I recently resigned from a Board of Directors due to lack of time and engagement.

7 Comments

1. Rebecca AliDecember 20,2022 at 7:36PM UTC

   Time is a non-renewable resource. When you say yes to something, you're saying no to something else. If you aren't/weren't comfortable with how you were using your time and regret the "nos", then you did the right thing for yourself. There's always a chance that once you have more "yes" time, you can come back better than ever.

2. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistDecember 21,2022 at 3:09AM UTC

   You didn't "abandon" the organization.

   You only have so much bandwidth. You have a responsibility to yourself, your family and your friends to set your priorities.

   This is more important to me - this is less important to me.

   By doing this, you have made a spot for someone who can devote more time to the organization. They deserve that too.

3. Kathryn MontbriandDecember 21,2022 at 2:23PM UTC

   Agree with the other commenters and one add. There are more ways to support an organization than just serving on the board. Show your continued commitment by spreading the word about the good work they do, recommending the organization for donations, making connections to others who are looking for a place to volunteer or serve.

   Your time isn't the only valuable thing you have to offer.

4. Cyndi RosenblattDecember 21,2022 at 9:40PM UTC

   I've stepped down from critical volunteer roles and it's always a difficult decision. You may choose to remain involved in less time-consuming ways or provide financial support. You may even need to take a break from the cause entirely or move in a different direction. I've made all of those decisions through the years. I know I made a difference in whatever capacity and for whatever time I was actively engaged, and it's OK to move onto the next stage of your life, with or without that organization.

5. ReachingGoalsDecember 23,2022 at 8:30PM UTC

   You did the right thing. I resigned from a Board (part of our church) after serving for 3-4 years. It took a few hours of my time each month, and that wasn’t the issue as much as the complaining and whining and whatnot that we were receiving from everyone. No one was happy, no one wanted to lend assistance, everyone wanted to complain, didn’t like answers and offered no viable solutions. It is/was a thankless job and I finally had enough. I too felt bad about leaving those remaining and was not quiet in my suggestion to others that they step up and do the work for a while. Honestly, when I left my last meeting I felt a huge weight being lifted off me. Sometimes we just have to walk away and know that it okay.

6. AnonymousDecember 24,2022 at 2:28PM UTC

   Yes. I resigned from two different boards because I was spending more time doing their work, affecting the job I was being paid to do. Burning yourself out on something you do as a profession is one thing, but burning yourself out for a volunteer position is not in your best interest due to your financial and mental health.

7. Maegan, Nike Sales Rep & Career CoachDecember 28,2022 at 4:52PM UTC

   Here’s what I’d like to offer you: make your list of why you left and continue to go back and read it, and like your reasons.

   The more you can like your reasons & have your own back, the more you can be okay with your decision .

   Another approach is - if you were advising someone else in the same situation, what would you tell them to affirm they were making the right move ?