Part time nights or full time days with infant

Published

Hi,

I am currently working full time nights and am expecting my first child soon. I have the choice to either move to full time day shift or stay on nights after the baby. If I stay nights it would only be 2 12's a week, and the husband and I wouldn't have to use daycare much if at all. If I work days we would need to utilize daycare. Both will bring home the same amount of $ each month in the end. I'm worried if I choose nights I won't be able to adjust with a newborn, and will constantly feel like a zombie, although night shift will offer me more time to pump while at work. And if I chose days I will regret being away from home too much although my sleep will be on a more normal schedule. Anyone been through this and have some advice for me? I'm not sure which route to choose and it is causing me some major anxiety

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'd go the nights if it was up to me. Yes it will be tough but you get your working week over in 2 days, with one zombie day. If the money is the same, take the extra time at home with your baby. You can't get that time back.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The 2 night shifts sound perfect to me-

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER.

Nights. More time with baby, you will do fine.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Nights! They aren't that bad, even without a baby. You will be on a wonky schedule anyway and be up a lot at night with your little one. Good luck!

RN BSN

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Less work (by way of hours) and same pay either way. Simple decision. Also consider that you are only working two days in a row. You aren't bound to a day to day schedule as much as you would think you are.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for all your input guys, I'm leaning towards staying part time nights. I forgot to also mention though that if I stay full time I would get 25,000$ of my school loans paid off over 5 years. I am ok with not receiving that to spend more time with my baby, but it is a hard pill to swallow

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I did pt nights. It worked but at the sacrifice of my health. I'd find myself not sleeping much and tending the baby more or even just napping with her (and that was my "sleep". Anyway, if you do full time days you could do like Sun-tues and have husband keep baby Sunday and then only need two days of child care. Then your home 4 days! $25,000 is a Ton of money.....for me anyway!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion