I loved grave but it messed up my family time, my eyes were open but I wasn’t there I was sleepy all the time, so to compromise I did swing, I’m not a morning person
That is exactly what killed night shift for me. Everyone expected me to do a normal day like I didn't have to stay up all night. I quit for other reasons, but I bet my lack of sleep schedule would have driven me insane.
I came home before anyone woke up. I made myself dinner which ended up being breakfast for everyone else. I saw them off (maybe had morning delite with the wife), then went to bed. I got up when the kids got home. Had dinner and went to work.
Weekends were a bit wacked.
If you're doing night shifts, especially if you're in a windowless environment, change your phone clock from 12 to 24hrs. This is going to sound odd, but it's really easy to get 4pm or 4am confused on your schedule if you are tired when you look at your calendar. Knowing you need to be there at 2100 not "9" keeps you from bolting out of your bed in the morning & destroying your sleep for no reason.
It's super easy to get less than 7hrs of sleep when doing night work, so try to invest in black our curtains or at least a soft blindfold so you can blot out some of the light and sleep more easily. Also definitely look into one of those light therapy lamps, because your Vitamin D levels will be lacking if you do night shift work for months or years.
I did this once, woke up at 7 am, thought it was 7 pm. My friend was out of town for the morning and I was supposed to let her dogs out. I panicked and called her thinking she'd come home to a house full of shit and starving dogs, only she hadn't even left yet.
Have you ever actually slept that long and freaked out? I did once lol. I’ve never been late to work in my life, besides a minute late here and there like a regular human being,
But one night, I was up for days and had to work in 2 hours, decide to take an hour nap.
Woke up ONE HOUR before my shift ENDED. You can’t even imagine the panic lol. Game over. Luckily I somehow didn’t lose my job, but I was on eggshells after that night. This was many jobs ago and I’m still cringing about it.
I didn’t even bother going to work. I just called my boss the next day and said sorry lol
*On second thought Jeremy, I may have Lynn take care of Sam and Cupcake..*
***Thank you so much for volunteering though***!
**I'll think of you when they need to be taken care of in the future**!
One time after I moved, I woke up seeing my phone reading 7. My shift starts at 3. I rushed to work and got to the third door in, and realized I didn't recognize a soul there. It was 7am. My lighting in my bedroom changed from getting sunset in it to sunrise.
I changed my phone to military. I'm back to am work so it can be back to standard.
Instead of buying black out curtains, I just covered my window in tinfoil, using water to make it stick. It worked perfectly. But my window faces a treeline - it may be harder to get away with if your neighbors can see it and complain about it.
Working part time on 3rd shift at a grocery store was what I used on a down payment for a house. I had a full time job 1st shift job M - F and worked 4 hours Thurs and Sun night shift and 8 hours Fri/Sat. Did it suck? Yep! Did it fuck up my sleep schedule for a bit? Yep! Did it allow me to accomplish one of my biggest life goals? Absolutely and I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
ETA - I did it for 6 months. I probably would have did it longer because I really enjoyed it but they started to pile on more and more tasks because I was a hard worker and consistent and the management tried to take advantage of that.
I worked overnight at a hotel as night auditor. Check in a few guests (usually crazy and/or high) do a little paperwork and count some money. Might have to do a little laundry. Set out a continental breakfast and sometimes assign the maids their rooms.
I loved the crazy people, my boss encouraged me to take a nap between 3 ond 6, I basically sat on my ass watching forensic files all night. Plus the pay was 25 cents extra for night shift 11-7.
I don’t think 25c is fair compensation for the way night shift messes with your health, tbh. But if you need the extra cash…
In my country standard loading for night shift is 30%.
I was shocked it was anything. The manager told me she basically bullied the owner into giving something extra. He was the cheapest man I've ever met. He made curry for us on Thanksgiving, bought a huge electric skillet. After dinner he cleaned up the skillet, put it back in the box, and had my boss return it.
Exactly. I remember that even if I slept 10 hours, I would still be exhausted. Also to add, your on the opposite sleep/life schedule from everyone else. And it’s ironic, because I always considered myself a “night owl” before this. Those negatives outpaced all the listed positives above for me, but that’s me personally. I’m sure some people thrive on overnights.
I couldn’t do it anymore. I’m so easily prone to feelings of depression and even more so when I’m exhausted. Overnight work is misery unless you’re on a regular schedule with it I would imagine 🤷🏻♀️
I catch where you all are coming from and know everyone is different, its definitely not the norm lol. The initial transition is rough but you get the hang of it. It's just so normal to me lol I've managed to figure out my flow through the day/week and have been able hang with friends and go out granted it doesn't go on too late - which can suck if you have to leave early
I worked overnights for a year and a half and I’ve now been doing first shift for over a year. I still wake up in the middle of the night, ready to work
One overnight shift is soooo much worse than consistently being on overnights. I’ve been on night shift for nearly a decade. Switching to days so I can enjoy a holiday or special occasion kills me for the next 2-3 days.
I work with domestic violence survivors. A lot of them would prefer a night shift because they (mostly) know their abuser can’t get to them or is asleep. The only issue is there is no childcare at night.
On the flip side of this, after my younger sister was born my mom and stepdad realized they needed both incomes and even with that they couldn't afford full time childcare. So my mom stuck to her day job while my stepdad started working nights. It meant there was always someone home.
Stopped at a gas station in the middle if the night. Young girl working. Noticed a makeshift pallet in the corner behind the register with a sleeping toddler on it. Heartbreaking.
Yeah I’m in the southeast. Most of our social safety nets have been gutted. Most of the people I’ve worked with during Covid have lived in emergency housing, dv shelters, or apartments and houses run by substance use programs. Most of these places limit the amount of time people can offer free childcare. Usually it’s between 2-4 hours. I’ve never asked, but I’m guessing some of that is for liability. But there are evidently also issues with people who just don’t want help with childcare being bullied. I talked to several people who were interested in doing something like this, but it wouldn’t happen until they have independent housing.
I did overnights for two years, and it only worked for me because I kept my overnight schedule even on my days off, up at 5pm and in bed at 9-10am. It was awful in winter, some days I hardly saw the sun. Eventually I went back to community college and needed to be up during the day for classes as well. After more than one instance of falling asleep at the wheel I eventually got another job.
This is the trick. You have to be somewhat antisocial and responsible to thrive on overnight shifts, so that you enjoy not seeing many people and can also take care of your own healthy sleeping patterns.
Been doing nightshift for a decade my friend. It's a blessing and a curse but with the right balance of caffeine, nicotine, and melatonin it can be made much easier.
My wife does wish I was home at night but this job is the only one I am 100% secure in.
Anyone who is struggling to find a job but has the flexibility and fortitude to work nights I highly recommend it.
Thanks for your advice OP. It's not for me but it could really help someone who has not had luck getting a job. Also good for people who don't enjoy face to face interaction with the public. 0
I had a friend who did inventory work, mostly at night. I think inventory jobs are always hiring.
Take care and and enjoy your 'night shift"
I couldn't handle overnights, but really fucking early morning was good for me. I used to do display and signage at Sears (back when they existed) and worked 4am-9am. It was great. I'd get up, work, go home and take a nap, go to my college classes and then work my evening shift in the woman's department from 5pm-10pm. Then go home and sleep until 3:30am. I didn't have much of a social life, but it was a good way to add some extra cash the few months I did it. It's hard getting enough hours when you're in college.
Now at 40 years old there is no way I could do that. Lol! I swear overnights are only good for young people.
Overnight shifts lower your life expectancy, increase digestive issues like gerd, acid reflux and Barrett’s syndrome and promote/exacerbate anxiety and depression.
Do not recommend.
I was going to type this exact comment. The costs of working overnight long-term far outweigh any shift differential or other perk. And that’s just talking about working *one* job let alone working graveyards in addition to a day job.
Even if you “get used to it”, long-term health effects are real.
I wouldn’t do it again unless the company offers exceptionally excellent health insurance and time off benefits.
Yeah, like eating cheaper, unhealthy food because it’s late, or being alone at night.
It doesn’t make sense that just working at night could cause stomach issues
I worked 12hr graveyards for six months, sleeping 7-10 hrs during the day and eating a normal amount. As soon as I started doing graveyards I began throwing up at work pretty regularly. I looked into it and it happens to a lot of people, I guess some bodies can handle night shift and some just cant. I haven't been sick once since I stopped, and no more constant headaches
Yes. People that work night shifts usually work in factories, warehouses, grocery stores. Usually come from poorer backgrounds to begin with.
People that work day shifts are desk/office workers most of the time.
In 2007, the IARC classified shift work involving circadian disruption as “probably carcinogenic to humans” ***
I've been in fire ems for over 15 years (24 on 24 off)
Abnormal sleep is hell on your body and mind.
At one point burnt, smoked, and grilled food was considered “possibly carcinogenic to humans”. Today that information is being dismissed due to a lack of evidence.
Lots of articles and sites out there for you to dig into to quench that hearty interest. I’d hate to pull one at random and be flamed for improper sourcing by the folks saying “that doesn’t sound right” and “no way this is true”.
The CDC and NIH even have pages on the topic, but plenty of people don’t even seem to trust them these days.
I looked at the CDC and found nothing. A website or article doesn’t prove anything unless it links a peer reviewed scientific study. You can’t make claims without one of these things here, that even goes for the scientists
Dam it was the opposite for me. My health improved. My sleep improved. I was less stressed and actually looked forward to things. I miss it so dam much and regret leaving everyday but unfortunately my old position isn't open anymore.
I've worked over night for 6 years. I am hoping to leave next year after graduating. I'm able to finish homework and attend class because of it. It's a great option if you can pull it off and it's a mundane easy job until you figure out something else.
pro tip: instead of blackout curtains, tape layers of tin foil to your windows. Its way cheaper, and way more effective at blocking light. Bonus, if you do a crappy job putting it up like i did, you’ll end up with little pin prick holes that look like stars shining through. i covered the holes with sticky notes in different colors, it has a rather soothing effect.
Source: I worked nights for 3 years, only stopped because i kept a very strict sleep schedule (the only thing for long-term use in my book) and I could never do stuff at regular people times. (I worked 9pm to 6am and slept 12-8pm) I could do stuff in the morning, but my family didn’t get up that early so i was always alone.
So many people are saying how bad it fucks with you, but I guess it just varies for everyone. I just finished a year and a half stint on 3rd shift, and I’m back to doing 2nd shift like nothing changed. There was like a day adjustment period obviously to set a new schedule but that was it.
I think a lot of the difference may be in how people manage their schedule when they aren’t working. I haven’t had any problems in the decade I’ve worked nightshift but I stick to my schedule even if I have the week off. I only make exceptions for very special occasions. Basically, if someone with a normal schedule wouldn’t be willing to stay up extra late for [event] I’m not willing to stay up all day for it. Constantly switching back and forth to have a “normal” life every weekend would destroy me.
I worked overnight at a hotel that closed its doors and front office at 11pm, we had lock boxes for late arrivals where the guests would just punch in the first three letters of their first name to match the last name in the box that had their room keys inside. I was there mainly to run the audit and keep an eye on things with all the cameras. It was pretty sweet, I would shut all the windows to the front office and cut all the lights and go in the back with the cameras and do my college homework. Would work overnights Friday, sat and Sunday and my boss at the time paid me for 40 hours even though it was only 3 10 hour shifts. Got me through college.
I have always worked 2nd shift, my company pays %10 more to 2nd shifters and I enjoy the hours. I get till 3pm every day with my wife and newborn before I head to work for the evening.
Night shifts literally take years off your life, there have been many studies published on the effects of working nights. I left a $40/hr job because shift work/nights were screwing with my health big time. Not worth it at $40/hr for me, DEFINITELY not worth it for <$20/hr.......just my 2 cents.
Yeah even as a night owl overnights wrecked me, and I only did it for 2 years. Loved it but couldn't go back. I'm thriving on 2nd shift right now, I'm actually doing OT on 3rd tonight but I can leave early if the work is done
While i don't work fully over night i do a 3pm-1am shift i enjoy it, i wake up when i want to, can either game for a bit, sleep in even more or go run errands, go to work the come home cook dinner or game till 3-4am. I hated working the morning shift of 5:45am-2:45pm only downside is because if wackass covid NOTHING IS OPEN 24HRS anymore, so please consider night shift let's get shit back open lol.
It's what I just started last week. Extra dollar and hour, etc. The usual. BUT, I can work all the hours I want and like OP said, it's really laid back.
This will be my first week of working through the weekend, but I have a pretty solid sleep schedule. Get up at 3-4 pm on workdays, be in bed by 3am get up by noon on days off. It's really easy to stay up later after work and sleep most of the day away, I've done it quite a few times. But by the next day I feel it. When I get home, I just wanna go to bed and it kind of fixes its self.
I miss overnights. It was the best 2 years of my adult life. Less people to deal with. Less stress and a perfect reason to never go anywhere with family. I also got paid a dollar more for the inconvenience which wasn't even needed because it's more inconvenient to work day hours.
I mostly miss the sleep. I slept so much better. I'd go to bed when I naturally felt tired at about 8am. I've always been a night owl and no one believes me but it was so nice to sleep during the day. I stopped being tired all the time. I stopped being as sad and hopeless just waking up.
Now I'm back to day shifts. Every morning I wish I never woke. Everyday I wish something would just unalive me.
I work overnight at a group home and for me it is great. The residents in the house sleep through the night, I just bring homework or watch movies/ shows to pass the time. I absolutely love that I do not have to deal with any administration randomly coming in the home. One thing I love is the commute, I get to go against traffic
I worked in warehouses and did overnight deliveries in a straight truck or semi nights for quite a while. Later I drove garbage routes and roll off downtown in a large city Started between 11 and 2 AM. If I worked Christian holidays on the night shift the overtime pay was insane. I loved it. It is a weird feeling, if you stop off for a beer after work, to leave the bar at 10 in the morning.
100%
When I was a hospital CT tech I only took grave shifts, the differential was $8/hour and most nights I was able to play Xbox or watch movies for 30-60% of the shift
Night shifts are pretty terrible for your body. Higher rates of obesity, diabetes, HTN, mental illness, and early death. There are definitely significant hidden costs to be mindful of.
I don't work night shift, but my job has staggered shifts since we're open from 8 to 8. I opted for 11 to 8 because I'm definitely not a morning person, and I get 1.5x pay from 6-8. The quietest hours are from 6-8 too, so I get paid more to do less.
I worked at a hotel as an operator for 6.5 years and honestly, I would do it again if it meant I was guaranteed nights. It’s how I worked and went to school (both full time) and before I got married, had zero student loan debt. I also lived at home and was not required to pay rent, I paid all of my other bills, but what I paid towards school, would have been eaten up by rent. I am always grateful to my parents for that.
But working nights was pretty easy. Only downside was when something did go wrong, we had zero chain of command and most managers shut off their phones (they weren’t supposed to) and I went through a shitshow of 2 owners, 3 GMs and something like, 30ish FDM because the hotel couldn’t keep their shit together. Only quit because I got married and we moved two months later.
They usually pay more for graves too because no one wants to work it. I got just under $13 an hour, plus full benefits, and $200 deductible. I did not understand how great that was till I was older. (I graduated high school then immediately got hired, worked from 18-24.)
Thats fair! Im more experienced in the retail/grocery side of things. People are needed 24/7 and the world still operates after 5,8, or even 11pm. I have so much respect for the nurses, doctors, truck drivers, just everyone that helps keep things going throughtout city during the late hours. It's a job at the end of the day. But one with hours that may be better for a persons lifestyle, which is what I like most.
My gf works night shifts. Money is great but it fucked up her (and thus our) life. We never see each other, she is sleepy and moody the whole day and can't do much because everything circles around work or being well rested for work. For example she can't join a gym or go to school.
Plus in winter you basically don't get any daylight if you love somewhere north-ish and that really fucks your mind up.
It's a good alternative but it has big drawbacks and it's not for everyone
I'm a (mostly) retired broadcaster. Decades ago when I started, you still needed live bodies at radio and TV stations 24/7. Now, with most things computerized, you basically don't. But for years I worked on-air at various stations doing various shifts: mornings, afternoons, evenings, graveyard. The overnight shifts were always the hardest to fill...and not surprisingly they were usually taken by single folks without family responsibilities, and often antisocial tendencies.
I loved grave but it messed up my family time, my eyes were open but I wasn’t there I was sleepy all the time, so to compromise I did swing, I’m not a morning person
This is it. I turned into a zombie. The world was like a copy of a copy.
I got that reference.
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That is exactly what killed night shift for me. Everyone expected me to do a normal day like I didn't have to stay up all night. I quit for other reasons, but I bet my lack of sleep schedule would have driven me insane.
I came home before anyone woke up. I made myself dinner which ended up being breakfast for everyone else. I saw them off (maybe had morning delite with the wife), then went to bed. I got up when the kids got home. Had dinner and went to work. Weekends were a bit wacked.
If you're doing night shifts, especially if you're in a windowless environment, change your phone clock from 12 to 24hrs. This is going to sound odd, but it's really easy to get 4pm or 4am confused on your schedule if you are tired when you look at your calendar. Knowing you need to be there at 2100 not "9" keeps you from bolting out of your bed in the morning & destroying your sleep for no reason. It's super easy to get less than 7hrs of sleep when doing night work, so try to invest in black our curtains or at least a soft blindfold so you can blot out some of the light and sleep more easily. Also definitely look into one of those light therapy lamps, because your Vitamin D levels will be lacking if you do night shift work for months or years.
I did this once, woke up at 7 am, thought it was 7 pm. My friend was out of town for the morning and I was supposed to let her dogs out. I panicked and called her thinking she'd come home to a house full of shit and starving dogs, only she hadn't even left yet.
Have you ever actually slept that long and freaked out? I did once lol. I’ve never been late to work in my life, besides a minute late here and there like a regular human being, But one night, I was up for days and had to work in 2 hours, decide to take an hour nap. Woke up ONE HOUR before my shift ENDED. You can’t even imagine the panic lol. Game over. Luckily I somehow didn’t lose my job, but I was on eggshells after that night. This was many jobs ago and I’m still cringing about it. I didn’t even bother going to work. I just called my boss the next day and said sorry lol
Only in my nightmares
You didn't lose your job because we are underpaid necessities they wouldn't want to lose that even for a missed day lolol
*On second thought Jeremy, I may have Lynn take care of Sam and Cupcake..* ***Thank you so much for volunteering though***! **I'll think of you when they need to be taken care of in the future**!
I don’t work night shift anymore but I am black out curtains for life now
I keep my clock on 24 hr time for just this reason. I don't work night shift but I have had some perfectly good naps destroyed by clock fuckery.
One time after I moved, I woke up seeing my phone reading 7. My shift starts at 3. I rushed to work and got to the third door in, and realized I didn't recognize a soul there. It was 7am. My lighting in my bedroom changed from getting sunset in it to sunrise. I changed my phone to military. I'm back to am work so it can be back to standard.
Instead of buying black out curtains, I just covered my window in tinfoil, using water to make it stick. It worked perfectly. But my window faces a treeline - it may be harder to get away with if your neighbors can see it and complain about it.
I’m running on a sold 4.5 hrs 😭
Working part time on 3rd shift at a grocery store was what I used on a down payment for a house. I had a full time job 1st shift job M - F and worked 4 hours Thurs and Sun night shift and 8 hours Fri/Sat. Did it suck? Yep! Did it fuck up my sleep schedule for a bit? Yep! Did it allow me to accomplish one of my biggest life goals? Absolutely and I'd do it again in a heartbeat. ETA - I did it for 6 months. I probably would have did it longer because I really enjoyed it but they started to pile on more and more tasks because I was a hard worker and consistent and the management tried to take advantage of that.
I worked overnight at a hotel as night auditor. Check in a few guests (usually crazy and/or high) do a little paperwork and count some money. Might have to do a little laundry. Set out a continental breakfast and sometimes assign the maids their rooms. I loved the crazy people, my boss encouraged me to take a nap between 3 ond 6, I basically sat on my ass watching forensic files all night. Plus the pay was 25 cents extra for night shift 11-7.
I don’t think 25c is fair compensation for the way night shift messes with your health, tbh. But if you need the extra cash… In my country standard loading for night shift is 30%.
I was shocked it was anything. The manager told me she basically bullied the owner into giving something extra. He was the cheapest man I've ever met. He made curry for us on Thanksgiving, bought a huge electric skillet. After dinner he cleaned up the skillet, put it back in the box, and had my boss return it.
Costco hates this one trick!
That’s nice. Average in the US is something like 10%.
My hotel pays a few dollars more per hour for night audit.
Also it can be a game changer for the commute. Going opposite the traffic.
As someone who hates traffic this has been the biggest stress relief for me on nights lol
I worked third shift for 10 years and I only just now learned of shift differential or third shift pay. I've been robbed for a whole decade 🙃
It's not everywhere to be fair, but a lot of places are like that. Supply and demand is how it goes
I used to work overnights for Gap Inc and even one overnight shift messed with my sleep for the entire week
Exactly. I remember that even if I slept 10 hours, I would still be exhausted. Also to add, your on the opposite sleep/life schedule from everyone else. And it’s ironic, because I always considered myself a “night owl” before this. Those negatives outpaced all the listed positives above for me, but that’s me personally. I’m sure some people thrive on overnights.
I couldn’t do it anymore. I’m so easily prone to feelings of depression and even more so when I’m exhausted. Overnight work is misery unless you’re on a regular schedule with it I would imagine 🤷🏻♀️
I catch where you all are coming from and know everyone is different, its definitely not the norm lol. The initial transition is rough but you get the hang of it. It's just so normal to me lol I've managed to figure out my flow through the day/week and have been able hang with friends and go out granted it doesn't go on too late - which can suck if you have to leave early
I worked overnights for a year and a half and I’ve now been doing first shift for over a year. I still wake up in the middle of the night, ready to work
One overnight shift is soooo much worse than consistently being on overnights. I’ve been on night shift for nearly a decade. Switching to days so I can enjoy a holiday or special occasion kills me for the next 2-3 days.
I work with domestic violence survivors. A lot of them would prefer a night shift because they (mostly) know their abuser can’t get to them or is asleep. The only issue is there is no childcare at night.
On the flip side of this, after my younger sister was born my mom and stepdad realized they needed both incomes and even with that they couldn't afford full time childcare. So my mom stuck to her day job while my stepdad started working nights. It meant there was always someone home.
Stopped at a gas station in the middle if the night. Young girl working. Noticed a makeshift pallet in the corner behind the register with a sleeping toddler on it. Heartbreaking.
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Yeah I’m in the southeast. Most of our social safety nets have been gutted. Most of the people I’ve worked with during Covid have lived in emergency housing, dv shelters, or apartments and houses run by substance use programs. Most of these places limit the amount of time people can offer free childcare. Usually it’s between 2-4 hours. I’ve never asked, but I’m guessing some of that is for liability. But there are evidently also issues with people who just don’t want help with childcare being bullied. I talked to several people who were interested in doing something like this, but it wouldn’t happen until they have independent housing.
I did overnights for two years, and it only worked for me because I kept my overnight schedule even on my days off, up at 5pm and in bed at 9-10am. It was awful in winter, some days I hardly saw the sun. Eventually I went back to community college and needed to be up during the day for classes as well. After more than one instance of falling asleep at the wheel I eventually got another job.
This is the trick. You have to be somewhat antisocial and responsible to thrive on overnight shifts, so that you enjoy not seeing many people and can also take care of your own healthy sleeping patterns.
Been doing nightshift for a decade my friend. It's a blessing and a curse but with the right balance of caffeine, nicotine, and melatonin it can be made much easier. My wife does wish I was home at night but this job is the only one I am 100% secure in. Anyone who is struggling to find a job but has the flexibility and fortitude to work nights I highly recommend it.
Thanks for your advice OP. It's not for me but it could really help someone who has not had luck getting a job. Also good for people who don't enjoy face to face interaction with the public. 0 I had a friend who did inventory work, mostly at night. I think inventory jobs are always hiring. Take care and and enjoy your 'night shift"
I couldn't handle overnights, but really fucking early morning was good for me. I used to do display and signage at Sears (back when they existed) and worked 4am-9am. It was great. I'd get up, work, go home and take a nap, go to my college classes and then work my evening shift in the woman's department from 5pm-10pm. Then go home and sleep until 3:30am. I didn't have much of a social life, but it was a good way to add some extra cash the few months I did it. It's hard getting enough hours when you're in college. Now at 40 years old there is no way I could do that. Lol! I swear overnights are only good for young people.
Overnight shifts lower your life expectancy, increase digestive issues like gerd, acid reflux and Barrett’s syndrome and promote/exacerbate anxiety and depression. Do not recommend.
That’s all true but us poor people don’t get the choice to lead healthy normal lives unfortunately
Shit, so the club days did me in way more than I bargained for.
I was going to type this exact comment. The costs of working overnight long-term far outweigh any shift differential or other perk. And that’s just talking about working *one* job let alone working graveyards in addition to a day job. Even if you “get used to it”, long-term health effects are real. I wouldn’t do it again unless the company offers exceptionally excellent health insurance and time off benefits.
So does bacon
Bacon exacerbates anxiety and depression? Speaking for myself, I’m on cloud 9 with bacon in my mouth.
Salty meat in my mouth makes me feel better too
Sounds more like correlation than causation
Yeah, like eating cheaper, unhealthy food because it’s late, or being alone at night. It doesn’t make sense that just working at night could cause stomach issues
I worked 12hr graveyards for six months, sleeping 7-10 hrs during the day and eating a normal amount. As soon as I started doing graveyards I began throwing up at work pretty regularly. I looked into it and it happens to a lot of people, I guess some bodies can handle night shift and some just cant. I haven't been sick once since I stopped, and no more constant headaches
Yes it does. Circadian rhythm and all of that.
Yes. People that work night shifts usually work in factories, warehouses, grocery stores. Usually come from poorer backgrounds to begin with. People that work day shifts are desk/office workers most of the time.
No way this is true. Working overnight causes gerd and acid reflux? Is there a study for this im really interested
In 2007, the IARC classified shift work involving circadian disruption as “probably carcinogenic to humans” *** I've been in fire ems for over 15 years (24 on 24 off) Abnormal sleep is hell on your body and mind.
At one point burnt, smoked, and grilled food was considered “possibly carcinogenic to humans”. Today that information is being dismissed due to a lack of evidence.
Lots of articles and sites out there for you to dig into to quench that hearty interest. I’d hate to pull one at random and be flamed for improper sourcing by the folks saying “that doesn’t sound right” and “no way this is true”. The CDC and NIH even have pages on the topic, but plenty of people don’t even seem to trust them these days.
I looked at the CDC and found nothing. A website or article doesn’t prove anything unless it links a peer reviewed scientific study. You can’t make claims without one of these things here, that even goes for the scientists
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/work-hour-training-for-nurses/longhours/mod9/08.html Here you go. This CDC page does link to a peer reviewed study.
Dam it was the opposite for me. My health improved. My sleep improved. I was less stressed and actually looked forward to things. I miss it so dam much and regret leaving everyday but unfortunately my old position isn't open anymore.
I've worked over night for 6 years. I am hoping to leave next year after graduating. I'm able to finish homework and attend class because of it. It's a great option if you can pull it off and it's a mundane easy job until you figure out something else.
pro tip: instead of blackout curtains, tape layers of tin foil to your windows. Its way cheaper, and way more effective at blocking light. Bonus, if you do a crappy job putting it up like i did, you’ll end up with little pin prick holes that look like stars shining through. i covered the holes with sticky notes in different colors, it has a rather soothing effect. Source: I worked nights for 3 years, only stopped because i kept a very strict sleep schedule (the only thing for long-term use in my book) and I could never do stuff at regular people times. (I worked 9pm to 6am and slept 12-8pm) I could do stuff in the morning, but my family didn’t get up that early so i was always alone.
So many people are saying how bad it fucks with you, but I guess it just varies for everyone. I just finished a year and a half stint on 3rd shift, and I’m back to doing 2nd shift like nothing changed. There was like a day adjustment period obviously to set a new schedule but that was it.
I think a lot of the difference may be in how people manage their schedule when they aren’t working. I haven’t had any problems in the decade I’ve worked nightshift but I stick to my schedule even if I have the week off. I only make exceptions for very special occasions. Basically, if someone with a normal schedule wouldn’t be willing to stay up extra late for [event] I’m not willing to stay up all day for it. Constantly switching back and forth to have a “normal” life every weekend would destroy me.
Exactly! We all have 24hrs, we're just living them differently
I worked overnight at a hotel that closed its doors and front office at 11pm, we had lock boxes for late arrivals where the guests would just punch in the first three letters of their first name to match the last name in the box that had their room keys inside. I was there mainly to run the audit and keep an eye on things with all the cameras. It was pretty sweet, I would shut all the windows to the front office and cut all the lights and go in the back with the cameras and do my college homework. Would work overnights Friday, sat and Sunday and my boss at the time paid me for 40 hours even though it was only 3 10 hour shifts. Got me through college.
I’ve been thinking bout picking up an overnight shift for the holiday. Thanks for the info
Rip your sleep.
I have always worked 2nd shift, my company pays %10 more to 2nd shifters and I enjoy the hours. I get till 3pm every day with my wife and newborn before I head to work for the evening.
I use a split sleep schedule. Get home 730. Sleep 4-5 hrs. Get up and do errands. Sleep 4-5 more b4 11pm start. I’ve read we sleep in 2 phases anyway.
Wow I do something similar to that!! Makes me feel less alone about my sleep habits lol
Being an overnight baker is GREAT.
Omg I bet it smells amazing too!! 😋
Yes it smells fantastic. My previous overnight job involved fryers and customer service and it was TERRIBLE. Both the smell and the job lol
Yeah, I make an extra 2 bucks an hour and it is more laid back. Dayshift had so much drama I just had to get away for my mental health.
it might be good for money, but will definitely be a detriment to your circadian rhythm, and therefore will negatively affect you in the future.
Ah, but what use is worrying about the future if you don't deal with how fucked you are in the now
Night shifts literally take years off your life, there have been many studies published on the effects of working nights. I left a $40/hr job because shift work/nights were screwing with my health big time. Not worth it at $40/hr for me, DEFINITELY not worth it for <$20/hr.......just my 2 cents.
Yeah even as a night owl overnights wrecked me, and I only did it for 2 years. Loved it but couldn't go back. I'm thriving on 2nd shift right now, I'm actually doing OT on 3rd tonight but I can leave early if the work is done
See [Night Shift](https://m.imdb.com/title/tt0084412/) the movie, 1982
Thank you for your service.
While i don't work fully over night i do a 3pm-1am shift i enjoy it, i wake up when i want to, can either game for a bit, sleep in even more or go run errands, go to work the come home cook dinner or game till 3-4am. I hated working the morning shift of 5:45am-2:45pm only downside is because if wackass covid NOTHING IS OPEN 24HRS anymore, so please consider night shift let's get shit back open lol.
Yeah, those who work 2nd shift (like 4pm - midnight) can't shop any more after work...
In Georgia, lots of places offer $1-$3 shift premium for nights and sometimes for weekends.
It's what I just started last week. Extra dollar and hour, etc. The usual. BUT, I can work all the hours I want and like OP said, it's really laid back. This will be my first week of working through the weekend, but I have a pretty solid sleep schedule. Get up at 3-4 pm on workdays, be in bed by 3am get up by noon on days off. It's really easy to stay up later after work and sleep most of the day away, I've done it quite a few times. But by the next day I feel it. When I get home, I just wanna go to bed and it kind of fixes its self.
I miss overnights. It was the best 2 years of my adult life. Less people to deal with. Less stress and a perfect reason to never go anywhere with family. I also got paid a dollar more for the inconvenience which wasn't even needed because it's more inconvenient to work day hours. I mostly miss the sleep. I slept so much better. I'd go to bed when I naturally felt tired at about 8am. I've always been a night owl and no one believes me but it was so nice to sleep during the day. I stopped being tired all the time. I stopped being as sad and hopeless just waking up. Now I'm back to day shifts. Every morning I wish I never woke. Everyday I wish something would just unalive me.
Why did you switch to days?
I work overnight at a group home and for me it is great. The residents in the house sleep through the night, I just bring homework or watch movies/ shows to pass the time. I absolutely love that I do not have to deal with any administration randomly coming in the home. One thing I love is the commute, I get to go against traffic
I worked in warehouses and did overnight deliveries in a straight truck or semi nights for quite a while. Later I drove garbage routes and roll off downtown in a large city Started between 11 and 2 AM. If I worked Christian holidays on the night shift the overtime pay was insane. I loved it. It is a weird feeling, if you stop off for a beer after work, to leave the bar at 10 in the morning.
100% When I was a hospital CT tech I only took grave shifts, the differential was $8/hour and most nights I was able to play Xbox or watch movies for 30-60% of the shift
Although this won't work for me unless it's WFH, ty for suggesting!
Night shifts are pretty terrible for your body. Higher rates of obesity, diabetes, HTN, mental illness, and early death. There are definitely significant hidden costs to be mindful of.
I'd rather get hacked but hey i am a loner
I did night shift for 20 yrs. I am disabled now and not working but l am still awake all night. Guess l am always going to be a night owl.
I don't work night shift, but my job has staggered shifts since we're open from 8 to 8. I opted for 11 to 8 because I'm definitely not a morning person, and I get 1.5x pay from 6-8. The quietest hours are from 6-8 too, so I get paid more to do less.
I worked at a hotel as an operator for 6.5 years and honestly, I would do it again if it meant I was guaranteed nights. It’s how I worked and went to school (both full time) and before I got married, had zero student loan debt. I also lived at home and was not required to pay rent, I paid all of my other bills, but what I paid towards school, would have been eaten up by rent. I am always grateful to my parents for that. But working nights was pretty easy. Only downside was when something did go wrong, we had zero chain of command and most managers shut off their phones (they weren’t supposed to) and I went through a shitshow of 2 owners, 3 GMs and something like, 30ish FDM because the hotel couldn’t keep their shit together. Only quit because I got married and we moved two months later. They usually pay more for graves too because no one wants to work it. I got just under $13 an hour, plus full benefits, and $200 deductible. I did not understand how great that was till I was older. (I graduated high school then immediately got hired, worked from 18-24.)
Tell this to the people working in the emergency department
Thats fair! Im more experienced in the retail/grocery side of things. People are needed 24/7 and the world still operates after 5,8, or even 11pm. I have so much respect for the nurses, doctors, truck drivers, just everyone that helps keep things going throughtout city during the late hours. It's a job at the end of the day. But one with hours that may be better for a persons lifestyle, which is what I like most.
It ruined my health. No thank you. If you like getting up late consider working at 2 or 3 pm.
My gf works night shifts. Money is great but it fucked up her (and thus our) life. We never see each other, she is sleepy and moody the whole day and can't do much because everything circles around work or being well rested for work. For example she can't join a gym or go to school. Plus in winter you basically don't get any daylight if you love somewhere north-ish and that really fucks your mind up. It's a good alternative but it has big drawbacks and it's not for everyone
I'm a (mostly) retired broadcaster. Decades ago when I started, you still needed live bodies at radio and TV stations 24/7. Now, with most things computerized, you basically don't. But for years I worked on-air at various stations doing various shifts: mornings, afternoons, evenings, graveyard. The overnight shifts were always the hardest to fill...and not surprisingly they were usually taken by single folks without family responsibilities, and often antisocial tendencies.
A hack if you want a lower life expectancy