I guess my title said it best. If you have kids in school, is it better to work nights, and sleep when there in school?
Or, is it easier to work 7-3, and get before school care? If so, then what do you do during the summers, or vacations or snow days?
If you work weekends (2 12's or something) do you feel bad missing sports, family outings, taking them to bday parties etc? I know there has to be a sacrifice somewhere, I'm just wondering what's the easiest to juggle.
I know 3-11 would never work for me as my kids get home at 3:30, and go to bed before 9. I'd never see them.
How do you prioritize kids and work, and how does it work out for you?
I have young children as well. This is what I am doing: I had to go back to work a little prematurely because I lost my income unexpectedly. I work agency and I am picking up night shifts mostly so the kids can be home with DH, and evening/night doubles on the weekends when my parents are available to babysit. I also work a private duty case which is around the corner from my parents and they watch them then as well. Because it is agency I will be required to work some evenings, and in those instances I may have to drop the children at my parents house, drive to DH's job to trade vehicles (I have the corificeats in my van) and he will pick them up. Once school starts next month I plan to work mostly nights, days or day/night doubles. My private duty requires some evenings, and those will be more difficult to work around but that's where faith comes in. For the most part, though, I work nights and plan to continue that. I also try to get as much done in as few days as possible. If I can do two doubles and an eight hour I would rather do that. My children are enrolled in a program that receives some government funding. Because of that, attendence is mandatory. So basically, since they HAVE to attend every day anyway, I will probably work as many nights as possible and sleep during the day.
Personally, nocs works best for me, or weekend program. I have a five year old son and have custody of my two cousins who are 13 and 14. It's easier to accomplish more things during the day if you have to if you work nocs (ie doctor's appts, court, school activites), since all of the kids are in school I can sleep after everyone is sent off. I am currently working weekend nocs 12hr shifts and it works very well. I miss some things that go on on the weekend, but not all. I am still able to go to church and do activities that go on during the day.
3-11 - six days on and three off. I try to schedule myself on his three off so I can sleep even while the kids are home. I don't function well without sleep - to the point where I'd be unsafe. I need at least 7 hours during the day without interruption. That works for us, as long as my NM didn't try to shuffle the schedule. When my husband has to work, my children go down to the family room and watch a movie or play video games until 4:30.
That being said, I just took a job with a private practice and I am going to be working hours by appointment. So we'll see how that works out!
Blee
I guess my title said it best. If you have kids in school, is it better to work nights, and sleep when there in school?
Or, is it easier to work 7-3, and get before school care? If so, then what do you do during the summers, or vacations or snow days?
If you work weekends (2 12's or something) do you feel bad missing sports, family outings, taking them to bday parties etc? I know there has to be a sacrifice somewhere, I'm just wondering what's the easiest to juggle.
I know 3-11 would never work for me as my kids get home at 3:30, and go to bed before 9. I'd never see them.
How do you prioritize kids and work, and how does it work out for you?
Personally, nocs works best for me, or weekend program. I have a five year old son and have custody of my two cousins who are 13 and 14. It's easier to accomplish more things during the day if you have to if you work nocs (ie doctor's appts, court, school activites), since all of the kids are in school I can sleep after everyone is sent off. I am currently working weekend nocs 12hr shifts and it works very well. I miss some things that go on on the weekend, but not all. I am still able to go to church and do activities that go on during the day.
wow. you have your hands full. I don't know the specifics of your situation, but God bless you for looking after your cousins.
HisTreasure, BSN, RN
748 Posts
I have young children as well. This is what I am doing: I had to go back to work a little prematurely because I lost my income unexpectedly. I work agency and I am picking up night shifts mostly so the kids can be home with DH, and evening/night doubles on the weekends when my parents are available to babysit. I also work a private duty case which is around the corner from my parents and they watch them then as well. Because it is agency I will be required to work some evenings, and in those instances I may have to drop the children at my parents house, drive to DH's job to trade vehicles (I have the corificeats in my van) and he will pick them up. Once school starts next month I plan to work mostly nights, days or day/night doubles. My private duty requires some evenings, and those will be more difficult to work around but that's where faith comes in. For the most part, though, I work nights and plan to continue that. I also try to get as much done in as few days as possible. If I can do two doubles and an eight hour I would rather do that. My children are enrolled in a program that receives some government funding. Because of that, attendence is mandatory. So basically, since they HAVE to attend every day anyway, I will probably work as many nights as possible and sleep during the day.