To feel a bit sad and left out

[mugglebumthesecond]

I'm a volunteer in two separate school settings and towards the end of the year I'm not needed due to the time table being shaken up and they don't want volunteers in school. Good for me as I work freelance and can get ready for Christmas while the Dc are in school

However, I've been feeling fed up that because I work for myself and I am just a volunteer two days a week, I don't get the Christmas build up, Christmas dos, atmosphere, banter, dressing up , secret Santa, cheeky cakes and mine pies.

I'm completely expecting you to tell me to shut up because all the staff would love peace and quiet at this time of year but this is their job for which they get paid for.

Sitting here working and feeling isolated. The reason I volunteer is because my work at home is quite intense and I actually do it for my enjoyment but at Christmas time I feel pushed to one side.

I suspect, as you are a specialist volunteer, that they just feel they are giving you a break, and don't mean to exclude you but might feel cheeky asking you to help with other things? If you make an offer to help they might leap at it x

I'm a volunteer in two separate school settings
Schools in which I've worked have always had a big morning tea (with extended recess time) as a thank you for parent helpers at Christmas, which is also our end of the year. It always seems like a good PR exercise, and is a pleasant occasion.

I'd suggest you find a nicer school to help in! I'm a TA and we always make sure our valued helpers are thanked with a present, they work hard for us for free and it's important that is recognised. Yes there are times when a helper is not needed, but on the whole we'll find something for them to do, they are a valuable resource and there's usually a job to be done.

User, I am definatly not suggesting schools are not real work places. By simply saying that festivities, cheeky mince pies etc are not part of the work place full stop. A do might be but not every day during the lead up to Christmas it simple affects productivity. And no I am not a Scrooge.

Lots of people work and do not have the 'chockies' on the side, times around screens and so on. So if you are missing out, just sort it out.