Tips for coping with a very late pub shift this weekend

[StartledPineapple]

Posting here for traffic...

I work a second job in a pub on top of 37.5 hours in an NHS middle management role. Usually do around 12 hours a week over two shifts - I enjoy it and like having the additional money which is why I do it. It's very much a pub to eat in rather than just have drinks so other than the odd weekday 5-9pm shift I largely work from 11am until either 3, 4, or 5pm on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday (work compressed hours in my main role over 4 days).

However, this weekend there's a birthday party on in the pub and it will probably get quite wild - I start at 5pm and have been told to expect a finish time of 2am or more likely 3am. I'll be honest - not sure how I'm going to cope!

I'm 40 but menopausal due to a hysterectomy, and that plus generally shaky mental health and being autistic means I thrive off having good sleep hygiene and a good routine. I try and go to bed at 9pm (I meditate/read/listen to audiobooks before sleep) and I get up at 530am - I start work at 7 during the week and try and go to the gym beforehand.

I'm probably overthinking it but I'm just so worried about how exhausted I'll be come the end of my shift (it's a 20 min drive home after too) especially when having to deal with drunk/loud customers, and the impact it will then have on my next few days of sleep. I want to do something nice with the guy I'm seeing on Sunday afternoon but have had to say I'll play it by ear as I know how tired I'll be. I'm really cranky and emotional if I don't get enough sleep.

Any tips for getting through it? Not working is not an option.

Red Bull

Have a nap before work. Drink coffee

Why are you putting yourself through it then?

it’s a pub job, and outside your normal working hours. Just say no sorry I can’t work past my usual finishing time.

why is not working not an option? You say it’s a second job and you do it for enjoyment and a bit of extra cash. But is the money worth this stress?

I don't have agreed 'normal' working hours other than the number of hours I work, it's just what I get put in for as some of the staff can only work evenings but they need all hands on deck for the party - some of the staff are also party guests so it's limited who's available. It's likely to be a one off situation.

The time will fly by because you are busier than normal

Can you get a cab home instead of driving so you can start to unwind straight away rather when you get home after driving
If you do this make sure you book it with a reputable company in the afternoon and tell them your name and you are barstaff.

Before you go to work leave yourself a nice snack, freshly made bed, low lights and what ever eles makes you feel relaxed for when you get home.
I have worked in pubs and it can be hard to come back to earth after a busy night but all of the above helped me.