I was finally, officially told today that Abbey, the volunteer coordinator, has turned in her resignation. She may only have a day or two more to work. I have my opinions as to what caused this to happen, but I won’t go into those. Abbey is a great person to work for, and I’ll be sorry to see her leave.
Her supervisor, Bonnie, finally told me when I told her I was in the dark as to what was going on. “Oh, didn’t you get the email I sent?” Yea, right! None of the volunteers got this so called email. Bonnie and I have had our disagreements in the past. Anyway, the reason it is a concern is that Abbey is the person who makes our work schedules and runs both visitors centers. I’m confident that Pea Island NWR is at or near the top of the list nation wide for number of visitors.
She knows that putting me in visitors centers for 50% of my work time is about my limit. I much prefer to be outdoors, whether it’s picking up trash, doing programs, or filling pamphlet boxes. I like a variety of assignments.
I’m trying not to let the opinions of the other volunteers influence me about the person that will be making up the work schedules for at least the next several weeks. (knowing how the government works, it will probably be for months on end) I’ve been told that this person is retired military, and treats the volunteers like a drill sergeant treats new recruits in boot camp. I haven’t even met her, but that kind of treatment won’t work with me. Lets just say that I know my strengths and dedication to volunteering for the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and I won’t be treated lightly or with condescension.
I’m not going to jump the gun here, but will take a ‘wait and see’ attitude. Chances are everything will turn out just fine, but as my friends, and fellow volunteers, Denny and Fonda say, “It only takes twenty minutes to pack up and be gone.” (It takes me a bit longer than that being there’s only one of me. 
Thanks for stopping by… talk to you later, Judy
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Always some burr under the saddle to spoil the beautiful ride.
ReplyDeleteI know you'll ride out the storm, you've done it before and will be okay again.
Just leave the keys in the ignition. :c)
Here's hoping the next few weeks go better than expected. It sure is nice to have a home on wheels as an option.
ReplyDeleteOh Crapola! BUT....I KNOW that you can handle any situation! Here you are in my favorite places and are having possible problems....rats....
ReplyDeleteThis is the time you can really appreciate having wheels under your house. Your in a position to drive away from the drama before it become too much. I hope the seas calm.
ReplyDeleteWell, that's interesting - a little intrigue! I assume you are doing research for the next place you intend to head, just in case. Let's hope the next person will be really good to work with and will treat the volunteers appropriately. I'm always surprised when volunteers aren't treated well - you can't be that easy to replace for the big bucks you're all paid. :)
ReplyDeleteNot what you wanted or needed right now. But it may all turn out okay and if not, the big wheels keep on turning on down that road. Keep us advised of how it's going.
ReplyDeleteOh, isn't it sad that one 'bad apple' can spoil the whole bunch?
ReplyDeleteHere's hoping for the best on your behalf. Whatever that turns out to be.
ReplyDeleteHope it all turns out OK for you and the other volunteers. Maybe the new person isn't as bad as is rumored....or will quickly learn that volunteers can quickly pack up and leave. What happens then, hmmmmmmm????
ReplyDeleteHope everything turns out well. But if not, roll on!
ReplyDeleteOh what a bummer! I just spoke to Abbey on the phone the other day and nothing was mentioned. What a nice person, coordinator, supervisor etc. will be missed... I am sure all will be fine with your assignments. Enjoy your stay and keep up the good work posting all of your adventures. We love reading about your travels.
ReplyDeleteIt's not like you're there for the money, so just be ready to salute and say 'adios'!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it wonderful that we all have wheels under our houses? Life is too short to be abused. Hopefully, things will work out fine but if they don't there are plenty of other places looking for an awesome volunteer like you :)
ReplyDeleteYou are very smart - just wait and see
ReplyDeleteI hope everything turns out OK
but I like the comment to be ready to salute and say 'adios'!
Ahh, the intrigue has been revealed. Smart to wait and see how it all shakes out. Perhaps the new coordinator will see that your talents are best suited to tasks outdoors.
ReplyDeleteOne of the places we thought we'd pull out of that day we stayed for 4 months and became good friends with the person we were concerned about.... Another place we stayed a day and a half.... left for another refuge and never looked back. There are too many places out there that appreciate your hard work and dedication to you being miserable when life can be so good. Guess you just have to go with what works best for you.
ReplyDeleteI'll keep ya in my prayers... and the other staff/volunteers as well. Just need all to work out and be a pleasant situation for all .
ReplyDeleteWould hate to have a stop in your photography of one of my favorite areas... since I can't be there myself... near daily photos of OBX is the next best thing.
((huggs))
I think you have the right wait and see attitude knowing that you can pack up and leave anytime it becomes necessary.
ReplyDeleteYou have the right attitude, Judy. Just be cautious, polite and play the "wait and see" game. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteWell, you know you don't have to take any . . . um . . . you-know-what. Just remember that saying, "My house has wheels." Hopefully everything will be to your liking and if not . . . boogie on down the road!
ReplyDeleteSure hope Abbey wasn't treated badly and that's why she's leaving. Also hope it was her choice and she has a better place to go to. Sorry for you and the others who think she did a good job.
ReplyDeleteThe older I get the more I just hate drama. I think the lie low and wait and see approach is just what I'd do.
I agree with Denny and Fonda...Politics is involved in everything run by our government...Yep, wait...and see....
ReplyDeleteMy hopes for you are that everything turns out OK, and you continue to stay. Like a fellow teacher once said to me... "it would be a great job, if it weren't for the kids" perhaps that applies to you. It would be a great job if it wouldn't be for the people!
ReplyDeleteAsk Abbey where she's going and get her to take you with her. Can't hurt to ask.
ReplyDeleteCat Lady
Okay. Here we are with the economy in the tank. Last time anyone checked, there was no money in the budget to hire and pay so many volunteers like you who do so much for fee. So let's hope some government bureaucrat doesn't screw up here like so many others have done in so many places and so many times in the past.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was volunteering at Sacramento NWR, there was a story that volunteer coordinators would be among the first employees to be cut. Go figure.
DeleteYou are in a nice location, so I hope it all works out for you.
ReplyDeleteI quit my job two years ago because of this kind of thing. And now you've got the same issue as a volunteer!
ReplyDeleteHope it goes ok but the nice part of being a volunteer is that you can leave, their is no contract involved.
ReplyDeleteI hope it will go well. I know how much you enjoy this volunteer work.
ReplyDeleteMaybe you can get the other volunteers to rally together about the new changes. I hope you get the assignments that you want and deserve, Judy.
ReplyDeleteI have never been one to do something I didn't like for very long regardless of what it was...Maybe you too eh:))
ReplyDeleteIt will all work out one way or the other...sometimes the best thing to do is wait and see with an open mind like you are doing...hoping for the best for you.
ReplyDeleteHope they can figure out that treating their volunteers badly is only going to BITE THEM IN THE BUTT....
ReplyDeleteHope it smooths out and someone sees some sense?
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Karen and Steve
(Our Blog) RVing: Small House... BIG Backyard
http://kareninthewoods-kareninthewoods.blogspot.com
Oh, dear!!! Being a bit selfish, I hope you stay, I'm loving the posts from that refuge. But, I'm not one to be mistreated either and as someone else said, it doesn't take long to get on the road when your home is on wheels!
ReplyDeleteWe arrived at one refuge... really bad vibes... decided to give it a few days... became good friends with the "problem" and stayed 4 months... would go back again. Another refuge we stayed one and a half days and moved on. I think we made the best choice for us in both cases. A third place Bill had a great job and I had the boss from hell.... we stayed. But we got a fantastic assignment for the last 2 weeks we were there that made it all worthwhile. What can I say? You just gotta do what's right for you.
ReplyDeleteI probably would be ready to roll, just in case..... But you seem to be a patient person. Good choice to wait n' see.
ReplyDeleteAs a volunteer, I would think they would need to make you happy. I sure would not put up with any baloney if I was volunteering. But, of course, this is the government we are talking about. I am with Paul, keep your keys at the ready:)
ReplyDeleteI think your post heading says it all in a nutshell!! That sure seems the most sensible thing to do. And it gives the new gal in charge a chance to 'prove' herself to be as predicted or not!!
ReplyDeleteI'll join with the rest of the commentors in hoping that all works out well and you are able to stay on there -- it seems like such a wonderful place! I definitely had the Outer Banks on my list of places to spend time at and, with any luck I still will have that opportunity down the road!
Love the posts and, of course, all the photos -- especially love your current header photo!
That's really sad. I know you will be fine but the refuge may suffer. Keep us posted.
ReplyDeleteHope it all works out OK for you. You have enough volunteer time under your belt that you should get some say in your assignments. Good Luck
ReplyDeleteI know you will make the right decision for you and Emma. ..enjoy the ride. . .
ReplyDeleteHmmmmm, the plot thickens...!
ReplyDeleteIt'll all work out for the best.
Sure hope it works out the way u want Judy. Don't know why some folks think they have to take a "hard" approach---life is too short to tolerate the poop. One would think volunteers would be treated nicely....hope all turns out well.
ReplyDeleteI have decided that going with the flow, or wait and see is usually the best way to go. I usually want to know what I'm dealing with before I make decisions. Even here they don't seem to keep everyone one the same page. I've given up trying to second guess the powers that be. Just wait and do whatever it is that you want to do. If they're smart they will put you where you are the happiest. If not, there others that will. Hope it all works out best for you.
ReplyDeleteAm anxious to hear an update soon. Hope that things work out in your favor. If I were the volunteer coordinator I would do anything to keep you there! Your heart is in your work, and your love for it shines through your writing.
ReplyDeleteIf you’ll allow me to mangle and misquote: “Assuming the best, while preparing for the worst… yet remaining detached either outcome, generally will serve you well.” Take a cool, “Whatever…” attitude.
ReplyDeleteIt probably won't take very long with the changes to see if it's a situation you'll feel comfortable in. If it doesn't work out, crank up the engine and move on to the next position. No fun being miserable , especially with what you are paid. :-)))
ReplyDelete