Shift work

[E.D. man 691]

I believe shiftwork is hard. And I believe alot of SP's work 2 jobs and shift work as an SP.

How many people on here work shiftwork?

My self I wprk 7 straight nights 4 days of 7 straight evenings 3 days off and begin again.

I find it hard to maintain a relationship with a partner doing this.

So heres a poll

[Carrie Moon 68826]

I don't now but I did before I became an escort and put myself through school working nights and attending school during the day. I got severely burnt out. Not recommended.

[rileydaniels 1901]

When I was working graveyard in the call centre I would come home at 8am sleep for about 4 to 6 hours, webcam , and run errands and housework.

 

I was running on empty all the time and sometimes coming home on the train I would wake up at the end of the line and I would have to stand up so I wouldnt sleep and miss my way home.

 

Now I proscatinate a little with getting webcam shows on a regular schedule.

[NotchJohnson 214123]

Ok I do not work shifts but do work long hours (over half days, that's 12 hours right?) and also work on Saturday mornings and take care of a big property over 12 acres of grass and a driveway that is .6 km long along a riverside. You guessed it I'm burnt after working 70 to 80 hours a week and taking care of all my belongings. But its a life that I chose while I'm still young and healthy.

This might change in time, who knows.

[Guest S***e]

I'm retired now, however I did shift work for about 10 or so years and they were of the 10-12 hour shift variety. I didn't mind it so much when I was younger, but as I got older it really took its toll on me. I found myself in a chronic state of fatique and half the time I didn't even know what day of the week it was. There's proven documentation and research to the effect that shift work creates health issues and I don't know how people can spend their entire careers working very difficult shifts...then only to be called back into work on zippo sleep. I have some firefighter friends who thrive on shift work and whatnot, but they work several days in a row then get several days off. Another friend is an Emerg. Dept. physician and he tolerates it well as he loves his work, is unattached and is learning a lot in the process. Like I said, I didn't mind it when I was younger, however if I had to do it now in my 60s I'd be very cranky!!

[Guest s******ecan****]

I don't now but I did before I became an escort and put myself through school working nights and attending school during the day. I got severely burnt out. Not recommended.

 

There is a lot of research indicating shift work can cause sleep deprivation, which itself can lead to a host of health problems.

[omehgosh 736]

I've worked some shift work in my younger years and found it messed me up quite a bit.

 

Every once and a while nowadays I'll have to pull an all-nighter to meet a project deadline, and I have to say that the last couple of years it's really taken it's toll on me - it completely messes up my appetite and sleeping pattern for a few days.

 

I think some people are better with shift work than others. My father worked shift work almost his entire life (3 shifts - days, afternoons, nights) and both he and mother seemed to be just fine. He was okay physically (seemed to be anyhow) and their relationship was good.

 

Same thing with my sister and brother-in-law - he works 12 hour shifts (I'm not sure if he's on 3 shifts or 2, I think it may be 2). He seems physically and mentally healthy, and their relationship seems good.

 

That being said, I'm pretty sure I couldn't handle shift work. I think it would take a toll on my personal life and health.

[antlerman 17064]

we all do shift work in one way or another.....it is just to what extent.....

 

I work from 07:00 till 15:00.......5 days on...2 days off.......

 

but as most have said the longer the shift and more variable it is..the harder it is on some peoples sleep patterns

[Carrie Moon 68826]

There is a lot of research indicating shift work can cause sleep deprivation, which itself can lead to a host of health problems.

 

yup.. it definitely did me in and I would catnap when I could.. but the lack of sleep overall I think did me in more than the shift work itself. Picture me in a very ill fitting blue polyester security guard uniform.. they didn't have any female suits to fit my stature.. wish I had taken a photo of myself back then. It was a sight!

 

My mom who is a retired nurse worked shift work her whole adult life and never had a problem. She's 70 now and is in fantastic health.

 

For me.. I rarely stay up past midnight now unless I'm out for carrie-oke :)

 

I love my zzzzz's and my job is great for setting my own schedule. I never take it for granted it's such a luxury..

 

I recall a study saying ear wax which protects your ears wasn't produced as much in night shift workers..

 

Many people do well getting back on a regular schedule with melatonin to regulate their pineal gland. I have used it myself when travelling as jet lag really takes it's toll on me as well.

[Leber 1328]

It also depends on your profession. If you're in hi tech world, you won't have time for a second job. The companies do expect employees to work outside of the regular hours. People in this field can work basically anywhere with Internet access.