Would you take a pay cut to work days?

Reigen · Sep 7, 2012

I took a $5.00 per hour cut in pay to work day shift... When I think I need some more pennies I pick up an extra shift.

For $180 per week less, I get to sleep at night, and not have everyone in (it seems) the world calling or knocking on my door while trying to sleep.

For me it was worthwhile to take less money to have somewhat better hours.

If your expenses will allow you to take less, Go for it... if expenses don't still go for it and pick up an extra shift or two.

Hope your decision that you make is the best right one for you

Reigen

DutchRN09 · Sep 7, 2012

I would def. switch to days, you can usually pick up a shift, and although you might have to adjust your budget some, you would get your life back and your health too.

JessiekRN · Sep 7, 2012

I switched to days, took a 3.50 an hour pay cut and haven't regretted it for a minute. Like you, I slept for days at a time, or was awake for weeks on end. My waking hours I was exhausted, cranky, and over caffeinated, snapping at the people closest to me. I finally realized life is too short to spend that way- all the extra dollars didn't matter if I was too moody and exhausted to enjoy life. Every once in a while i look at my paycheck and think where's the rest? Cause I do notice a difference. But u know what? I feel healthier, I enjoy the sunshine, and I'm a nicer person. Some people can swing it, and love night shift. But if you're not one of those people, get off ASAP.

dienne · Sep 7, 2012

Thank you everyone, you are making me feel better about my decision! I was having serious doubts last night but I think JessiekRN is right, life is too short to live it the way I am now!!!!

I know I will notice the difference too but I'm hoping to regain my strength and health back. And maybe I can find a per diem job (on days of course) to make up for the pay cut :)

allnurses Guide · Sep 8, 2012

I would and I did. Working nights was killing me somewhat literally. I started having rapid afib and PVCs that my cardiologist attributed to exhaustion from ineffective sleep patterns during the day.

Got off nights, onto day shift. I am not making quite as much money but find it is all just fine - I wasn't able to enjoy the money I was making on nights anyway.

sg2629 · Sep 8, 2012

I experienced the same thing working nights. Then I took a day shift position and my health improved, I'm no longer tired all the time, and no longer grumpy or in a fog. The difference in pay took a little getting use to but I did it and do not look back.

Editorial Team / Admin · Sep 8, 2012

I did it. My take home pay took a dive of $250-300 per check (shift differential and charge pay), but the benefits I've gained in getting back into patient care, my decreased exhaustion/other medical issues, and the decreased stress are worth far more than the money to me.

HeartsOpenWide, RN · Sep 8, 2012

I did, and if they made the shift differential for nights even bigger...I would still be on days. My mind is worth more than a measly differential.

eatmysoxRN, ASN, RN · Sep 9, 2012

I wish days had a differential.

anotherone, BSN, RN · Sep 12, 2012

Hello,
I'd like to see what other nurses think. I've been working nights on a super busy telemetry step-down unit. At first I was doing fine with the night shift and adjusting to the new schedule.
But after a year my body is falling apart. I'm always tired, with no energy. I don't enjoy my days off because all I do is sleep (sometimes I'm only awake for a couple of hours a day). Even when I go out, sometimes I have to go back home because I'm literally falling asleep wherever I am. I used to workout and run everyday, but I don't do that anymore because I have no energy. I gained 12 pounds even if I'm not really eating much. And to top it all off I'm frequently sick. I am just miserable and I feel I don't have a life anymore, all I do is work and sleep.
I was lucky enough to get a job offer for a day shift in a DOU. Of course being a day shift I will be taking a pay cut. It would be $ 6.00 an hour less.
Would you take a pay cut in order to get a more "normal" life back?
I'm debating what to do, on one hand I really want to work days because obviously my body doesn't like working nights, on the other hand it would be a significant pay cut.
I know that ultimately I am the one who has to make the decision, but I would like to know what you guys think.
Thank you
Daniela

I can absolutely relate and had my own post about this issue recently. Working nights has left me with even less of a non work life. I hate day shift more than the affect working nights has on the rest of my life and would take a pay cut to stay on nights!!Only you can tell if it is worth it for you. Can you manage with $6 an hour less? How much difference will that amount make in you life? It is a pretty big amount of money.

cayenne06, MSN, CNM · Sep 12, 2012

I love love love the night shift, but it is TOO HARD on my body to do it for a long period. I have been working nights since March, and I can't wait to get back to the day shift. I am tired all the time and feel like I can never fully relax, knowing I have to go to work that night. I like the culture of the night shift and would happily work it forever if it wasn't so hard on me. I am lucky to have found a job that is actually a step up in pay, but I would have accepted a pay cut without question.