If you do this, you will never gain the respect of the membership you represent or the management you must deal with. Problems can often be resolved before they explode into grievances. And members may not be as aware of contract violations and grievable issues as you are. Forget to take a breather. This is intense work.
Stewards work a full-time job and then take on their union responsibilities.
This kind of existence is rewarding but is fraught with burn-out. Take time for yourself and your family. Copyright 1999 Transit Employees Association of Texas.