Which is better - permanent night shift or rotating shift?
By Strovek
@Strovek (868)
Malaysia
October 18, 2010 5:33pm CST
I was wondering which is better to have a permanent night shift which provides you a fixed schedule or to have a rotating shift where you work in the morning for a few days then have some break then proceed to afternoon, have a break and then go into night shift.
In a rotating shift, your body needs to constantly readjust. I have met those who loves permanent night because it gives them freedom on weekends and I have met those who claim that night shift is causing health problems.
What is your opinion?
3 responses
@switpickle (83)
• Philippines
20 Oct 10
I think I would prefer a permanent shift even if it would be harder. But I guess it depends really on what the set up is. Permanent shifts allow you to adjust your body clock and your schedule as well. You can easily plan trips, dates and chores around a permanent one. But I guess if you feel that you can't adjust to the night shifts and are experiencing health problems, then a rotating shift would be good. If the rotating shift allows you to plan out your schedule for around 2 weeks in advance, then that would be good as well. You get more rest, I think.
@maezee (41988)
• United States
19 Oct 10
It's hard to say. For me, I think I'd rather like to get used to the schedule that I'll be working - otherwise I'm sure it's hard on your 'internal clock' - with an ever-changing schedule like that, don't you think? I'd almost like to get used to one thing so that my body can get used to it and I can get my sleep schedule right. HOWEVER, at the same time, it's kind of nice to have a changing schedule just to keep things interesting and 'fresh' I guess. Routines can get boring.. But they are so stable and predictable at the same time! Personally right now I'm on all kinds of different shifts at my main job, just because that's in my job description - so I might have to work at 6:30 am, I might have to work at 3 pm. Ii don't mind it though, because it's not overnight, doesn't mess with my schedule all that much, and I generally get good hours and pay out of it.
