[production_coordinator]

The Situation:

I design a newsletter for a nonprofit organization I'm a member of. I've recently switched jobs... and I no longer feel a connection to the newsletter or the organization.

My question, is it OK for me to say "This is going to be my last newsletter"?

[ghporter]

Yes, it's ok, but you need to let them know ahead of time so they can find a replacement. And further, let them know that it's not them that's causing you to leave, but your situation. You don't have to say "I don't feel connected with you anymore," but saying "with my new job I don't have the time to do the kind of job this newsletter deserves" is probably not only more comfortable for them to hear, it'll be more comfortable for you to say.

[rozwado1]

Step 1: Walk into their office.

Step 2: Grab your jock and say "Suck it, bitches. I'm out!"

[Pendergast]

You know, there is some good in Total submission.

[production_coordinator]

Originally Posted by ghporter

Yes, it's ok, but you need to let them know ahead of time so they can find a replacement. And further, let them know that it's not them that's causing you to leave, but your situation. You don't have to say "I don't feel connected with you anymore," but saying "with my new job I don't have the time to do the kind of job this newsletter deserves" is probably not only more comfortable for them to hear, it'll be more comfortable for you to say.

The newsletter is quarterly and I'm the first person to do it professionally (Quark, Photoshop, Illustrator). They aren't going to find a replacement for free (It's 16 pages and I spend about 30+ hours on it). They can always go back to using Word...

Yah, I will probably go the "my schedule... bla bla bla..." rout.

Do you think it's OK to say "I can complete this edition, but this will be my last."

Thanks for your input.

[Kevin]

Before you say anything, make PDF backups of your work if you don't have the original for your own portfolio.

[cjrivera]

Originally Posted by production_coordinator

The newsletter is quarterly and I'm the first person to do it professionally (Quark, Photoshop, Illustrator). They aren't going to find a replacement for free (It's 16 pages and I spend about 30+ hours on it). They can always go back to using Word...

Yah, I will probably go the "my schedule... bla bla bla..." rout.

Do you think it's OK to say "I can complete this edition, but this will be my last."

Thanks for your input.

I think that this is an appropriate way to leave. Unless you have stated that you were going to help with a specified number of newsletters or a specified amount of time, you were donating your time and resources, and they should be happy with whatever you have give them. That doesn't mean they'll be happy to see you go. If you know of anyone else in your profession that might be interested, hooking them up with someone else in your field may make the transition easier, but even if you don't or can't, you shouldn't feel obligated or guilty if the reason for quitting is because of your time restraints or even if you no longer feel like donating your time.

[alligator]

I did the same thing once - but I timed my leave of being the newsletter editor with an anniversary of when I started. I just told them that I've done it for xxx amount of time, and that I wanted to focus my interests elsewhere with the group. Of course, I later quit the club, but at least I made a graceful exit as newsletter editor.

[ChrisF]

Originally Posted by production_coordinator

Do you think it's OK to say "I can complete this edition, but this will be my last."

I would say yes. I've managed teams of volunteers for the past 4 years and there's nothing worse than someone who stays on past their usefulness and who has to be asked to leave or fired, especially when they're not paid. I'm always happier to have someone just go ahead and tell me they can't continue. Keep in mind, though, the fact that it's a volunteer job isn't an excuse to just stop doing it without telling any management... particularly because your position is directly related to your career.

[production_coordinator]

Kevin,

It's ALL my design. I'm sure they will be asking me for my files when it's all over... which I will gladly hand over. I have no intention of profiting off of their need.


cjrivera,

No, I haven't signed on for a specific period of time. If I did, I would naturally suck it up and finish the time period out. I'm just unhappy with the current direction of the organization, and feel I will only get worse over time.


alligator,
I'm thinking of doing the same thing. I simply feel like I'm not getting anywhere with the organization... and ultimately will destroy my reputation.


ChrisF,
I'm starting to realize that I can no longer help the organization. And I'm not going to help them by giving a half hearted effort.

Thanks everyone!

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by production_coordinator

Kevin,

It's ALL my design. I'm sure they will be asking me for my files when it's all over... which I will gladly hand over. I have no intention of profiting off of their need.

You can give them a copy. I am talking keeping a copy for yourself for self reference of things you have done.

I am not talking about making any money off it.

[production_coordinator]

Originally Posted by Kevin

You can give them a copy. I am talking keeping a copy for yourself for self reference of things you have done.

I am not talking about making any money off it.

Sorry, I wasn't trying to insinuate that you were asking me to profit off of them. I have all the designs and I've already given them copies of the newsletters. So they could always take it to another designer. I just think they are going to be shocked with they are given a quote of $4,000+

[Kevin]

[besson3c]

I have some advice on how you can break it off with them...

[Salty]

What kind of non profit is it? What was your previous connection.

Generally people who have no design talent are fine going back to Word and that sorta thing.

[AKcrab]

Originally Posted by Salty

What kind of non profit is it? What was your previous connection.

I'm thinking he didn't give that info on purpose. But I could be wrong.

[production_coordinator]

Originally Posted by Salty

What kind of non profit is it? What was your previous connection.

Generally people who have no design talent are fine going back to Word and that sorta thing.

It was a religious organization, and I just didn't have the heart to tell them that there was no God and that they were praying to an invisible man, who lives in the sky...

Ok, that was just a joke. It's a outdoors organization. I feel like a bit of a baby, but I'm tired of doing the design. The issue is that my schedule has changed... and I feel the organization is dying

Oh well... I sent the email... I'm sure they won't care. Back to Word. I bet the printer cries.

[insha]

Originally Posted by rozwado1

Step 1: Walk into their office.

Step 2: Grab your jock and say "Suck it, bitches. I'm out!"

[wdlove]

Yes, that is the best part of a volunteer job.

[invisibleX]

Originally Posted by wdlove

Yes, that is the best part of a volunteer job.

Quitting is the best part of being a volunteer? Well I guess it is.. but you sure do say some bizarre crap.

[Monique]

Tell them simply that you want to quit if they ask you why tell them you cannot relate to this organization anymore and it is time you give your place to someone else.

Also, no notice necessary it is not a paying job. You do not like it anymore move on.

I am wondering here how can you get fired from a volunteer job, you can be asked to leave but fired.

Make copies of everything you have done and start a portfolio, if you do not sell the stuff you not infringing into the author rights. It is very important to keep copies of the type of work you are doing, you do not know when it is going to be useful to you in the future.

[Eriamjh]

[ShotgunEd]

Originally Posted by besson3c

I have some advice on how you can break it off with them...

Haven't enough kitchens suffered?