I'm 32, I'm a librarian, and I only have a second.

29.9.05

"Volunteer Gene" Causes Trouble

A while back, as yet another "opportunity to contribute" presented itself, I asked Erica Reynolds over at the Johnson County Library "Why do we volunteer for this stuff?"

Her reply was classic--something along the lines of: "It's the volunteer gene--once it served some necessary purpose but now it just causes problems."

I know a lot of people who have problems with rampant volunteer genes. These aren't the good people who volunteer their time for good causes--although they may also have some variant of the gene. No, I'm concerned about those who just can't seem to say no to requests for speakers, participants, authors, committee members, etc., etc.

That rampant volunteer gene can be the source of great personal and professional satisfaction and pride, or it can choke the life out of its happy host.

Fortunately, there's a simple cure: learn to say no. Easier said than done, I know. Good luck with that.

Meanwhile, I've got a "task force" report to finish, a poster to create, an article to write, and a research project to get moving on. Do as I say, not as I do. :P

WDT