Anybody Work Third Shift?

Hi K.,

I am a nurse & have had a lot of years doing the night shift. I don't mean to be a downer, but I am concern for you. My recommendation is to keep looking for something else. Staying up all night is very difficult & hard on your body. It will affect you all the time. You will not be an effective parent or spouse. You will be tired & grumpy. You will want & need to sleep when you get home. It will be hard to care for your kids all day & then take a nap. Also, your sex life will go down the toilet & you will likely gain weight (you will still be hungery when your up at night-plus lack of sleep makes you gain weight).

Have you thought of babysitting kids? Nurses can really use early, flexible daycare that isn't fulltime or a place for them to stay overnight. Or you could try a home business of some kind.

The one positive of working nights is that your husband will have lots of time to be involved with the kids.

i guess we can do what ever we need to to provide for our family i am in same position and am going to apply to target myself ..let us know how it goes

Do you have a TV in your bedroom? I work 7p-7a one night a week. When i really want sleep before going into work, I put my son in bed w/ me and turn on the TV for him. He's a total TV head, so will watch for a while and let me sleep. You also could pay a neighborhood teen to watch the kids while you sleep for a couple hours in the afternoon. Sleep is important, so make it a priority to get some.

Hi K.,
Congratulations on taking charge of your finances by adding to your income! As they say: A sure cure for being broke is a j-o-b! LOL
I have not worked third shift, but we did some major schedule juggling when my stepfather was diagnosed with cancer and he & my mom were no longer able to babysit our son. I worked 6 am to 12 noon, came home and my husband would work about 1:30 til 10:30 p.m. They were definitely long days for us, but at least we both got a fairly solid night's sleep.
Sounds like you are only going to get abut 4-5 hours of sleep. I'm wondering if your little O. naps in the afternoon because that might be a good time for you to catch some extra zzzzzz's. You're gonna need it. You're going to have to be up most of the day until your allotted sleep hours after working 8 hours. Personally, I don't think I could do that long term, but probably could manage if I knew it was only for a few months. Good luck!

After my first son was born, I worked 3rd shift and went to school full time. It was rough getting used to the schedule, but frankly with a little one, I can't think of a better schedule! I'll be heading back to 3rd shift again (my 2nd son is 2 months old) and taking care of the housework. The trick is to catch a nap or two during the day. I've been able to make it on 4 hours of sleep, but it all depends on what you are used to!
We also adjusted our schedules so that my husband takes care of the kids in the morning so that when I get off work I'll be able to catch a few hours sleep uninterrupted. Hopefully your husband will be able to support your sleep schedule!

Good Luck!!!

Dear K..
I also have been looking for a third shift around my area since I will be losing my job in couple month. I used to be a manager at home doing what I was doing before I had a baby, but since the economy is so bad, it's all ending. But I haven't been able to find anything.
I think 11pm-7am is a great schedule! I do have to the one thing that would worry me is that my husband won't be a good care taker when I'm not around. I hate to admit that, but when he's tired or sleeping, nothing matters to him and he doesn't wanna be bothered with anything, and he said he doesn't hear anything either. So leaving my 2 1/2 old at home with him would worry me very much so. But I know I need to work and I feel like if I can't find a job working at home again, I will have to find a 3rd shift job.
Good luck with with your job and you should be sooo proud of yourself for what you are doing. And I know it's gonna be tough and even toughed the first couple weeks or months getting used to it all, but with your dedication and all, it will all work out.

I've been through that. I used to work a swing shift 3rd shift. It really takes a toll on your body. It will be very challenging! I work at home and love it. You are free to check out my website to get more info on it. www.putyourfamily1st.com
Have you ever thought of working at home to earn money? This is a business that could bring your family many rewards now and later. Check it out you won't be disappointed. Let me know what you think and good luck to you!

I just wanted to wish you well...that is a hard but wonderful undertaking that you are doing for you family. You are a stronger person than i :-)