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Antiwork

I get paid nothing and am still treated poorly by supervisors.

In some ways I’m living what many would consider the dream. Former teacher turned stay at home mom of an elementary schooler and high schooler. I know I’m fortunate to not have to work and I feel in my position it’s my duty to give back so I volunteer at my kids schools as much as possible. I answer phones, make copies, work in the library, chaperone and carpool school events, whatever is needed. I have noticed a definite shift in the way I am treated post COVID. I have definitely been given and offered duties such as attendance, lunch monitor, and crossing guard which previously would have been paid positions. I understand the public school infrastructure is struggling and I really don’t mind doing extra when I can. Hopefully the less money goes to things I can do the more can go to teacher salaries, materials for kiddos etc.What…


In some ways I’m living what many would consider the dream. Former teacher turned stay at home mom of an elementary schooler and high schooler. I know I’m fortunate to not have to work and I feel in my position it’s my duty to give back so I volunteer at my kids schools as much as possible. I answer phones, make copies, work in the library, chaperone and carpool school events, whatever is needed.

I have noticed a definite shift in the way I am treated post COVID. I have definitely been given and offered duties such as attendance, lunch monitor, and crossing guard which previously would have been paid positions. I understand the public school infrastructure is struggling and I really don’t mind doing extra when I can. Hopefully the less money goes to things I can do the more can go to teacher salaries, materials for kiddos etc.What I do mind is the dismissive rude attitude I get from staff. Just this week I was scolded because a paid employee left her post (how is this my responsibility) and today was asked to work on a particular piece of equipment I was untrained for. When I expressed trepidation I was sent youtube videos, when the machine stopped working and I asked for help I was told by staff they didn’t have “time for this”, that I should try fixing it myself and it was tedious and difficult and to “have fun”.

If I’m lucky I will maybe get a summary thank you for someone at the end of my work. Some of these positions I am in a back room for several hours completely alone. I could quit but honestly I’ve volunteered in understaffed volunteer positions and they just spread the extra work out between the other volunteers or it doesn’t get done.

Just because I don’t get paid in money doesn’t mean my time isn’t worth something and that I shouldn’t be treated with a certain level of respect. I find myself somehow burnt out which is pretty sad considering I’m working for free.

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