Should I quit?

[BrokenDishwasher]

Sorry, it’s a long one! In the middle of 2019 I started a volunteering role with a charity I’d used the services of. It’s quite a senior role and I was so excited to get the position, I’m on the board and attend meetings discussing budgets, hiring, job performance etc. However, over the last year I’ve moved, one child has been diagnosed ASD, I’ve had to reduce my hours at work, and then the hell that has been lockdown. Between work and homeschooling, I’ve just not been doing my volunteering properly. Usually I’m the first to complete a report or to feedback on a study, but I’m falling behind, answering emails last minute. I’ve missed two meetings (virtual!) because of tantrums and doctors visits.
As someone who used the service provided by the charity, I want everyone to have a great experience, and I’m worried that I’m dragging that down. No one has said anything, and I’m doing everything required, but it’s so hard and it would be lovely to relieve some of the pressure on me.

So I was wondering if I should resign, let them find someone who is more dedicated and has more time? But then I love doing it, love giving back to a charity, love that I get to help people who are in the same situation as I was. Selfishly, I’m also aware that it’ll look good on my CV if I ever do get to go back to work full time. I just don’t know what to do!

YABU- leave and let them get someone who can dedicate more time and effort to them
YANBU- everyone’s struggling at the moment, stay and see how I manage when everything returns to normal.

Have you thought about speaking to a (more senior?) colleague/boss and explaining what you've said here and ask what they suggest as if you were managing perfectly well before lockdown, it may be that you will manage perfectly well again when we come out of it.

It seems a shame to just resign if you enjoy it so much

Could you take a 6 month / 1 year break until you back on your feet? As opposed to quitting altogether?

I second having a word with someone at the charity, particularly someone who may be directly affected by your work and ask them for an honest opinion.

Regarding the pressure of the role and competing responsibilities - are things likely to change in the near future? I don't think it'll be too long before the pressure of covid with start reducing, how big an affect if this on your workload (home, work and volunteering)?

Is it possible you could change roles to something less demanding? As a student I was part of 3 committees, some with more responsibilities than others, during particularly stressful times (dissertation writing and work experience) I reduced my responsibilities temporarily.

I think start by looking at your actual availability and then what volunteering your could fit into that and if the current position isn't a good fit have a look at finding something that will.

Thanks for the responses.

I can’t take a break I don’t think. The role needs to be filled by someone, so if I take a break they’ll have to recruit someone, and I can’t imagine they’ll want me back after that?

I’m going to talk to someone tomorrow. I hope they’ll understand, I really don’t want to have to leave