I have held board positions for 3 years and work full time in a job with no flexibility. I was not president but a good friend of mine was for 2 years who worked full time like myself. It took a huge toll on her and she stepped down this year and is much happier for it.

We have huge, huge, HUGE amounts of drama at our PTO. Our president last year got poison pen letters disguised as christmas cards. We had one woman volunteer to run our fall fundraiser this year but had to be removed as she was caught shoplifting at a local store. There are cliques within neighborhoods who think nothing of talking trash about board members within earshot of others. Last year, the principal had to present at board meetings as 2 of the members were so hostile toward each other that meetings would break down to screaming matches.
There is much more but you get the idea.

I hate to 'paint with broad strokes' but all the women that have caused these problems are stay at home moms.

I work full time, have two active children (11 and 17 1/2) and I am on my second term as PTA President for the elementary school (I no longer have children at this school, but I am committed to this school!)

In my opinion, being able to handle both work and PTA committments really depends on the individual. I am a super type A personality and I cannot tolerate being idyll. If the parent feels that they can handle both, try it out.

No when I posted this I was just wondering how many work outside the home run a pto group, I had three people wanting to step up but now two of them will be working fulltime outside their home so the flexibility of being there to help set up late afternoon won't be there. One mom has basically told me that she wont be able to do anything, this is after saying she wanted to be co-pres. It is tough to split time, I work three days a week and my boss is flexibe...bless her!

Are you thinking that moms and dads who don't go to a paying job don't work?

ptohyeah, glad to hear you're feeling better. Also glad to know that you're comfortable about posting your issues. This is a great community and I know that this coming year I will be here quite a bit seeking support.

I agree with your attude that if volunteers don't step forward, then the activity doesn't get done.

Thanks guys. I'm feeling better. I know, without a doubt, I will have guilt issues this coming year. But, it will be ok. Either members will step up and chair committees or we will have to drop events. It's that simple. We have a great but, small group of volunteers who are eager to help out. I just hope they are up to taking responsibility. Of course, I wasn't up to it until it was thrown in my lap. ha ha ha I learned quick that it wasn't that bad and yes, I could do it. It's been a good experience. I've learned alot about how to handle things and people, some difficult. I know there's still lots to learn. I just think it should be a shared responsibility among all officers and members whether you are a working mom/officer or a SAHM/officer.