WIBU to say I’m not working morning shifts anymore?

[LLBandTTC]

I’m in shift work, most people at my place drive but I walk and no buses at the time my shifts start (5am). I’m getting really bad anxiety walking to work in the dark alone, whether that’s irrational or not, it means I’m dreading coming to work everyday. Some days I get normal shifts but I’m getting these about twice a week, which I know isn’t much but I get bad anxiety and feel tempted to carry something with me as defence.

Wibu to ask my manager to take me off these shifts? I don’t think it would make a big difference to them as shifts vary anyway but I don’t want them to think I’m being ridiculous.

Is it in your contract? Surely other people will have to work those shifts and therefore work more than their fair share of earlies if you refuse to work them?

Not unreasonable at all in theory. Just have a chat with them and see what they think.

Just as a thought though - how about riding a bike instead? Would that be an option?

Yanbu

I work shifts too and we have taxis provided if we're working when public transport is unavailable. Walking must be scary. Tell them you're not doing them anymore

Don’t think it’s in my contract but will have a look. I think a lot of the others prefer working the earlies anyway because they drive and then their days done earlier

A bike might be a good idea but i would still feel so on edge I think

It is perfectly reasonable not to walk to work alone in the dark.

You're only asking them to suspend them until spring. Ask, because as you say, other people prefer earlies.

Yes that’s true I don’t mind working at 5 once it’s light but right now I’m going out and it might as well be 1am

Definitely ask! It's likely someone else may want the earlier shift. Lots of people prefer them!

Depends what it is your contract

However if other people prefer earlies then if you are given any then it's also not unreasonable to ask anyone who has a later start if they want to swap - but they aren't unreasonable to say no either

Moped, Uber, taxi? Perfectly normal to not want to walk alone in the dark.

You can ask, but presumably if they had enough people who preferred those shifts they would’ve rostered it differently. You could also ask for taxis. But it sounds like it’s a contractual requirement for this job.

Hi op,
I wouldn't go into HR with the statement of your op.
But,you are right to ask if you can either start later or find a colleague who would either give you a lift or swap shifts.
At 0400hrs people are coming out of clubs drunk or high and it can be very intimidating.
Taxis are expensive so that's not an option on a regular basis I guess.
I hope your employers can understand your concerns and make reasonable adjustments to ensure your safety.
Good luck.

Depending on the job can't you just swop shifts with a colleague if many prefer the early start?