Thank you all for your support. I ended up sending her a very long e-mail, and we promised to follow up personally as soon as possible. She was very understanding, as most of me knew she would be. More concerned for me than anything else. What a relief that the hard part is over!
Think of it this way, maybe because she is your best friend she knows what you have been going through on a personal level better than anyone else. I would start just like you started your email. And go to her as a friend vs. a PTO member. Maybe you can still help out just not at the level you are currently and she should graciously accept the offer rather than taking it personally. Remember only you can decide what is and what will be best for you and your family.
I totally agree with the others. If she is truly your friend, she will understand. That's not to say that she won't be disappointed to be losing you as her VP. I would just let her know that I could still help with some stuff just not to the extent that you were. ALWAYS, do what's best for your family first!!!!!!!!!
Tell her exactly what you have just told us. That you totally admire what she does and how much she does for others. Her work ethic is amazing and that you treasure her as friend.
You are sorry to let her down, that you will always be there as a friend and sounding board but for now, you need to pull back, for the sake of your family, your marriage and your future.
If she is your best friend then she should understand completely. What to say to her? How about exactly what you posted in your first paragraph? Only you know what is best for you and your family. I can tell that this was not an easy decision for you, but I do hope that you stick to your guns. Everyone's position is different...family structure, work outside of the home, extra cirrricular committments. Please do not weigh her involvement, commitment or dedication over yours. There may be someone else on your PTO that would need to report to you and they are thinking about stepping down and they are thinking, wow...look at all she does and she still is the VP.
Like I said, if she is your friend, she will understand completely. Speak from your heart. I hope this helps you a little.
After a lot of soul searching, praying and inner discussion, I have decided that I need to step down from my position as Vice President. I realized recently that I have lost touch with my personal goals, beliefs and dreams for my family. I need to take a step back, focus only on my family relationships and re-evaluate what I want in life. I can not do that while also maintaining the responsibilities of PTO.
Here is my problem.....telling the President. This is an intimidating woman who balances PTO, her own business, after school child care, church counseling sessions, and 3 children, one of which has a learning disability. Oh, and did I mention that she is also my best friend? So, as much as I know I have to do this for my family, I feel very much like I am letting her down.
Any suggestions on getting this conversation started? I could use some support and advice.
