I work full time and not only was a volunteer, but was President for the last 2 years. It can be done, you just get more organized. I used to contact the school custodian when I needed to access the school at night and the night custodian met me at the door to let me in. Or if I just needed to pick up something, it was sent home with my son.
You will find a way to make it all work. I took a few hours here and there and made up the time so I didn't use all my vacation time, but was able to still volunteer during special events at school as well.
Working parents can still make a LARGE contribution to the PTO and their childs school. It's important for the PTO to include all parents when they are there to help.
Good luck in your new job and I'm sure you'll make it work and stay very active with the PTO.
Aw, thank you dlf. You are too kind. I am a true believer that everything happens for a reason. If I find a full-time job before I find a part-time job, then it's meant to be.
True MT--we don't get to play all the time. Terrific thing is you made such an impact while you were "taking time off to raise the children". I think when I stop this I will miss it as much as you do--tonight the kids were all saying "Hi Mrs. F" yada yada...lots of hugs and kisses and a great feeling of accomplishment when things go right.
Having said that--doors close and open and I'm sure doing what you choose to do professionally won't mean stopping all the personal fun. Just remember to do what you can when you can. So many fail to do even that--your contributions will always be valued.!!!
I've been the PTO president at my son's school for 2 years now, and I have enjoyed every minute of it. (I've been a school volunteer for a total of 12 years). However, I need to get back to work. I've been looking for part-time work so I can still have time to volunteer, but I haven't had any luck so far.
If I end up with a full-time job, I am going to be so sad! I know I can still volunteer at home by writing the newsletter and typing things for the PTO, but nothing compares to actually being in the building interacting with the teachers, staff, and students. (I actually have all of the documents we use every year typed and ready for next year and saved on a disk).
I would still continue being the Box Tops Coordinator, but I would have to have someone bring the Box Tops to my house.
