MayoClinic.org
Best job schedule
I need your opinion on how I choose to work so that my sleep and eat schedule won't be badly ruined. I have two options:
-to work first shift (6:30am – 3:00pm) and to get up EVERYDAY except Sunday at 4:30am and struggle to go to bed early even through I hardly fall asleep before 9:30-10pm
-to work second shift (2:30pm – 9:30pm), get home at 10pm, eat a light meal at 10:15pm (some bananas), go to bed at 12am and try to sleep as long as I can even through in the summer the sun wakes me up too early.
What would you choose? Why?
I would choose the first option or working the first shift. I have worked second shifts before for over 2 years and have found no matter how you try to rearrange
it you cannot alter the fact your body is use to a first shift timeframe and everyone else is functioning on that level too. I choose this second shift because I felt I could work with it better but found my bodies clock just didn't let that happen. Another suggestion I would make which you might already be doing is try to find routines to help signal to your body it is time to sleep. I found the hot milk and cocoa worked for me. Plus a warm bath before going to bed and no t.v. right before bed. Good luck.
Do you have children or are you married. That makes a difference.
What kind of work and work environment.
No, I am 23. I live with my parents and I am single at this moment.
I label products, it's an activity that uses less psyhical effort.
I would choose 2nd shift so I would have more of a social life on the weekends. I worked 3rd but never got used to the hours. Second was more tolerable to my life and sleep schedule. When I got home I ate a normal dinner and stayed up for several hours and went to bed about 1-2, up at 10-11. I worked in photo finishing before digital before I got out of college and got a first shift job.
So I guess if I choose the second shift I would need to sleep during the day too?
Not necessarily. You’ll have to see if you need it. If your job is not a physical one I think 7- 9 hours should be enough at your age.
Make sure you’re getting a balanced diet with proper nutrients as that affects sleep quality.
I do make my best. I make sure I eat enoguh before work, I have lunch at 4pm at work then I eat a small lgiht food at 10pm when I get home.
Can an early bird person survive a 2nd shift job?
Hello @pepsi97. You will notice that I have moved your post back to the original discussion on this topic to allow for continued member engagement.
It sounds like you are still wrestling with this decision. Can I ask how long this commitment is intended for or if you are able to change shifts at a certain time if this isn't working for you?