My job isn’t something I’ve really discussed here on my blog. In fact I don’t know if I have ever mentioned it. Hmm.
Anyways, for the last 6 years I have worked for a company that offers services to people with disabilities. I deal with people who are suffering from mental illness. So, there’s bipolar, schizophrenia, depression, and other illnesses. The division I work in is Supported Community Living (SCL), we are basically giving our individuals skills they need to eventually live on their own.
It can be a stressful job at times because there are days you just don’t know what to expect, but I will say that it can also be a very rewarding job.
When I started this job 6 years ago I used to work every shift for about a year. Then a full-time 3rd shift girl had a baby and I took over her position. So, for the last 5 years I have been working 3rd shift. Which is the easiest and most boring shift ever! My nights consist of a lot of Nick at Nite, reading, and catching up on blogs. I have very little interaction with the individuals and for a while, this was okay.
Then I started dating B-Fry, who isn’t a vampire and works during the day. So, this meant that I would want to stay awake with him on his weekends off which was hard on the weekends I had to work. I was living a double life. I’d sleep during the day if I had to work that night, but if I didn’t then I would stay up all day to be able to sleep next to B-Fry on my nights off. It really has taken a toll on my body.
Not to mention what it does for me in the trying to have a ‘normal’ schedule to keep up with this healthy lifestyle. But, I’ve done it. I’ve gripped a lot about it, but I’ve always done what I’ve had to do. Because let’s face it, there just isn’t much out there in the job market.
But about a month ago, I decided I couldn’t take it any longer. I practically begged my boss for first shift, telling her that I would do whatever I had to do to make it happen. I just couldn’t continue the way I had been. I was sleeping at odd times, when I could sleep. There were many nights/days where my body just couldn’t sleep. My poor body was just horribly confused. So, I knew that for my health and sanity, I needed to move to first shift and quit living as a vampire.
Well, last week I got the call! There was a first shift full-time opening and they were giving it to me! I was super excited to get that phone call and did a little dance.
Then my nerves kicked in and I got scared….
I’m used to working 3rd shift where I don’t do much. Where I do my paperwork while watching TV, read a lot, spend a lot of time surfing the web, and entertain the individuals if they’re suffering a bout of insomnia. Basically I’m used to keeping to myself and not having a lot of responsibility.
Now I’m moving to 1st shift where there’s A LOT more responsibility. I now will be interacting with individuals my entire shift. I’ll have 4-5 people to keep track of. Their appointments, money, meds, goals, and a million other things. I go to not doing much to being head staff in a house.
I know I can do it, but there’s that little voice that tells me that I’ll fail. That I’ll forget something and totally fuck up. That I’ll forget an appointment or screw up someone’s spending sheet. It scares me.
But, I’m going to shut that little voice up, because this is something that I really want! And I’m going to be awesome at it.
The move means great things. B-Fry and I will now be on the same schedule and I get to snuggle up to his cuteness every night. I feel like I’ll be a morning person and having a set schedule that works with the rest of the daytime working world will be something I’ll enjoy. Heck, maybe I’ll even get up and get my workouts in before work!
Tonight is pretty much my last 3rd shift. I will be working a couple next weekend until they train someone to fill my position fully. But, I’m excited to start at 8:00AM on Tuesday!
Now I must go to bed so I’m awake during the night for one of the last times!!
Are you a vampire? Does change freak you out?
I can help you with tips on how to organize your duties so you don’t forget anything if you help me with the weight loss. :) You will do great and congratulations!!! I am glad BFry and you will start your new life on the same schedules.
That sounds like a really cool job. I wish I could find something like that around here. I don’t have the training for all the responsibility, but a lower level version of what you do would be awesome. I think I’d like getting involved with my community that way. I don’t know if I could do third shift, though, especially not with so little sleep. Good for you for making such a big change. Sometimes, you just have to do what’s best for you, even when it’s scary. I think you’ll be great on first shift, though, because you are so caring and just plain rock. You’ll be just fine!
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I worked in a residential home for 5 years before shifting to vocational, so I know the routine. I worked every shift, mostly 1st, but I did a 3rd shift stint for 2 years. I also worked extended shifts from Friday at 4pm to Monday at 8am; I would never wish that on anyone! First shift does have a lot more responsibility, but in my opinion, it is the most rewarding. I miss working in residential, but vocational is where my heart belongs. You’ll do great!
I am not a vampire, never had to work anything other than the 1st shift, a couple of my sons have done 3rd shift work, one is currently working for the railroad, and with that job, any shift is a possibility.
I am dealing with making some changes in my career/life, however, and it is stressful. Even though you KNOW you can handle that 1st shift responsibility, it’s scary. As soon as you get there, and have handled it for a day or two, it will be easy again, but thinking about it is probably harder than doing it. I am currently taking a college class (first time in 37 years), so that I can substitute teach in the public schools when I retire from the job I have held for the last 34 years. I hope to retire from this menial underpaid job, in a little over a year. I was scared about taking this class, but just finished the fourth week, and it’s fine. But I know the first time I get called to sub, I am going to be terrified. I have never dealt well with change, but sometimes you have to suck it up and go for it. It’s all for the greater good. Snuggling up with BF every single night will be so nice!!! Lucky you. Lucky him!!
That’s totally awesome, I did the night shift for 4 years. Finally gave that up about a month ago! I lost my weekends in the process but hey I get off at 2pm every day, gives me plenty of time to do whatever. So excited for you! Leland
Awesome! Congratulations!
Congrats on the new job offer! I somewhat can relate. My boyfriend works as a police dispatcher and works 10 PM – 8 AM. He often struggles with all the things you mentioned – constantly fighting himself to go to sleep, constantly restless yet exhausted. We cannot plan to do much together because he works weekends and weeknights and it varies. It is often very difficult for us and certainly takes a toll. I’m happy for you!
I last one summer on a night shift. I was horrible at it and my body was all out of whack.
I’m soooooooo excited for you. I can’t wait to hear about the new responsibilities, sounds like a great thing.
I’m highly jealous of you. I work 3-11. I used to work 7:30 a.m.-4:30. I hated that shift. I hated waking up early. Now I wake up at noon, work, then stay up until about 5. It’s awful. Maybe one day I’ll get the nerve to ask to switch shifts, even though I know the answer will be no.
So, I am the Administer of a Residential Trestment home for 5 adults living with server and persistent mental illness. Day shift is busy, but I think you’ll do just fine. Appointments get missed, medications get refused, and you know what- life goes on. Just like that, life goes on. The best advise I give the residential staff I supervise is the mistakes happen, it’s how you handle your mistakes that matter. Fess up, fix it, and do better next time. No big deal! :)
-Emily in Oregon
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