Shift Work

[kcfrnf]

:confused: Today is my last day off and back to work tomorrow... I work shift work -- 2, 12 hour days shifts and then 2, 12 hour nights shifts... and I feel as tired today on my last day off as I would if I was just finishing my shifts... I get 4 days off inbetween. After doing shift work for more than the last 10 years, I'm beginning to think they have really taken a toll on my life..... seems all I want to do is sleep, these days, and I have so much other stuff that needs doing or I would like to do.... I really feel it is time for a change... but to get one, How? ......
What I need is a routine in my life, where I have everything organized, and do it the same time every day. I'm going to go over to work later and see if I can't get tomorrow's shift reduced to only 8 hours.... and see how that goes. And a good walk outside might help too.... Anyways, Hope everyone has a great day... and don't mind me, just rambling..... random thoughts.
take care
L. Kim

[Boopers]

Hi L. Kim,

Wow, I don't know how you do it!! That's alot of years to work that kind of schedule! Is it possible that they would either put you on only days or only nights to work your shifts? That would be so much better for you, physically and mentally.
The way your schedule is now, your body just can't adjust because it's being thrown back and forth into different hours to rest and sleep. No wonder you stay so tired.
The only other possibility would be to find another job. I don't know how difficult that would be, but you really need to find a change somehow.
I wish you the best of luck in finding a solution to this.
Take care,
Linda

[kcfrnf]

Thanks Linda, I have asked about going back to 8 hour shifts, in Jan, or cut back and do part time.. one or the other.... all I know is that a change is definately in order, somehow..... Today I did an 8 hour shift, took a stat holiday for tomorrow but then have my 2, 12 nights to do on the weekend... then it will be sleep for a couple of days to catch up again.... a never ending circle it seems...
Something will have to give in the New Year.
Hope your days are going well....
Kim

[Boopers]

Hi L. Kim,

I do hope that you will be able to change the shifts or find a new job. It is so stressful on the body to keep working those shifts. When you are ready to sleep, I imagine your mind is saying, I should go to work and when you are at work, your mind says you should be sleeping.
Our body's just never adjust when we don't have consistency.
Hopefully, January will bring you new hope and a new schedule, even if it's a job change.
Good luck to you and let us know how you are doing.
Linda :)

[winnie]

((Kc)):)

As a re-routed shift gal I 'get' yer dilemma. After YEARS of switching up from 7-3's 3-11's & 11-7...........I am on DAYS! Straight Mon-Fri, 8-4. It is nice to have a 'weekends off'.:)..........now 5 years later of this 'normalcy'...guess what? I find myself feeling the fatigue that you describe.:confused: ...this wacky weather? Not as stimulated as I might be in current position at work? The endless commute? The week goes soooooooooo slow..& the weekends WHIP by far to quickly! I would venture to guess that the overnights are playing havoc on your system. ( I barely tolerated them) Can ya switch up to days? Perhaps a heart to heart w/yopur supervisor is due. ( and if a unionized postion, speak w/your steward & see what suggestions they might have). I definitely agree that your body is screaming at you;). And even better, you are LISTENING! I do wish ya well on your journey. And I have learned that BOTH straight days & shifts have pros & cons. Number 1 is your health! Emotional..physical...& spiritual, my 2 cents sista. Keep well! Winnie:)