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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to think this is workable?

157 replies

lockdownwithwhoresdrawers · 04/07/2021 22:32

Well, just about!

Desperately need extra ££ to fund last bits of a house renovation and the extra to cover for a garden studio. I currently work PT in the NHS in an admin position (2 days at home, 1 day in office) but have just been offered a 30hr nights role at Sainsbury's. My week would look like this.
Sunday 9pm-7am
Monday 8-4
Tuesday 8-4
Wednesday 8-4 then 9pm-7am
Thursday 9pm-7am
Friday - off
Saturday off
Sunday 9pm-7am again.

AIBU to think I can cram it all in as a short term solution? My 2 kids are at FT nursery and primary school, wraparound begins in September again so husband/me can drop from 7:30/8am.

OP posts:
Wejustdontknow · 05/07/2021 09:16

I work in a supermarket although not Sainsbury’s and when I first started working for them was a night shift worker. I did it for just under two years before switching to days as it was just unsustainable with a family life. After my night shifts all I had to do was the morning school run then I could come home and sleep until the afternoon pick up. I was permanently exhausted and my health definitely suffered. I know everyone is different so I guess it’s possible you would be ok working nights but I don’t think you could functionally do a day job at the same time. You will also have to consider how physically demanding the work will be whilst there. I would do anything from 20-27k steps on a 8 hour shift and the work is heavy and none stop, you will basically be working the delivery and getting the shop ready for morning, to do it in time you have to work at a fast consistent rate that many don’t realise. The turn over of staff on nights is so high because so many people think it’s similar to working a day shift when the reality is very different

EarringsandLipstick · 05/07/2021 09:23

It's certainly not unusual for Drs/Surgeons to do over their hours in my trust.

You are really not listening.

Yes of course doctors often work crazy shifts. I know some. But - they have zero life for the times they do this. And, it's not every week or all the time. They do actually get breaks.

Few of them do it while managing family life either. It's at an earlier stage of their career (doctors in my family).

Anyway, your posts where you continue to ignore the advice you are getting are a tad irritating now.

emeraldcity2000 · 05/07/2021 13:06

Look, it looks pretty awful to me. Bit if you're really convinced (which it sounds like you are) that's it's doable then try it. The worst that happens is you quit.
Presume you can't go full time in your current role - that would would look to have more possibility for progression so doing an excellent job there might help you move towards a more senior role?

Hobnobswantshernameback · 05/07/2021 13:08

You'll be rubbish at both jobs due to exhaustion
And please tell me you won't be getting behind the wheel of a car at any point in this madness
Night shifts are beyond the worst kind of tired

Lunaballoon · 05/07/2021 13:20

@Hobnobswantshernameback

You'll be rubbish at both jobs due to exhaustion And please tell me you won't be getting behind the wheel of a car at any point in this madness Night shifts are beyond the worst kind of tired
^ Exactly this. I’ve worked night shifts and it was my only job. It’s madness to think you can work both night and day.
MyGhastIsFlabbered · 05/07/2021 13:22

I'm not sure you can use annual leave for a second job because effectively you're being paid for your time twice...you're getting holiday pay from job 1 and wages from job 2...is that even legal?

NeilBuchananisBanksy · 05/07/2021 13:39

"Drive is extremely short so would be fine. Can walk or cycle too"

Erm- short familiar drives are the ones you take for granted the most. They are as dangerous when tired, if not more.

Plus where are you going to get the energy to walk or cycle?

This is absolute madness.

Use some credit and top up with a second job with sustainable hours.

Whyo · 05/07/2021 13:39

OP it’s entirely possible. I did something not dissimilar during a gap year and managed fine (you really are “managing” though) you need to be incredibly strict with around sleeping, meal prep etc.

The thing is I didn’t have kids to throw into the mix it was just me I was responsible for and almost all free time was spent on sleeping/relaxing/preparing which made the work all mentally possible. I just don’t see how that could work with children especially with ASN, even supported by your partner.

Try it out and see what happens you aren’t forced to stay if it becomes too unmanageable.

Original poster
lockdownwithwhoresdrawers · 05/07/2021 14:01

@MyGhastIsFlabbered

I'm not sure you can use annual leave for a second job because effectively you're being paid for your time twice...you're getting holiday pay from job 1 and wages from job 2...is that even legal?
I've sometimes taken AL and then a bank shift in another dept has come up so I have worked that with no penalty.
OP posts:
IntrovertEm · 05/07/2021 14:24

YaBU no way

Tlollj · 05/07/2021 14:41

Try it see what happens. I wouldn’t be able to do it now I’m too old but I would have certainly tried it.

Original poster
lockdownwithwhoresdrawers · 05/07/2021 15:31

I am going to try it, I think it is a somewhat skewed response as many members of society would be forced by circumstance to do a shift pattern like this, just not in Mumsnetland. It is not out of this world by any means, I am young and fit, can always give notice if it isn't working out for me I suppose. I have previously worked standalone nights, which were ok.

OP posts:
warmfluffytowels · 05/07/2021 15:42

@MyGhastIsFlabbered

I'm not sure you can use annual leave for a second job because effectively you're being paid for your time twice...you're getting holiday pay from job 1 and wages from job 2...is that even legal?
Yes, it's perfectly legal.

"If the main employer does not place any restrictions on employees doing other work, the employee can work elsewhere during annual leave. However, employers can require employees who wish to undertake secondary employment, including work during annual leave, to obtain agreement first. Such a requirement should be included in the contract of employment."

there are no legal restrictions preventing employees taking on other work during their leave if they wish to do so.

www.xperthr.co.uk/faq/can-employees-work-elsewhere-during-their-annual-leave/88802/

Brendabigbaps · 05/07/2021 15:46

I’d be more concerned about mistakes that may then be made in your nhs role if your not sleeping enough!

EarringsandLipstick · 05/07/2021 17:22

I am young and fit,

Had a very challenging few years and have only just made it out alive!

These statements don't tally.

You feel ok now but from your own posts haven't felt well, and certainly not fit, in the past few years

Anyway if it's what you want to do I guess that's all that's relevant. I think still it's very unfair to yourself & your employer, but also both sets of employers who I think you are going to massively let down, especially your current job. Good luck though.

FrenchieFromGrease · 05/07/2021 17:56

This is a stupid idea. When I was young and full of energy I had two jobs: one 9-5 in an office, and one 4 evenings being on call at a hotel. I could sleep in the hotel, but if anyone needed anything during the night I had to get up and deal with it. Even though I was sleeping part of the time I was completely wrecked. I only lasted a couple of months, and I was in my 20s with no kids or ties.

The Sainsburys job will include heavy lifting and dragging heavy carts. You can't do this when you've barely slept. It's not safe.

Get a 0% credit card as someone else suggested, then pay it off with a less intense second job or bank shifts.

Hobnobswantshernameback · 05/07/2021 18:12

Not in Mumsnet land
Yeah 6 years on permanent nights with two small children and a pregnancy
Not a clue about night shifts
Or caring for two small children whilst pregnant and having had two hours sleep in 36 hours
Or falling asleep at the wheel and nearly causing an accident
Or being pregnant and caring for 36 patients on barely any sleep
Nah
Not a clue

Lunaballoon · 05/07/2021 18:13

OP, when you’re drop-dead exhausted at the end of your two jobs, please don’t think about driving. You won’t just be putting your own life in danger.

NavigatingAdolescence · 05/07/2021 18:13

@MyGhastIsFlabbered

I'm not sure you can use annual leave for a second job because effectively you're being paid for your time twice...you're getting holiday pay from job 1 and wages from job 2...is that even legal?
It’s legal but it could “ping” in terms of Working Time Directive if you do it too often.
TrifleCat · 05/07/2021 18:32

OP this looks seriously unworkable - how long would it take you to raise the money you need? You will need to account for the extra costs that working longer hours brings. travel/petrol, work food, easy to cook meals at home etc.

Could you start a crowdfunded instead ?

exybusiness · 05/07/2021 18:35

I've done variable shifts, a mix of days and waking nights and it was horrendous. I didn't have children and I was permanently tired and tearful. I also don't think I was doing any part of my life well. Honestly, don't do it.

Original poster
lockdownwithwhoresdrawers · 05/07/2021 18:47

The driving element would only be 2 mins at the end of the 9pm-7am shift, not at any other time. I do hear what you are all saying, plus the pm I received. I will reiterate that I wouldn't be considering this if I had another simple solution.

OP posts:
HollaHolla · 05/07/2021 18:53

@MyGhastIsFlabbered

I'm not sure you can use annual leave for a second job because effectively you're being paid for your time twice...you're getting holiday pay from job 1 and wages from job 2...is that even legal?
It’s legal. Just a bad idea.
warmfluffytowels · 05/07/2021 18:53

I'm sorry if I've missed it, but why can't your DH take on some extra work? Can't you both try and work opposing evenings during the week so the other can look after the DC?

Original poster
lockdownwithwhoresdrawers · 05/07/2021 18:55

DH is worn out by the end of the week, he has a mild disability which makes working quite exhausting for him.

OP posts: