From night shift zombie to actually present dad

2w ago1 min read

Quit my overnight job 6 months ago and honestly it's been wild. For 8 years I was sleeping during the day, working nights, barely saw my kids awake. Now I'm at school pickups, help with homework, actually know what's going on in their lives. Miss the quiet nights and the extra money honestly. But seeing my 6yo's face light up when I show up to his soccer games? Can't put a price on that. The identity shift is real though - I'm not the "grind guy" anymore and had to figure out who I am when I'm not working.

11 comments181 views

Comments(11)

VVincentRegular2w ago

This is awesome. Going from zombie mode to actually being there for your family, that's huge. The difference it makes is real.

CChad R.Regular2w ago

This is awesome to hear. I do the co-parenting thing and every day I get with my kids hits different now. Sounds like you're already seeing what those extra hours actually mean to them.

MMason K.New Dad2w ago

Man, that's a real change. Glad you're getting to actually be present for them now instead of just ghost mode during the day.

DDustin P.Regular2w ago

That's huge man, congrats on making that switch. 8 years of missing bedtimes is rough but you're making it count now. Your kids are lucky to have a dad who prioritized being there.

TTomNew Dad2w ago

This is huge. Night shift kills your family time no matter how hard you try. Bet the kids noticed the change pretty quick once you flipped your schedule.

DDanielRegular2w ago

Wild is the right word. I switched from night shift about the same time and it felt strange at first, like I didn't know what to do with actual evenings. But yeah, way better for the family.

TTrevor M.New Dad2w ago

Did it take you a while to get your sleep schedule normal? I'm curious how long it took to feel human again after working nights for that long.

BBrandonRegular2w ago

Man, I respect that decision so much. It takes guts to step back from a steady income to be more present. How's the financial side been adjusting to the new schedule?

KKyleNew Dad2w ago

That's incredible, man. Eight years of sleeping through the day and missing stuff is rough. How much of a difference has it actually made just being awake during normal hours with them?

SStevenRegular2w ago

Wow, eight years is a long time to miss that. How are your kids adjusting to having you actually awake and present? That must be a huge shift for them.

AAdam K.New Dad2w ago

Man, this resonates. I came off nights about a year ago and I'm still shocked at how much I was missing. Glad you made the jump.