I volunteered (yay) but I am such a dumbass

[trying ungracefully]

It was at a dog shelter and I was working inside. While I was there I cleaned empty kennels, dumped out nasty water, and mopped. It wasn't bad and I enjoyed being busy.

I am so dumb because I left an hour early though. I was mopping the floors and I had to do another room but it ended up getting used. So I looked at the time and saw it was 2pm and I asked if I could leave when I walked up front. I was supposed to stay until 3pm.

It was such a stupid mistake and it sucks because things were going so smoothly until then. But of course with me nothing can be 100% nice.

Now it's hard to look at it as a positive even though it still is. I don't want to go back there either even though I liked it.

I hate that I am so stupid sometimes. This could have been an amazing accomplishment if I stayed the other hour.

 

[liminal]

First of all, congratulations. I'm sure it took a lot of courage to take this step. I am very proud of you.
Secondly, you didn't mess anything up, just made a very common and human mistake.
Animal shelters are always in need of an extra pair of hands.
So they're incredibly grateful for all volunteer work. Irrespective of the time and work anyone puts in.
You did not ruin anything, that's a cognitive distortion you should ignore. You should definitely keep the ball rolling and go back when you have the chance.

 

[infinitanocte]

I agree with liminal, it was just a common mistake. It's still a big accomplishment and something to be proud of, so congrats! Also, helping people (dogs?) AND accomplishing things? That's what I call a win.

It would be great if you went back. It sounds like you did a lot while you were there! I think they would really appreciate your help. It's even better that you said you like it there—you like it, and they also get the help they need :) Think about all those doggies waiting for you to come back again! Can you really resist those adorable faces?

If someone asks about it, you can just tell them you mistook the time. No biggie. And they probably didn't even notice. People do that all the time, so don't think that it indicates anything about you. Plus, the more you do something, the smoother it gets. It sounds like you haven't been volunteering there long, so it's completely expected that things wouldn't be 100% smooth. Heck, even people who do something a lot still mess up sometimes! Don't be too hard on yourself. Your mistakes are part of being human. Cheering you on!!