Just resigned from shift work but I love my Job

[Picklybilly88]

I have just resigned! I work for the NHS in a front facing and fast paced role. I love my job but the shifts kill me. The following- 06.30-14:30—13.00-21.00 —09.30-17.30
thankfully no nights! We work weekends etc.
i have done the job for 2.5years now but recently really struggled with the late finish and the early start. Asked my manager if they could consider a day shift role (4 people in my team) But it isn’t fair or possible apparently.
started looking for a day job, and found one which sounded great! I got
offered it during the interview. Now I’m
not sure. Colleagues have shed tears because I resigned.
Did anyone else work shifts then all of a sudden find them a struggle?
Not sure if I should just stay put or move on to the new job 8.30-5 with an hour lunch.

Nope. I did ask but it was a no.
i was tempted to
go sick and sleep! I couldn’t do it though

I love doing shifts. Days off on the week without having to use leave, my worst nightmare would be having to work five days in a row!

A lot to be said for it to be honest. I hate weekend grocery shopping for a start 😃
Hubby is semi retired at a young age (51) and we get to spend my days off together.

Go for the new job I was in a similar position then got a 9-5 job when my children were little. I had done shift work for over 10 years at the time and it honestly changed my life so much for the better.!

I think they are good shifts!
I'm nearly 60. Not NHS but always on the go. Most of our shifts are 1:00pm unti 11:00pm back at 8:00 am until 2.00pm.
I don't mind them to be honest but the ones you gave up would be a doddle for me.
I would absolutely hate a 9/5 job. I've tried it a couple of times over the years and couldn't stand it. I love having the time off in the week, especially in winter.

I'm not sure the times are what I'd really call shifts which usually involve weekends, nights, bank holidays and are usually on a rolling ( changing ) rota. It's just an early start at 6.30 more than anything. I'm not minimising your tiredness but is there any way of managing your sleep prior to the early start?

I do weekends, bank hols, xmas day etc on a rota

i did ask my manager and she said it wouldn’t be fair on the rest of the team. She loves me 🤪 but its out of her hands, typical NHS

Hmmm….I prefer shifts. As pp said, having days off in the week is lovely. Having said that, I’m about to start a role that is 3 x 12 hour shifts, rather than shorter shifts over more days. The pension isn’t as good but right now I value time and this will give me much more of a work-life balance. I couldn’t do 9-5 again, unless it was only 3 days as it’s rubbish for free time in the week.

I am worried about that for things like nail appointments and dog grooms.
i like my weekdays off, especially for food shops and its not to busy.
i have such mixed emotions and feel really stressed.

Shift work is so, so bad for your metabolism and health OP. If you’re already feeling it and struggling then I think you should listen to your body. No shade intended on those who are happy doing them, though …

I suffer with hypothyroidism as well and need my sleep.
hats off to those who do 12hr shifts!
8 hours kill me

Shift work is so, so bad for your metabolism and health OP. If you’re already feeling it and struggling then I think you should listen to your body. No shade intended on those who are happy doing them, though

All shift work isn't equal though.

I think it is problem when night shifts are part of the rota.
The latest ops shift was 21:00hrs, mine is 23. 30, once a week. These shifts don't really disturb sleep patterns. I had to do nights once for six weeks and, for me it was absolutely awful.
In the ops case, if she is struggling and it is affecting her health that is the most important thing to consider.

Take it and give it a go. I do food shopping at 8pm on a week night and there's usually only 2-3 other customers so I'm in and out. Don't prioritize nail appts over sleep!

There is no such thing as a healthy shift pattern. We are not designed to be doing shifts but necessity says different. As you get older it is harder and the hidden health impact grows until you suddenly are ill.

So go for it but be sure you understand the pension impact particularly for rights in previous schemes as once you leave the NHS your early retirement options can be curtailed. It is complex!

*Sunflowergirl1
There is no such thing as a healthy shift pattern. We are not designed to be doing shifts but necessity says different.
I don't understand why you think day/ evening shift pattern can't be healthy.
I find it more healthy for me, than a 9/5. I can get more done in my time, I get to exercise more, I still eat well and sleep.

I'm more likely to get the appointments I want mid week, I can shop in less crowded places, mid week. If my days off are mid week I can get a cheap flight and go away for a couple of days.

I don't see how that's unhealthy.

I’d done shifts for 18 years. It definitely took its toll and I loathed working Christmas. I found a different NHS job doing 4 days a week 8-4, set days. It is so much better for my health and energy.
I think you need a middle ground though. I would keep looking for an NHS job that is better hours (something in outpatients maybe or even ward clerk if you could do 7-3?). That way you keep the NHS positives like pension and decent holidays without still slogging through shifts. I think if this new job was really right for you you would just go for it.

I did 17 years of shifts also nhs
7.30 am - 3.30 pm
1.30 pm - 9.30 pm
9.00 pm - 7.30 am
I left 6 years ago as I was really struggling with shift work and it was affecting my mental health there were other factors too.I still work for the nhs but in a gp’s surgery 3 days a week 8.00 am - 6.00 pm plus it’s 10 minutes away.
I do miss aspects of the job but not shift work.
It has made a huge difference to both my mental health and my general health.

I worked shifts for years. I started to really resent it; losing weekends with friends and family and the general disruption to my life. I loved my job but never been a live to work person. I applied for flexi working to reduce (not eliminate cos that wouldn’t be fair on colleagues) weekends but that was rejected.

I found a new job, no shifts, I’m 5 weeks in and I feel like a new person. No regrets.

I have only been with NHS for under 3 years so not much invested.

I love this 😜😍

That’s good to hear

I’m sure once you’re “NHS trained” its a bonus when applying for jobs in healthcare admin.
I think I would quite like a GP surgery role.

Update. I’m such an easy employee and never give the managers any grief… until I resigned and now there is an atmosphere and agro over the upcoming rotas, as they are struggling to fill my shifts.
I have my end date confirmed. 🤔

WHOO HOO! congratulations @Picklybilly88 .
Just sit back, watch the chaos unravel and enjoy your new job .... dont wobble if they try to persuade you to stay!