Would two 12-hour GP receptionist shifts a week be manageable

[Team187]

Do you think working 8-8 as a GP receptionist 2 days a week would be manageable (this shift pattern obviously includes breaks)? This seems preferable to working 5 days a week for 5 hours a day, but I wonder if anyone with experience of the role would suggest otherwise.

Depends on your other commitments. Of course it's doable if you don't have childcare or things going on outside of work to worry about.

Yes hard question to answer as we don’t know your circumstances / other commitments. I think it sounds great.

I have a teen son, but my husband generally works from home so the longer shifts wouldn't be an issue, apart from me not being there to cook!

I think that's manageable. I teach in an FE college and currently do 8am to 9pm two days back to back then 8am to 5pm for three days. But I'm single so only have me to worry about! I'm nearly 60 so starting to feel tired each year I do it but it's manageable.

I used to do 12 - 12 waitressing shifts and much preferred that to shorter shifts over more days

It's few years ago now. I did 3 x 5hour shifts 3pm until 8pm. It was full on the stress sometimes was hard.
Admittedly I worked solo from 6pm. Can't imagine how I'd have felt with a long long day.
This was before COVID and the other staff members say how hard the job is now.

How many staff members will be working with you, will you be constantly on the desk or answering the phone.
There are jobs in the background that takes you away from the desk for a good break.

Plenty of roles operate 12-13 hour shifts on a 4 on 4 off basis. Considering this is not overnight and only twice a week, I’ve no idea what would be particularly taxing about it. 🤷🏻‍♀️

You are going to work 16 hours a week and then claim UC for the rest?

I used to work 12 hour shifts as a theatre nurse. You end up being completely shattered but you enjoy your days off.

That’s not 16hrs is it?
it’s 2 x 12hr shifts

I know you are being deliberately goady but the OP has 1 teenage child and a working husband so what UC would she be after

I'd definitely do that rather than 4 or 5 longer days.

Her husband is working, probably full time, so she's unlikely to be claiming any universal credit. If they can manage with one full time and one part time wage then that's a decision for them.

Same. That’s a nice shift pattern to have in terms of lots of days off.

You seem lovely.

Yes of course it is. It’s just part time work

Ok Bitter McBitterface

I think it also depends on your personality/temperament. For example if you are very traditional/love routine and strongly prefer proper meals at set times, or are quite stressy and would be anxious if (for example) you didn’t sleep well the night before a long shift. Long days may not suit you.
I’ve worked shifts for decades, genuinely struggle with normal hours! However I take the rough with the smooth and accept that I will miss out on social events at times but also get free time in the week. (I work full time, 3-4 12 hour shifts per week including week ends etc. so the option of just 2 in the week sounds fab)

My DH does 3 ten hour shifts - Sun, Mon, Tues, and then Mon, Tues, Wed, (alternate weeks,) and loves it. Every other week he finishes on a Wednesday, and isn't back til the following Tuesday. Some other people who work where he works do 30 hours a week too, but do it over 5 days.

They've had managers come and go who have tried to change DH's shifts pattern, but he's refused point blank, and I think when you've been doing a certain shift pattern for so long they can't change it. So I absolutely would do 2 twelve hour shifts and then have the other 5 days off. It's a no-brainer!!!

Hats off to you for being a Dr.receiptionist
Stressful for employees and patients alike.

I don't need to claim UC. Don't worry!

12 hour shifts themselves are very common and not an issue
everyone is different and this role will be mentally demanding and also relentless some people could cope with that some couldn’t

If you’re aiming for 24 hours and they’re flexible, why not do 3x8 hours.
Personally, I hate 12 hours shifts. Would much prefer to 2 x 8-4 and 1x 12-8pm. Have some free time in your working days and would probably be more productive when there.

At least learn to add up before being provocative.