I’m interviewing for a night shift position in a couple days and I’ve always worked 8-4 or 9-5. I’m a little scared of the idea though! I’m worried about seeing my family less because my sleep schedule will be totally different than theirs.
So, night shift workers of the world, what has your experience been like and how do you manage being present in your family life?
My current schedule is two swings, two days, and then either a third day or a graveyard. Weekly overtime can be any of those three shifts, and not necessarily the same per week. I’ve been doing it for sixteen years. Arguably, you get used to it, but consistency is key. Having a kid wasn’t too bad at first, but now that they’re school age, it makes it pretty difficult to be as present as I’d like to be. So, I get by with a lot of coffee. I had a respectable drinking habit for a long time, which I thought helped somewhat, but it really didn’t. Regular exercise helps a ton if you can swing it. Blackout curtains and ear plugs or a noise machine are huge. I also use an eye mask too. Best of luck, nights aren’t for everyone.