Interview With Volunteer Coordinator In 2 Hours

[Underdog]

I'm not sure what to expect from this and it is raising my anxiety big time. I know what the coordinator does and that she wants to ask about my experience at the non-profit, but I am wondering if this might be the time to tell someone I have either PTSD or severe anxiety issues so it's on the table and they can understand better why sometimes I just can't do things in the timeframe they want it. Any thoughts? Should I even open up about that at all?

 

[joeylittle]

I wouldn't bring it up. It sounds to me like you are assuming you'll struggle before you've even given yourself a chance. I hate to say it, but employers sometimes don't know what to do with that kind of information. That's usually what HR departments are for.

Focus on breathing, grounding - that's the best advice I can give you. I'm interested to see what other people think.

 

[Underdog]

Actually, I've already been volunteering for a few months now. They just hired their new volunteer coordinator. Given my last two month episode, a lot of things had to slip through the cracks because I couldn't do what was asked. Guess I kind of want at least someone to know a bit of the "why" it might happen from time to time. But PTSD is so misunderstood, kinda think I should just say "anxiety issues." LOL... Thanks for your thoughts! Curious what others think as well.

 

[hailstorm]

In my experience giving too much personal information has hurt me in the past... not being asked to do more than THEY think I can handle.
Maybe just acknowledge to the coordinator that you know you have missed some deadlines, but you are working diligently on this and that you are grateful to be a part of their organization and really enjoy being there. I think they just want to know that you want to help in any way that you can.

 

[scout86]

You're a volunteer? If that's the case, it seems like you should be able to control how much you're willing to take on. If you're in over your head, at some point, as a volunteer, you should be able to just say that, regardless of the reason, and someone else is going to have to step up and help out. At least, that's the way it works in the non-profit where I, occasionally volunteer.

I know I have a tendency, myself, to "volunteer" to do a bit more than I can actually, comfortably do. That's a separate issue &, if you have the same problem, you might mention that. I don't know that I think they need to know the "why" of any of this. If you're an employee, it might be a somewhat different situation. As a volunteer, you're donating your time and effort and they kind of have to be happy with what they get.

 

[Underdog]

Too funny! I came home and read the last two comments and that was almost exactly where I was at! Thanks for your responses, BTW. For the most part, I have lived my life as an open book so it is hard for me to keep my own personal secrets. I'm so new to all of this and have learned that by telling my friends we have begun to reconnect. However, I also know volunteer and professional jobs are not "friends". It's a line I am trying to learn.

As it turned out, it was just a very brief interview done when everyone left the room. She got silent when someone entered the room, though. It was well played off, but I caught it immediately. Since it was fairly open space, I didn't discuss what I had planned out in my mind. It wasn't safe enough to do so and I truly started wondering if she should even know at all. All failed deadlines had been forgiven by that point, so I really didn't "feel" the need.