Okay, since I've been thinking about this since last week, I think it's time to share the decision I've made at this time. I also admit that the timing is interesting, because another staff member (@Smart_Guy) recently resigned. 
Recently, I've been very stressed out because of offline issues having to do with school, family, and feeling discouraged (as a result of multiple factors), among other things. Coupled with feeling increasing stress from staff work here due to how many things we've been working on, I've thought about stepping down from my position on the staff. I've talked about this with some fellow staff members but didn't make it "official" by announcing it formally, because it has just been this: a thought. I also didn't want to add one more thing to the list of things the staff have been focusing on at this time so as not to add to the stress.
The decision I've reached is to continue on the staff. Currently, I've been more or less continually active since I was hired in late 2012, with complete breaks that haven't exceeded two or three months (at least I don't recall any that were longer). I love this forum, its sense of community, and what it stands for, so I find that working to help run it is more than worth the effort.
Also—and I'm only mentioning this because I find it relevant to this thread, not because I want to brag—several members have recently thanked me and expressed that they think I have made the forum a better place. The feeling I got from those thanks made all of the work I've put into running this forum so far feel more than worth it. It gives me motivation to keep trying my best to serve the forum and its community.
Finally, I don't feel it would be proper to finish this post without thanking the staff for everything they've done over the years. It has been a pleasure of mine to work with them. And, of course, I'd like to thank all members who have made me want to stay on this forum—and there are many of them. As corny as this might sound, I mean it: I'm happy to have served and to serve you and the forum, and I will continue to do so as long as I have the energy and motivation to handle the stress that inevitably comes with staff work here, especially when there's a lot of work to do.
What can I say? Now the staff need all the consolation they can get because I'm staying with them. Sorry, my poor colleagues.
*puts on admin T-shirt and hands RF chocolate and hands the staff bribes not to complain*
Recently, I've been very stressed out because of offline issues having to do with school, family, and feeling discouraged (as a result of multiple factors), among other things. Coupled with feeling increasing stress from staff work here due to how many things we've been working on, I've thought about stepping down from my position on the staff. I've talked about this with some fellow staff members but didn't make it "official" by announcing it formally, because it has just been this: a thought. I also didn't want to add one more thing to the list of things the staff have been focusing on at this time so as not to add to the stress.
The decision I've reached is to continue on the staff. Currently, I've been more or less continually active since I was hired in late 2012, with complete breaks that haven't exceeded two or three months (at least I don't recall any that were longer). I love this forum, its sense of community, and what it stands for, so I find that working to help run it is more than worth the effort.
Also—and I'm only mentioning this because I find it relevant to this thread, not because I want to brag—several members have recently thanked me and expressed that they think I have made the forum a better place. The feeling I got from those thanks made all of the work I've put into running this forum so far feel more than worth it. It gives me motivation to keep trying my best to serve the forum and its community.
Finally, I don't feel it would be proper to finish this post without thanking the staff for everything they've done over the years. It has been a pleasure of mine to work with them. And, of course, I'd like to thank all members who have made me want to stay on this forum—and there are many of them. As corny as this might sound, I mean it: I'm happy to have served and to serve you and the forum, and I will continue to do so as long as I have the energy and motivation to handle the stress that inevitably comes with staff work here, especially when there's a lot of work to do.
What can I say? Now the staff need all the consolation they can get because I'm staying with them. Sorry, my poor colleagues.
*puts on admin T-shirt and hands RF chocolate and hands the staff bribes not to complain*
