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thoughts on working overnights?
So I am comtemplating a career change... I worked for an electrical contractor for 3 years and got laid off last spring. I've been working for an Environmental Non Profit since July and I really really don't like my job. The company is great, my co-workers rock, but what I actually do is so mundane. One of my relatives recommended me for a police dispatch position which would end up being a huge bump in pay plus police benefits. the downside is that it would be overnights to start. I know some of you have relatives/spouses/etc who work overnights. Is it brutal?
I'm seriously considering it because hubby and I want to start a family soon but we both agreed that we don't want to have each of us working JUST to pay for daycare. It would be tough but if I worked nights and hubby worked days, we could effectively avoid putting our future kids in daycare.
Just curious if anyone has any insight to what it might take to work overnights. Thanks for your help!
Re: thoughts on working overnights?
I have worked nights before and handled it well. In the beginning it can be tough trying to sleep in, but before you know it, you'll get used to it. Also, your diet will change due to meal times changing.
I know people who do it. Some like it, but they all seem perpetually tired... maybe it's the lack of sunshine. It always seems difficult for them to interact with the rest of the world in terms of parties, events, etc. because it interferes with their sleep schedule. Still, it works for some, and it may work for you.
I think just some things to think about with your decision....
1) You said you're looking to start a family soon.... What is the policy on maternity leave for that job? Do they require you to be there a year before taking it? Is that what you and your H were planning?
2) Even after maternity leave is over, your child will probably not yet be sleeping through the nights. Is your husband okay with getting up at night 100% of the time when needed?
3) Who will watch your child during the day while you're sleeping?
I think Karen brought up a good point that your hubby would have to get up with baby 100% of the time when you are at work...
I know quite a few people who do this, actually, and mostly women. I have two friends that are ER nurses and one does a swing shift (i think it's like 3 pm-11pm or something) and one that works three 12 hour shifts, but at night... so like 8 pm to 8 am or something like that. Both do so because of their family, and not wanting to pay for daycare. I haven't heard either of them complain about the hours, but I'll ask
I think it's great that you're considering the change now, BEFORE you start TTC, so that you guys are settled in a routine before baby.
DH works overnights right now, and although it works for us now, having a 2 y/o, if I had to work days and DH worked night with a newborn, it would stink. Luckily I only work 3-8 a few nights a week and saturday mornings, and I work the days that DH doesn't work, so we don't have to worry about daycare. I think we would be able to keep this up even with a new baby. Aside from that...having DH on nights isn't really that big of a deal for me, it's just like him working days, except flip flopped. With his sleeping schedule, we wouldn't get anymore time together if he worked during the time he slept and slept during the time he works. Although on his days off it's really hard to get used to sharing the bed again at nights! In fact, we just had a work party on saturday night and I talked to some of the other wives who said this same thing.
It's all about finding a schedule and rhythym that works for you, especially with kids. If your DH would be able to cook his own dinners than that would help, my DH doesn't cook very well, and I have to schedule my days around having dinner ready at 5:00 sharp. But it's the schedule we worked out and it works for us. I have plenty of spare time to get things done in the evening after he leaves or while he sleeps. I also think that once winter is over and the days are warmer and longer I'll probably do a lot more errands in the evenings after he leaves for work. But like I said...find a schedule that works for both of you. Sit down and write it out, see how much time you would have together, etc before you commit to the job. GL!