Anyone work night or swing shift?

[David]

Originally Posted by skcin

He's obviously very nervous about the changing shift, staying awake, etc. Anyone have experience with this - personally or friends/family members?

I once worked late hours -- about 4 pm to midnight/1 am -- back in my newspaper days.

I loved those hours!

[DrummerDeanna]

I never worked anything than long...but in my commercial radio days there were times I'd have to work the 6pm - midnight or the midnight to 6am shift. The midnight to 6 was brutal...hard to stay awake - since it was radio though I'd just have my boyfriend come by and we'd play games and stuff lol....I was the only one there....

At NPR there are people there 24 hours a day - and a lot of the people I knew worked swing/overnights....they get used to it after a while....

The many days off in a row thing is NICE though...I've never had that...

[catinthedark]

I have worked every shift in the book.

Overnights 10pm-8am.... lasted on that for nine months.

Weekends 9am-7pm

Evenings 3pm-11pm or midnight

Days 9am-5pm or 10pm-6pm or 11am-7pm

Now I work noon-10pm, four days a week. But any four days. It changes every week. But I LOVE it.

The five days off at a stretch is nice. I think it'll be an adjustment but doable. The days (nights) he's doing overnights will suck, but I don't know what he'll be doing exactly. I know I needed to sleep 8 hours a day during the day when I was on overnights because it was the only way I could go on the radio every half hour and read a coherent newscast. Maybe he'll be able to get by on less and be able to have supper with you or something? Or breakfast when he gets home? Good luck! Try not to worry too much...

[skcin]

Well, he'll be outside operating a front-end loader much of the time. Here's hoping he won't fall asleep driving that thing!

I worked 3p-11p for years, loved it when I was younger (OK, what am I, 100 or something? ) cuz we used to go out afterwards. But I've been on days for about 5 years, and he hasn't worked mights in over 11 years, at least.

The nights should work out OK, since he'll be sleeping while I'm at work. It's the change in hours every week that's scaring us.

He said at one point "I'd rather take a day job making $8 an hour than not be home half the time." My reply: "I'd rather you not be home & make better money."

[sara1998]

I used to work 3 12 hour days, 6am to 6pm, off 3 days, and then 3 12 hour nights, 6pm to 6am. IT WILL TAKE A TOLL ON HIM!!! I put on 50 lbs working that damn shift, but boy the money was good. Just make sure he eats as properly as he can, and take a vitamin, and try to get as much rest as possible on working days. It can be done, but it is kinda rough. I liked it, but I like my straight 8 hour day shift better. I know lots of people here who have worked this shift for YEARS, and refuse to leave it because they can't live without the shift premiums and overtime. So, be careful of getting used to living on overtime.

Lemme know if you have any more questions.... I worked that shift for 4 years.

[amber]

My dad does, has on and off for years. It's kinda crappy, but since your husband has 4 days off, that will really help. It is a bit taxing on your system, though. He'll feel better if he's able to get to sleep within 1-2 hours of getting home...

[skcin]

Thanks you guys! He took a nap yesterday evening & then stayed up all night to prepare for his first night at work tonight. We'll see how it goes.

There is a new medication that is prescribed for narcolepsy & shift work sleep disorders. It's not a stimulant, it's a bit different. Doesn't stay in your system long either, only about 6 hours or so. At least we know it's there if he needs it. That, or meth. J/K