To leave these people a little bit in the lurch?

[Dawnybabe]

I have been a member of a dog training club for several years. A couple of years ago the secretary wanted to retire, but nobody wanted the job so I volunteered to help out. Needless to say I got the job, which I didn't really want as we were hoping to try for another baby.

So, got pregnant quicker than we thought I would, had baby, breastfed for months, then dh had a crisis at work which meant he was away a lot, so didn't really get to do the secretary job properly for quite a while. Dh is now home again and my evenings are free so was thinking of returning to club to help out with stuff. The secretary stuff I can bring home but they're getting a bit short staffed on club nights so thought I'd go and help out, seeing as I haven't been there much. Obviously a lot of the secretary stuff that was done there has been absorbed by other people and feel a bit bad about it.

Had an email this week asking me to consider my position. Was thinking of going back but am now not sure that they want me. Would be surprised if they'd found someone else to do the job though. Would feel a bit mean if I left and also a little bit sad, but quite honestly not sure if I want the job now. Didn't really want it in the first place and then got a bit busy anyway.

Sorry for long ramble but dh is sick of hearing about it! Would really appreciate some opinions. Don't know what to do for the best.

What did the email say? Did it ask you to step up to the plate a bit more, or just to let them know if you can't cope / don't want to continue?

Perhaps they could farm out all of your work, but don't want to offend you, and are just seeking to get a bit of clarity? Can you ask them?

It sounds as if they have someone else willing to do the job.
It would be reasonable to ask you to retire so that someone with more time can take over; perhaps they don't want to hurt your feelings?
They must know you are busier than you expected to be.

If you are happy to give it up, then it isn't mean of you to do so.

I think they want me to start doing a bit more. I think they're getting a bit desperate cos they've scared off so many committee members in the past that they haven't got many left. I can see why, if this is how they react.

Feel like if I say I want to leave, they're gonna be even more stuck for help. But should I worry about that? Dh says no, let them get on with it, but just feel bad about letting them down. I feel as if I should be able to spare them one night a week, but then it's the paperwork and events to organise etc and when you've got small children at home it's not easy to always be available. I don't think they understand that.

If you can do it, then fine, If not, then you need to tell them. It won't be fair to anyone to do a rubbish half-hearted job.