Went from night shift to normal hours and it changed everything

Jul 291 min read

Worked nights for 5 years as a nurse. Got used to sleeping during the day, being awake when the family was going to bed. It was brutal but the extra pay was good. Finally got a day shift position and made the switch last month. My body is still adjusting to actually sleeping normal hours but being awake during family time is incredible. Eating dinner together without me having to leave in 20 minutes. Helping with homework. Actually being present at bedtime. My relationship with my wife is getting better too since we're on the same schedule now. The pay cut stings but I don't miss those night shifts at all.

9 comments173 views

Comments(9)

DDaniel M.RegularJul 30

That's awesome. Being on opposite schedules from your family has to take a toll. Normal hours must feel like a completely different life now.

TToddRegularJul 31

That's a massive change. Going from being awake while the family sleeps to actually being on a normal schedule must have been an adjustment in so many ways. How long did it take to get used to it?

SSteveRegularJul 29

Night shift as a nurse though, that takes serious dedication. How did your family handle those years while you were on that schedule? I'm guessing the kids adjusted?

JJoeRegularJul 29

Five years of nights is brutal. I can't imagine how much more present you get to be now. Did your kids react differently to having you around during normal hours?

DDavid M.RegularJul 30

Five years is a long time. You probably missed so much with the kids. Must feel weird being on the same schedule as everyone else now.

AAlex R.New DadJul 30

That's huge. Going from nights to days must have felt like getting your life back. How long did it take for your body to actually adjust to normal sleep? I'm still battling my schedule sometimes.

TToddRegularJul 30

This is such a game changer. Being awake when the family is awake seems like it should be obvious but so many of us are doing the opposite. Glad you made it work.

JJoshuaExperiencedJul 30

This is amazing to hear. I work nights right now and the family schedule is rough. Did you have to do anything special to help your body switch over or did it just happen naturally?

CChris M.RegularJul 30

Five years of nights is wild. I can't even imagine that lifestyle. What was the hardest part about flipping your schedule?