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Original poster

I’m going to ‘work’ tonight for the first time in six years …

29 replies

firstnightback · 15/03/2023 15:52

It’s voluntary and unpaid, and I really want to go, but I’m so nervous.

I haven’t done any sort of job for six years. I’ve met the people I’m working with and they’re all lovely but I am so nervous. I’ve got long term severe MH issues and this will be a great way of boosting my confidence and giving me some purpose but even the thought of going out has me nervous .

I’m leaving the house in about 2 and a half hours for 7.15 start. It’s 12 hours on but I’ll get breaks during which I’m allowed to sleep.

Trying to think of what I need to take and remember, and failing!

OP posts:

OldEvilOwl · 15/03/2023 15:56

That's a long shift. Will you get food? otherwise make sure you take something with you. What will you be doing?

emmathedilemma · 15/03/2023 16:05

food, drink, water bottle
phone charger
money / bank card
book or tablet? if you'll be allowed to sleep it suggests you aren't going to be on the go 100% of the time
check the weather forecast and take appropriate outdoor clothing / umbrella for the morning (i'm forever getting caught out on the way home from work)

meatballsoup · 15/03/2023 16:05

Good luck. If it goes well you should look for a paid position. No one should be working an unpaid 12hr night shift

PacificallyRequested · 15/03/2023 16:09

I can understand the benefits of doing a voluntary role, but a 12 hour overnight shift, unpaid?! I hope the organisation isn't taking the piss with that.

rubyslippers · 15/03/2023 16:11

What voluntary role is it?
because a night shift for 12 hours sounds a lot (assuming it is some kind of care job)
you will need food, phone etc as a minimum
could this lead to a permanent role?

Original poster

firstnightback · 15/03/2023 16:14

It’s answering a helpline, but not working in a call centre - just manning an overnight phone line . We don’t get provided with food no but I can take or get a delivery . Won’t lead to a permanent role no but if I can cope with it I’m hoping it’ll help me to get back into paid employment .

OP posts:

Onefootinthegroove · 15/03/2023 16:18

Good luck @firstnightback

WeeOrcadian · 15/03/2023 16:37

You'll do just fine, I'm sure of it. Good for you too, it's a big step, we have faith in you! 😁❤️

GrassWillBeGreener · 15/03/2023 16:41

Oh very best wishes! Hope it goes really well for you.

I've been self-employed in a small way from home for several years after a long down period. I've just gone back part-time into clinical work that I'd not done since my 6th form son was a baby. So far so good and it's been more positive than I could have guessed.

I hope this leads into a similarly positive experience for you.

Choconut · 15/03/2023 16:43

Good luck! Make sure you have everything ready in plenty of time, write things down if there are things you need to remember. Just take it all one small step at a time ie I just need to get out the door, I just need to get in the car, I just need to drive to x, etc It's normal to be nervous at this point just keep going and then tomorrow will be easier and the day after that easier again.

Veryverycalmnow · 15/03/2023 16:45

Good luck! It's great that you're taking that first step. Stick with it for a bit, it'll be good for your cv. Well done!

MedievalNun · 15/03/2023 16:47

Good luck! Take a book / kindle / something to keep you occupied in between calls.

Also: have a plan in place in case you find yourself having a wobble.
a) make sure the supervisor (I'm assuming there will be one) knows about your issues.
b)see if there is a quiet space you can get to if you need to, or that you can get home if need be.

c) Don't be upset if you find you don't manage the full 12 hours. Even if you only manage half then that is a fantastic step forward that you can build on.

Good luck xxx

Corcomroe · 15/03/2023 16:49

Samaritans? Surely not, if you’re recovering from longterm MH stuff yourself. At any rate, very best wishes for this new start.

Kingsize · 15/03/2023 16:57

Congratulations on getting back out there - thats a brilliant step to take!

Maybe a tablet with netflix, disney+ and the kindle app? A scarf or something in case you get chilly from tiredness (maybe this is just a me thing?) Cards to play solitaire? Or a craft project that can be easily put down when the phone rings - sewing, knitting, a colouring in book? Or a puzzle book?

Dont overcomplicate it though - if you're bored or cold tonight you can always bring different stuff the next time.

Undecidedandtorn · 15/03/2023 17:08

You sound lovely! Best of luck for tonight!

Nagado · 15/03/2023 17:18

I used to do 12 hour night shifts. It’s surprising how quickly you get used to them.

I’d take a book, your phone & charger and more food and drink than you would ever think you’d need.

FiFiWrites · 15/03/2023 17:22

Good luck! You'll be fine. Something to drink, eat and read and something to keep you warm.

HurryShadow · 15/03/2023 17:22

firstnightback · 15/03/2023 16:14

Depending on the nature of the helpline (i.e. not stressful), this seems like the perfect way to get back in to the habit of working and hopefully breaks you back in gently.

Good luck OP! Do let us know how you get on.

Getting2me · 15/03/2023 17:24

I dont think you should do this, its too much at once. And the experience might put you off. Its not representative of how real work is

2catsandhappy · 15/03/2023 17:54

Oooh best wishes and good luck! Fingers crossed for you! Fully charged phone and a bottle of water. Something sweet to eat and something savoury. Deep breathes and enjoy!

WaitingForSunnyDays · 15/03/2023 18:04

I don't mean to put you off, but depending on the helpline remember some callers will be idiots and some may be horrible, but that's not your fault, and it's nothing to take personally. I've worked in a call centre before and just take it all with a pinch of salt. I've read that trying to think of their anger issues resulting from childhood trauma, and see them as a hurt child trying to express their emotions is a good way to distance yourself from feeling hurt by anything they say. Make sure you know any guidelines about escalating to supervisors, and if you are allowed to hang up on anyone who swears at you. If you know all the ways to handle situations correctly it gives you more confidence. I do hope all goes well and it leads to full time work.

PleaseJustText · 15/03/2023 18:56

I've read that trying to think of their anger issues resulting from childhood trauma, and see them as a hurt child trying to express their emotions is a good way to distance yourself from feeling hurt by anything they say.

Such good advice. I did a training course in dealing with difficult customers a few years ago and a similar approach has been invaluable. The trainer told us to imagine rude angry people as toddlers who are frustrated because they can't get their words right. He recommended saying "aww bless" with a sympathetic tone in your head before responding. It takes half a second but completely changed my demeanour. I end up killing customers with kindness and when I can't immediately fix the issue, they end the call feeling like someone has listened to them and will find a way to help.

AviMav · 15/03/2023 19:03

Good luck OP. I think you might as well just try and give it a go. Nights are not good for mental health and for a volunteering role the company don't sound very good tbh. Surely you would be better with a much shorter shift and in the day!

Lcb123 · 15/03/2023 19:05

Gosh that sounds a lot - I’d struggle with that and have always worked full time. Not convinced 12 hour overnight shift unpaid is very ethical… but if you like it then great. I’ve only done that once at a festival for Oxfam and that was only 6 hours shift

Lavenderzen · 15/03/2023 19:09

Well done and good luck. I am sure you will be absolutely fine.

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