to quit?

[Songofsixpence]

I run our local Rainbows, but have run out of steam and want to leave.

I started helping when DD1 first joined as they were struggling for helpers and reached the point where they weren't able to take in anymore girls unless someone could regularly help out. As time went on leaders left and I ended up running it.

I get very little help, both my girls have been and gone so I feel I've done my bit, and I want to join a club related to my own interests which runs on the same night

I told the other leaders at Christmas that I wanted to finish up ASAP but we just haven't been able to find someone who is willing to take over so there's a very real chance that it will have to close.

Obviously, there are a lot of upset girls and parents. DH is very much, "well, if the parents are that bothered they can help/run it themselves", but it would be a shame for quite a long running unit to have to close so I am feeling quite guilty and a bit torn

So, WIBU to just say balls to it, I've done my bit and give them a date we will be closing?

If someone steps up, I am quite willing to stay a bit longer and help them find their feet, I won't completely drop them in it, but I just don't want the responsibility and hassle any more.

I don't think it's unreasonable. You are allowed to stop volunteering. It's not a lifelong commitment you aren't doing anything wrong.

You have helped for a long time, and if nobody else is willing to do the same, does that mean you have to carry on? No. You say I cannot continue beyond X date, if anyone wants the group to continue, they are very welcome to step up.

If nobody is willing or able to help out, they can't also complain that others are not willing or able to.

No, YANBU.
I think a letter that you are leaving at X date (Easter?) and that currently there is noone available to lead the group, so therefore unless someone volunteers, the group will unfortunatly have to close would be more than acceptable.

Why not state a time limit as to how long you will stay and let everyone know. If the other parents will be disappointed then perhaps they could help find a replacement.
If you are really wanting to move on - then do so. If your heart is not in it then that is no good to you or to them.
If you give a definite, say 2 month time limit - then it is fair enough. Then just stick to it - and there is no need to feel guilty.
I think people like you get taken for granted. Look after your needs now, you have done well!

Give them a date and then leave.

You've done more than your bit. It reminds me of the story of The Little Red Hen. No one wants to help the little red hen make the bread but they all want to help scoff it.

I think your DH is right. You have absolutely no obligation to give any more time to this, and if the parents are that upset I'm sure they'll sort something out between them.

In my head, I know all that, I need to put my big girl pants on and stop being such a mug.

But I do feel terrible for being the one to close a popular and long running unit

I'm just bored with it now, I CBA with the aggravation

YANBU, you might be surprised how many people might actually step up once they realise you're actually leaving.

I helped with a pack of brownies for nearly 3 years. It became trickier to do when XH and I split up and I had to rely on him to look after our DC while I went and I ended up not enjoying it much anyway. I stopped doing it 1.5 years ago and once I'd made the decision to stop I felt much better. I'm not sure what did happen but the pack still exists so they must have found someone else.

Stop. There is nothing saying you have to do it and you've done your time :)

Yanbu. you have done more than enough and don't be guilted into staying.

your allowed to leave somewhere

Give a leaving date and put up a notice stating that if no one is found by a certain date that session will be the last one.

Sorry, crossed posts.

Thanks!

We have already sent out a letter stating that I want to leave and asking for someone to take over, but no one came forward. Perhaps another one with a fixed date will stir someone into action

You aren't closing it.

You are saying that after X years you are no longer able to run it and someone else will need to volunteer.

If nobody else chooses to, you aren't closing it - it is closing because nobody is able to do it.

Yanbu. Even if not now you can't be expected to do it for all eternity. I hope they find someone for you to do a handover to, you seem a good egg!