keep looking for you
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Look at this way - - - you volunteered your time for 6 months..... How many other people can say the same thing??  I think you should be admired for the efforts you have put in at the pregnancy center up until now.

Take care of yourself and your family right now.  You have earned it.
Helpful - 0
294817 tn?1263836838
I don't think you should feel bad at all. When it comes to that or your family....then I don't even have to tell you what the right thing is to do because you seem like you have a great head on your shoulders...so you already know the answer. I think you volunteer enough on here to fill the void of going to Birthright...ya know what I mean?
Helpful - 0
354373 tn?1299184526
No way...like you said, your family needs to come first...and if the situation changes down the road, you could always offer your services again.....I'm sure they would be glad to have you back, as you are knowledgeable and compassionate......Most volunteer organizations understand these things...just explain the circumstances to them......
Helpful - 0
434240 tn?1216392070
You seem like the type of person who really like to be around to help others in need.  I would say that if it is a financial strain, maybe for the time being you could stop.  You are already a great help on this site!!!  So, maybe you can think of this as volunteering your services!!!
Helpful - 0
435139 tn?1255460391
Do whats best for you and your family...if you are in a better position at another time, you can return...you seem like you are really knowledgeable and kind so I am sure that they'd be happy to have you return if things change in the future.
Helpful - 0
187316 tn?1386356682
I think that if financially you can't afford it than you shouldn't feel bad. A 30 minute trip uses a lot of gas and gas prices are very expensive. Like wild.blue said just wait until you get into a better situation financially. Instead of thinking it as not getting finished think of it as taking a break while you sort things out. :)
Helpful - 0
293845 tn?1227997530
Yea, don't feel too bad about it. Your intentions are good and you would if you could.. maybe you could go back once the financial situation gets alittle better. I'm sure the place will understand and would probably love to have you back!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I was holding my breathe when I read your response. I guess I should put it on the back burner for now. I just looked at my calendar and every single day there is something to do or buy and requires gasoline to get there and co-pays to be seen. I'll probably call tomorrow. I DREAD doing this and feel like a complete you-know-what. But my family has to come first.
Helpful - 0
290018 tn?1240365868
Haha Joy you sound so much like me.  We have a pregnancy center here that I actually called about and wa going to go helo out and never even got there. I really want to go but I think all the reasons you named are the reason I havent been yet.  I just dont have the time or money.  The best advice I can give is if it makes you happy then keep doing it and if it is causing issues stop.  I know you want to help out (as i do to) but it souds like they dont really need any help right now and we  have to keep our boundaries.  As far as learing to say no...I suck at it as well.  There is a great book i read about boundaries (I'm gonna look it up for you)
Helpful - 0
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