Who Has a Better Social Life? Days or Nights?

Ruby Vee, BSN · May 14, 2007

from your work experience, which shift has the better social life - days or nights? why?

define "better". more active? more alcohol-soaked? more satisfying? more likely to meet someone? more likely to be able to have time with an "amedical" person you met on your off-duty hours?

i've gone through periods of good and bad social life, and it had very little to do with which shift i was working. it depended more on how happy i was, how interactive with other people, and how much energy i was willing to put into my social life.

the absolute best time of my life, i was working nights and socializing with my co-workers. we'd go out for drinks nearly every morning after work and arranged group trips to concerts, festivals, plays, etc. for our weekends off. we went camping together, rented sailboats for the weekend, and i learned to scuba dive. there were frequent parties and dinners out. i met my husband then.

the second best time, i was working days. my best friend and i had a wide circle of friends and were frequently invited to parties, events, etc. we traveled extensively, camping, skiing, scuba diving, hiking . . . it was a great time.

but i think it all depends on your situation -- how much time, effort and money you're willing to devote to your social life.

anonymurse · May 18, 2007

I can see how it might matter working five 8s, but working three 12s, most of the week is weekend anyhow.

gentlegiver, ASN, LPN, RN · May 19, 2007

What's a "social life"?? Does it include using the bathroom when necessary, or, eating a meal slowly?? If it does then I want in!

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · May 19, 2007

With a couple of busy kids' activities, a busy husband, a house needing upkeep and renovations, volunteer activities, and little stuff like grocery shopping and upkeep on everyone, AND working full-time.....I'm SUPPOSED to have a social life?? LOL...

SteveNNP, MSN, NP · May 20, 2007

I have worked both days and nights, and I would probably have to say that I had more of a social life on nights. Usually by the time I get home at night, I'm tired and stinky and ready for bed. On nights I could come home, sleep for a few hours then go out with friends. I could also stay up as late as I wanted, especially the night before going back to work. My friends (many of whom were also nurses) and I would go out to supper at around 4:30pm, so we could all make it to work on time. Now we're all on day shift, so we usually go after work, or hang out on days off. I still have to say night shift, though. I also socialized more with my coworkers on nights. Not that we didn't keep busy, it just seems like we were much more laid back with no MD's or management around. We'd sit around feeding babies and gossip, or tell jokes in the middle of the night. We'd also have potlucks or order out often. There are just too many people around demanding attention on days. You don't get to talk with your work buddies as much. Sorry for the rambling......it's late....