Question for people who work or have worked night shifts?
Asked by Iria
Im going to apply for a job at a boarding school for children with special needs and the position is for nights. Is it easy to adjust to working night and hard to fit the rest of your life around it? I dont have any children or anything. What would you say the pro's and cons are of it? Thanks in advance for any replies!

Best Answer:
Hi, It depends on how old you are. I'm assuming you are reasonably young. If you are, it is easy to adjust to regular night shifts. You have to adjust your day so that you go to bed and get up at the same time every day. Establish a routine so that you do your "daytime" chores either when you get up or before you go to bed. Don't be tempted to economise on sleep during the day. Have your "breakfast" when you get up, whatever time it is. Have your "lunch" in the middle of your shift and have your dinner or supper before your bed-time. When you've finished your shift, avoid bright daylight as this can re-set your body clock. If possible, don't change your routine too much when you're not working. The pro's are that all your days are your own and pay for night shifts is usually higher. You will be asleep when the shops are open, so may spend less money. It is easier to adjust to regular shifts than variable shifts, where you are working days one week and nights the next. The con's are that you won't see much of your friends or family. Your social life will take a bit more planning.
I have worked all sorts of shift patterns in the health service and as a student.
Answered by STEVE S

its very easy not that hard fitting your life around it get up in the afternoon do stuff go work simple as
Answered by English Babe

I have done very odd hours over the years and its best if you have no family as it wreaks havoc with your body clock and sleeping. I managed it as I was single at the time and it gave me free time when all my friends were hard at work...and the money was goo of course. We are all different, some take to it easier than others. Try it and see.
Answered by susie x ♥♥♥

After my daughter was born I worked nights (9pm - 7am) for a year stacking shelves at Sainsburys and whilst it was ideal, it was hard! It is easier in the winter, as it is easier to sleep in the day when it is cold and darker than in the summer. With some time your body does get used to it, but I don't think you ever completely get used to not sleeping at night.
Answered by beth x

i prefer nights,much easier on the body if your a nite owl.iam going ti be working permanent nites after maternity leave. cant wait
Answered by B2B

it hard night shift blows its fine the first 2 months after that it hard on the body the pros are you free to do what you want in the day time DMV etc
Answered by lee2332

I used to work night shift yrs ago as a Baker , and it';s not hard adjusting to the job . But you might find if you have friends that they work during the day when you sleep , that means no going out before work as it interferes with your night shift. think hard on the subject before takeing up the job.
Answered by Rikki W

Its a totally different mind set. Night working, to a straight pattern, isn't too bad. I worked a night shift, for years, and the hours were different every night!!! The body clock gets thrown right out. Eating patterns can obstruct your immune system. You need to conduct your money commitments by computer. You need a 48 hour break between your last shift, and your next shift. Finally, ask your self----how did this job become vacant?
Answered by suburban

I worked on night shifts in factory for over 2 years...and you know what?You can get to it...its all bout - work in morning, free afternoon, sleep at night....switch to sleep in morning, free afternoon, work at night.Its not that easy for first weeks, but after some time its normal.
Answered by jerombajay

Being a Big Rig Driver 4 many years I found working at night to be a lot less stressful, but that is just me. Pro: By working at night you have the chance to get a lot of stuff done during the day when more everyone is working and you are not. Con: After working a long while on the night shift if you should Stop and go back to day work or day-shift you will find that your body will fight you and not let you go to sleep at night and this sometimes last for a lot longer than you will like. It can take months to get over having switched back and that can be stressful. All in all, it sounds like you have found a job that will bring you joy so, go for it. I'm sure with just this reminder you will do okay if you ever need to go back to day shift after this job. God Bless
Answered by secondson2002

*IM going to apply for a job at a boarding school for children with special needs and the position is for nights* con's:you will be checked and quadruple checked,FULL medical disclosure is often req. LIFE EXPECTANCY IS LOWERED Relationships suffer if not strong. Pros :more money I work some nights,but it's elective.
Answered by Mismobismo!(Alan Partridge Aha!)

It makes it easy to attend day time appointments eg, doctors. It makes it harder to sleep though and your social life may suffer. It's also important to ensure you have a quiet place during the day to sleep. I would rather have a few night shifts in a week/month than every day It can be nice and quiet tho... however if something goes wrong you have less back up
Answered by sesame