When you are faced by constant demands, by people who do not see the Christian life, and therefore Christian ministry, in the same terms as you, by a hierarchy that offers benign advice whilst constantly reducing the supply of staff (and expecting full payment of the quota assessment they impose on you), by social isolation and public scrutiny, and all the time trying to live out your faith and fashion the lives of “you and yours … after the rule and doctrine of Christ, that ye may be wholesome and godly examples and patterns for the people to follow”, the surprise is not that some leave the job but that so many stay.
Elizaphanian
“I come not from Heaven, but from Essex.”
I’m inclined to think that vicarages themselves are part of the problem. I’m thankful that in my diocese we provide our own accommodation. I’d guess that maybe 25% of the attending membership of St. Margaret’s knows where I live, and of course, none of the non-attenders, non-affiliated or folks who want a sandwich. It’s a great reliever of stress to be able to really go home.