Tips for working overnight

[Momof2girls]

Way back in April, I can hardly believe it is going on nine months, I had posted about looking for an overnight job with my dh not working and wanting to keep the job when he went back to work. Well in the past nine months I have been working as a cashier and learning different departments. They have been great with my minimal attendence and understand the situation. On Thursday I mentioned wanting to try an overnight and if it was okay I could stay, well I did. I was up 22 hours before I went to bed because I didn't plan for this. I have taken 3, 2 hour naps and am now awake at almost 2am.

Parts of the story that have been posted was that I have 2 small children and to work as a cashier I am needing alot of babysitters or depending on my dh to be home. Back when he was working for other's he would start at 7, but since he works for himself he is able to go in later. This is actually the first time that this would work out best for our family at this time. I had mentioned after working for about a month they wanted me to go for a full time position, turns out that I would make more overnight part time than if I stayed on dayside full time.

My dh seems to be on board with this and he is currently still working, thanking my lucky stars. The reason I don't walk away completely is that if for some reason he is off, during the winter constuction is slow, as most of the past couple of years in any field even in the good months he has been slow.

Well obviously the downside of working overnight is I ramble, so if you have gotten this far, thank you. If you have any tips of working overnight or suggestions like when to sleep.

 

[Lauri]

I've never worked overnights but I would think it would be best to try to get on a schedual and nap as often as possible. Making as much part time night as you can full time days...I'ld give nights a try!

Glad to hear DH is working and the childcare situation might be worked out

 

[fords8]

I worked 8pm-4am for about a year once (long time ago) which I liked, but it was before we had kids so I could sleep in until the afternoon. With kids? I dunno.....nap when they nap I guess.

Good luck.

 

[jll2375]

Years ago I would work the overnight shift once in a while. When I came home I went to bed right away and would usually sleep from about 8am - noon. I could have probably slept longer, but I felt like I was wasting the day. I would spend a few hours doing things at home, and would take another nap in the late afternoon.

Make sure you get some sleep! Try to stick to a schedule. I remember one morning coming home, I was about 2-3 miles from home and started falling asleep while driving. I closed my eyes for a second, and woke up as my tire started going off the road. Scary!

 

[megmat]

I worked 11-7 for many years - it is hard and you kind of never catch up on your sleep. I would also split my sleep. If you can catch 3 hours when you get home you are able to function and sleep again for a few hours before going in. I have worked full and part time nights - full time is easier because you just stay flipped. Good luck !!!!!