help me choose a job-HOURS

mer_RN · Jul 20, 2007

fortunately/unfortunately they both sound like really good hours to me. i just personally would take the 8-12 just because i can't stand that feeling of being irritated that i still have to go to work later when my family is home relaxing, going to bed etc. and for me it doesn't matter how hard i try, but working any kind of night shift messes up my sleep patterns.

good luck with the decision!

kcochrane · Jul 20, 2007

I agree, both sound good to me. Drive time might be an issue with gas prices not going down anytime soon. I just switched to the night shift and love it, so if it was me, I would pick option #2...but that's me. Get it over with in two trips instead of four. But you either love the night shift or hate it.

Night shift is less hectic at my place with more time to study - I'm going to school. Even though I'm sleeping during the day, I'm still at home if there is an emergency at school or some activity/event. I get paid more at night.

The downside is that if you are only working two nights a week, your sleep might be effected - I stay up late on my days off. Also, do you have someone reliable to stay with your kids at night? Ask them how they feel about you being gone overnight if they are old enough. How old are your kids? Can they take care of themselves in the summer with you around sleeping? How about a snow day or sick day? My kids don't mind staying with dad all night and then having me "there" during the day, but they are old enough 17, 13, 9 to watch each other.

Hope this helps.

Kathy

RN4NICU, LPN, LVN · Jul 20, 2007

Personally, I would take #1. Night shift was not very good to my health and I hope to never work it again. Plus, four hour morning shifts are great! I've worked them and they are so unobtrusive, I didn't really feel as if I'd "worked a shift" - I had so much time to do other things during the day - I loved it. It more than made up for working more days to get the same hours.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jul 20, 2007

Since I am definitely not a morning person, I'd select the 2300-0700 shift. Nights tend to be more relaxed, and I know many working moms who are able to work these shifts and not miss out on family life at all. You'll be working when your family is sleeping, and you'll be sleeping when the kids are at school. In addition, I think the 8 hour night shifts will pay more than the 4 hour morning shifts. Good luck with your ultimate decision!

Fiona59 · Jul 20, 2007

I've done both and the four hour shift just works better for my family and myself.

Once your kids hit their preteen years, its important to be there for them to come home to. They like the company and to tell you the truth I like to see my kids before and after school and be able to spend time with them in the evening.

I just find it harder to recover from nights the older I get.

SchoolRN,BSN · Jul 20, 2007

I would pick the first choice. You'll be at work only while your kids are in school & it won't disrupt your family time or your sleep. Sounds like a great opportunity :)

cheshirecat · Jul 21, 2007

Who would take the Children to school. What ages are they?

Personally, I would take job 1, but do you have holiday cover for someone to look after the children in the school holidays?

I worked morning shifts 9-1 when my daughter was younger. It was great. I would take her to school in the morning and then drive into work (it was only 2 minutes away from her school). When I finished at 1pm, I had a hour to myself before I picked her up. Her school only ran from 9am - 2pm.

The only problem I had was with childcare in the school holidays, but luckily a friend of mine had her for me.

What support do you have?