Shift work

[Rockpooling]

Hello,
I'm considering a job which involves shift work, something I've never done before. Shift would be 6am-12 noon 6 days on 2 days off with some later shifts to start after about 2 years of employment (afternoon and overnight). I've got 2 primary age DC and a supportive DH who works full time at home at the moment but could be back in the office at least half of the time in the near future. What are your experiences with a shift pattern like this?

The early morning can be quite nice - you just get yourself up and out and leave your dh to do the hectic morning shift and get them off to school / breakfast club / childminder. Then you would be there to collect from school.

When it would get trickier is when you start doing shifts, but if that isn't for two years, you could worry about that later ?
Childcare can be an issue when you work shifts as you want different sessions on different weeks, but maybe your dc will be secondary by then ?
Two years seems a long way away, so I wouldn't 'not take it' because of what you might, or might not be able to work in tow years time - even if you have to resign then, you've got 2 yrs experience and 2 yrs of pay. There are all sorts of possible ways round it though - maybe your dh might be able to wfh on the days you can't be there, or maybe you can find someone happy to have them with irregular hours.

It depends a bit on how far you need to travel to work. Traffic is great as you are driving before the rush hour, but buses aren't so frequent. Plus spreading your hours over 6 days rather than 5 can be a pain.

Is it Ona 5 day week or weekends too?

Thanks. I'm also leaning towards giving it a go and sorting out logistics of night shifts later! Youngest DC is a while off secondary. Yes, the pattern would include weekends.

Anyone else?

I’d say it depends on what your doing at the moment? If you’re currently at home or work a normal 9-5 you will find shifts a massive shock to the system.

Also bear in mind that in 2 years time when the shifts change you won’t have a social life.

The hours don’t sound great, 6 hours a day for 6 days with only 2 off, that’s basically a 12 day fortnight if my maths is right!

I do shifts but the opposite, do 12.5 hour long days, 3 a week and one half day every other week. I do extra so average about 50 hours a week but try to always ensure 8 have 2 days off.

I think 6 hour days for 6 days could get tiring and longer days with more days off would actually be easier.