How Flexible you can be ?
By sunnycool
@sunnycool (12714)
India
December 19, 2010 8:01am CST
I got this new offer from a reputed health related MNC which handles projects for US based companies.
Seems there is no other shift except 6PM to 3:30AM ... well the incentives are really good compared to the current one i'm into.
The first question which popped out of my mind is "Do i really need this?" coz good incentives come with non-reversible conditions
"Got to sign up a bond that i wouldn't leave them in the coming two years and i should be willing to visit the clients in US more often when required"
I have got no problem accepting this one except that i'm quiet reluctant to work in night shifts --- based on my friend's experiences and few of my relatives ... i came to know that night shifts can bring in nightmares,health problems bla bla.The entire world would turn topsy-turvy as the only time you can be home is in the days which would make you sick.
If my only goal was to visit US then i would have picked this offer ... (un)fortunately it isn't!
How about you ... how flexible you're when it comes to working in night shifts?
Would you go for the good money being offered or you think about it twice ... thrice before opting in for such offers?
Got any real time experiences who failed to work in night shifts Or Are you one of those ?
2 people like this
18 responses
@sunnycool (12714)
• India
19 Dec 10
Nope i'm not money factor actually ... decided to let it go.
Experiences i heard of from my mates are really scary.
now you are tend to be serious my kitty cat
@sunnycool (12714)
• India
31 Dec 10
I'm all of it 
--- talking about silly comments 
I least care about my earnings in here ... thinking about those for a week or so though 
--- talking about silly comments
I least care about my earnings in here ... thinking about those for a week or so though @sunnycool (12714)
• India
30 Dec 10
LOL topic wasn't about shifting ones partner 
your interest in that aspect should get more PM's 
your interest in that aspect should get more PM's 
@drannhh (15219)
• United States
28 Dec 10
I have done some night shifts, even the 11 pm to 7 am "graveyard" shift, but my favorite is the one we call "swing shift" from 2 or 3 in the afternoon until 10 or 11 at night. I worked the 10x4 on that swing shift a few years but as nice as it was to get a 3-day weekend, working 10 hours and then getting off between 2 and 3 in the morning was not fun after a while.
@sunnycool (12714)
• India
30 Dec 10
Two to ten aka second shift would be good compared to the other two shifts.
@savypat (20216)
• United States
19 Dec 10
Hubby worked for the government for many years and was often asked to change shifts in 3 month segments. You are much better off if you can work 2 years at the same shift, it takes the human body about 6 weeks to readjust to a new shift. We did find that the best way to handle going from day tonight shift was to allow things to just adjust. If you work in the dark and come home in the light, do not go directly to bed. Eat a good meal and watch a little TV or whatever you normally do when you get off say shift. To sleep make sure your windows are dark and turn your phone off or any other distracting noise. If you live alone or with another adult this works much easier then if you live with childen. As long as you take the adjustment slow and easy there will be little or no illness. just don't fight it and in about a week things will me easier. We lived 30 years that way with children and had no harm.
@sunnycool (12714)
• India
19 Dec 10
@ the reason behind your marriage lasting 50 years
Looks like a lot changes!
@TrvlArrngr (4045)
• United States
19 Dec 10
I think we do what we have to do or should I say what we want to do. I remember wanting to get into a certain company to work and the only shift they had was 3pm-11pm and if the 11pm person did not come in you had to work a double shift!! I was about 22 years old and had only 1 weekend night to really do anything. The job took up all my nightlife. The good thing is I could sleep late each day and get errands done. I did it to have the job and it was voluntary.
I have worked for other large companies that have shift bids. Fortunately, I always performed well so had my pick of the shifts but there were some shifts that ran until 10pm. Many people were upset about that. The shift bid was based on performance. Years later I worked for another company where the shift bid was based on seniority. While it seems fair it was not because I was the manager at that point and it seemed most of my employees with seniority only did a mediocre job. They knew they did not have to prove anything to get the shift they wanted. Then I had some newer employees that were great but had to take what shifts were left. It did not seem fair to reward the ones that just do enough to get by.
@TrvlArrngr (4045)
• United States
19 Dec 10
When I have to cover later shifts in my center I send out an email saying I need one volunteer to work until 6pm this week. If I do not get a volunteer we will have to go by the shift bid list to choose a worker.
I always get a volunteer. My employees always think about each other. They know that some have small kids and have to pick them up by 6ypm so the earlier people will usually always cover for them.
@TrvlArrngr (4045)
• United States
19 Dec 10
When you force someone to work a shift they do not want they are not happy, not as productive, and spread bad morale. It hurts both of you.
@sunnycool (12714)
• India
19 Dec 10
It would be good if MNC's can pick employees who are willing to work in third shifts than to impose it forcibly on them.
@pankajgarg (797)
• India
19 Dec 10
i have no problem in working at a night shift, infact i prefer a night shift so that you can sleep for around 6 six hours in the day and can enjoy the rest of day day whilst working at night.
i am used to study late night very often till the morning. and believe it or not i can sleep or stay awake for two days perpetually.
@sunnycool (12714)
• India
19 Dec 10
Seems like you completely adapted this way of life style --- there shouldn't be any regrets until and unless you aren't enjoying 
Two days without sleep --- am i talking to a zombie ? *just kidding*
Two days without sleep --- am i talking to a zombie ? *just kidding*@pankajgarg (797)
• India
19 Dec 10
actually i discovered my potential when i went on a vacation. and the circumstances were such that i had to wake up for two days because of a delayed flight. after that i gradually made myself acquainted with this.
but i must say you have to do this gradually otherwise you may be in a deep trouble.
@barehugs (8973)
• Canada
19 Dec 10
If you want to see 'flexible,' check out my Avatar, which is me doing Yoga, and yes, I have been flexible at my work too. For 12 years I worked nights,(11pm to 7am) at a factory, came home had breakfast, went to bed and slept until 1pm, got up and worked on my farm until 5pm, then I had dinner and slept until 10pm.Then off to work again.
It wasn't easy but it paid the bills, and I've never been sorry that I worked at 2 jobs for 12 years. I worked at the factory for a total of 20 years, retired from there and have worked ever since on the farm.
@sunnycool (12714)
• India
19 Dec 10
First ever avatar which catched my attention when i joined mylot was yours and i see that you're really good at yoga which helped you to manage your two responsibilities with proper time table .
.
@dawnald (85146)
• Shingle Springs, California
23 Dec 10
The only time I worked nights was when I was in college, it's all day jobs since then. Although I am a night person, and it would be heavenly to work a later shift and be able to sleep in a bit in the morning. No graveyard shifts though.
If you do take it and if you do come to the US, make sure Sacramento's on the list. :D
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
21 Dec 10
I have worked what we call "off shifts" a few times. When I first started working for the company I work for now..I started there on second shift. That was a 3pm-11pm shift. I actually loved it. I worked that shift for 4 years before deciding that as my children were getting older and going to school...I was needed at home at night. I actually took a demotion to go to day shift. I had begun my management thing..then I was offered a position in management for their third shif...seasonal..just during our busy season..so I was 6 months on days and 6 months on third...that was 10:30pm until 6:30am. I pretty much decided after two years that it was enough for me..I felt pretty good for the first couple of month but after that....I could not get enough rest. Even if I slept a bunch I always felt tired.
I am pretty flexible and now I am in management on day shift...I like that a lot better. Good luck!
@sunnycool (12714)
• India
6 Mar 11
Its never easy to hop on between two shifts ... good to know you had some experience of these grave yard shifts.Heard from my friends about fatigue...night shifts can be pretty tiring.
@hardworkinggurl (37063)
• United States
19 Dec 10
I worked the graveyard shift many moons ago and it was not easy to do. I had very small children at the time so I barely got any sleep. Children would not be a factor now however, I still will not do it again.
You entire life becomes consumed and revolves around work and getting sleep. So to a sense you end up with no life, even to do important things in your life.
You can sacrifice certain days but you end up all run down. As much as I need a regular job graveyard will be specifically for me to sleep.
@sunnycool (12714)
• India
30 Dec 10
First thing which struck my mind when i heard of this to be a night shift job were my friends experiences which more or less meant that literally there would be no difference between day and night.i would better stay away from this shift in particular.
@Sanitary (3968)
• Singapore
20 Dec 10
If possible, i would pick night shift because it pays alot more than usual. It's considered a job/shift that not many people wants and so benefits would be much better. After all, it's just like factory operator working hours. If u don't need the money, u have a choice of not wanting the job. IF one is hard up, it would be a nice change, for the money yet doing the same things.
@sunnycool (12714)
• India
18 Feb 11
It might be fetching(in terms of pay) ... not to overlook the health concerns you may end up with over years.
Its better to be with day shifts unless one is in desparate for money.
1 person likes this
@akp100 (13640)
• India
19 Dec 10
Well I really can't work during night. I can post pond my sleep if i have to go for any movie or for other fun with friends.. But i can't do(concentrate) work at night.
About you.. I guess its a really odd time. But if you are comfortable with it then there shouldn't be problem. But visiting outer countries is tough.. ( at least for me ) I guess you should ask your mom as i remember you mentioned in a discussion that your mom don't like to stay away from you.
) I guess you should ask your mom as i remember you mentioned in a discussion that your mom don't like to stay away from you.@sunnycool (12714)
• India
30 Dec 10
Hi anand,
I cant postpone my sleep for any reasons ... once its 11 in the night i should hit the sack at any cost.I still remember this year's birthday ... awaited until 1 for the very first time for some BS stuff from a person!
Yeah...my mom for one do not allow me to visit other countries that easily.
@visavis (5934)
• Philippines
19 Dec 10
For me flexible in work timing is very badly if you can think many thing, it should be your hindrance but in positive way you can do that... provided that your health will be not disregard. You must think and plan what is the best solutio on that. I experienced when I was starting working in government office worked for computer operator for making licenses. In the beginning it will hard but later on and our body adjusted its ok... see you around
@sunnycool (12714)
• India
19 Dec 10
Oh i see that you were at ease working in those shifts ... its not everybody's cup of tea though.
@mhypie03 (683)
• Philippines
20 Dec 10
I used to work with Reuters. I support North American people for the reporting team and I'm here in Manila but I resigned last July of this year. It was a 9-month stint though. During the first few months, I was required to work in night shifts. It was horrible. I sleep late but graveyards shift is a lot different. I lost appetite because I could sleep enough due to my sensitivity to light and noise. There was a pimple break-out. No more social life and less communication with family because I felt like a total zombie. Afterwhich, I asked my boss to place me on an asian shift which is morning. He refused but let me go on with midshift which was not too bad afterall because I get to sleep before the sun rises. But still, social life never resumed. 2-3 months before I filed my resignation, he placed me into a dayshift because my co-worker requested me to work with her then I left. Now I am back to normal regular working hours. My life is back too and I don't think I will accept those kinds of offer in the future. There's more to money, that is a normal life and a healthy mind and body.
@jpso138 (7851)
• Philippines
20 Dec 10
Well, I think it all leads down to what you get in return. In my case, assuming that its all worth it, then I would surely accept such. I will have to lay out and assess the pros and cons before deciding the matter. I have worked for a our rescue unit in a 24 hours duty every other day. Was able to manage such for about 13 years. So if ever, I have to work on a night shift, I think I can handle that provided that its worth my time and effort. Anyway, I wish you the best and hope that you will be able to decide which is good for you.
@kodukodu84 (1569)
• Malaysia
20 Dec 10
Well I have worked with shift schedule in the past, and that was not only night shift that I need to do, sometimes someone else has to do the night shift and I switched to day time schedule. It was honestly terrible and the sleeping schedule was confusing confusing my brain. But after few months doing it, I eventually get used to it and once I quit the job and started a 9-5 working schedule everyday, it took me quite a while to get used to it again because I hate waking up early in the morning haha. Good luck and have a nice day
@fl0rencia (414)
• Philippines
20 Dec 10
That's the shift I would never want to have. I once got a job that I didn't know would turn into a night shift schedule. So just before the shift begin, I quit from the job. Hahaha. Just thinking that I would be working at those times that I sleep deeply makes me tired already. And of course it's not healthy. I avoid things that are unhealthy that are avoidable by me. LOL
