How long is too long in a calling?

[momof2]

I'm sure this has been discussed before, but how long is too long in a calling?  I am not one to say no to a calling, and I am not one who asks to be released.  With that being said, I am 40 yrs old, and I have served in the primary for 18 1/2 yrs now.  (Yes, that's not a typo!). In this ward alone, I've been in for 7 1/2 years.  When is it time to ask for a change?  I LOVE primary more then anything, but I feel like I am no longer learning for myself.  I've got the primary lessons memorized, I don't even need to plan anymore because everything is ready from all the previous years. I just don't feel like I am getting to strengthen my testimony anymore.  Some weeks I come home and wonder if I even have one anymore.  If the bishop is "inspired" to put me in a calling for this long, how can I inspire him to release me?  I know just go talk to him, but I have the hardest time asking to be released.  I need advise!

[Sunday21]

@momof2. I bet they love you!

[NeuroTypical]

I've been various kinds of clerks for a lot of years, and I've sat in on a lot of bishopric meetings, for five different bishops.  All of them, without exception, do their absolute level best to try to keep their flock happy, engaged, and sometimes challenged with callings as close as a perfect fit as they can possibly come.  All of them pray for, and act on spiritual guidance, but it's not like the Lord gives them a complete map of callings and who should be assigned to what.  Inspiration absolutely exists - I've seen it at work often.  But a lot of it is just plain old doing their best with what they know.

If you're the sort that never provides honest feedback to your bishop or an auxiliary leader, then you're likely to be misunderstood, and since you're not saying anything, you'll absolutely not be heard.  It's sort of the dictionary definition there.  

It doesn't take much - a quick hall conversation or something like that.  "Hi Bishop - I love the kiddos, but you know I've been in primary for almost two full decades - if a change came my way I wouldn't mind one bit."  Be honest.  Get ready for a question like "What would you like to do next?"

Zero out of my five bishops would have come within a million miles of thinking less of you because you're ready for a change and said something. 

Edited July 15, 2017 by NeuroTypical

[my two cents]

Wow! That's a long time and I applaud you for your dedication! Given the number of years, I really don't think anyone would fault you for speaking up. I will caution you though, that it could be worse. If you truly are willing to serve anywhere else, then do something about this but if there are some callings you would really have a hard time with, then maybe talk to the Primary Presidency about changing things up (ie Sunbeams is a whole different ball game than the 10 year olds).  You could also just start taking a break from time to time and get a sub so you can attend other classes or a different ward. Just something to consider.  Oh, and welcome to the forum!

[Guest MormonGator]

14 hours ago, NeuroTypical said:

I've been various kinds of clerks for a lot of years, and I've sat in on a lot of bishopric meetings, for five different bishops.  All of them, without exception, do their absolute level best to try to keep their flock happy, engaged, and sometimes challenged with callings as close as a perfect fit as they can possibly come.  All of them pray for, and act on spiritual guidance, but it's not like the Lord gives them a complete map of callings and who should be assigned to what.  Inspiration absolutely exists - I've seen it at work often.  But a lot of it is just plain old doing their best with what they know.

If you're the sort that never provides honest feedback to your bishop or an auxiliary leader, then you're likely to be misunderstood, and since you're not saying anything, you'll absolutely not be heard.  It's sort of the dictionary definition there.  

It doesn't take much - a quick hall conversation or something like that.  "Hi Bishop - I love the kiddos, but you know I've been in primary for almost two full decades - if a change came my way I wouldn't mind one bit."  Be honest.  Get ready for a question like "What would you like to do next?"

Zero out of my five bishops would have come within a million miles of thinking less of you because you're ready for a change and said something. 

I think this is the best description of bishops I've ever read. I totally agree, I think 99.9% of them do their absolute best, for sure. It's not an easy job. 

[Guest]

14 hours ago, momof2 said:

I'm sure this has been discussed before, but how long is too long in a calling?  I am not one to say no to a calling, and I am not one who asks to be released.  With that being said, I am 40 yrs old, and I have served in the primary for 18 1/2 yrs now.  (Yes, that's not a typo!). In this ward alone, I've been in for 7 1/2 years.  When is it time to ask for a change?  I LOVE primary more then anything, but I feel like I am no longer learning for myself.  I've got the primary lessons memorized, I don't even need to plan anymore because everything is ready from all the previous years. I just don't feel like I am getting to strengthen my testimony anymore.  Some weeks I come home and wonder if I even have one anymore.  If the bishop is "inspired" to put me in a calling for this long, how can I inspire him to release me?  I know just go talk to him, but I have the hardest time asking to be released.  I need advise!

Just ask.  Present your case to the bishop and ask him for a change.  See what happens. 

There is nothing wrong with ASKing.  Just don't demand.

[estradling75]

I see nothing wrong (and many things right) with having a little discussion with the Bishopric about your calling and your feeling toward it.

But to answer your question posted in the subject.  When do you think the Savior is going to be released from his calling as savior?  That is something to ponder don't you think?

 

 

 

[eddified]

Maybe the primary really needs you. I'm guessing you are really good with the kids! I don't think 18 years is too long, if that's where the ward really needs you. Good primary workers are really appreciated, thank you for your service!