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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To struggle?

6 replies

Fortgeloveofsleep · 09/12/2023 23:10

Newly single parent of an 18 month old. I have to get up at 0520 for shift, drop DC off at a relative's, go and do a 12 (or 14) hour shift, go and pick DC up, make food for the following day (for me and her), shower, get DC ready for bed, get DC to sleep, get 4-6 hours of broken sleep because DC is both teething and ill, to get back up and go back to shift the following day. I feel on my knees with exhaustion and brain fog.

Does everyone just crack on or is this a rather extreme level of responsibility?

OP posts:
Useruser1212 · 10/12/2023 00:05

That sounds extremely hard OP. Is there anyone who can help with an overnight to let you get some decent sleep? You're going to burnout if you try to keep this cycle going. I really feel for you!

Firefly2009 · 10/12/2023 06:18

I'd advise you to do different hours. I have done both single parenting and very long shifts. Both were extremely difficult and tiring. But I didn't do them at the same time. You need a change. It is unreasonable to expect so much of yourself.

Original poster
Fortgeloveofsleep · 10/12/2023 09:15

Useruser1212 · 10/12/2023 00:05

That sounds extremely hard OP. Is there anyone who can help with an overnight to let you get some decent sleep? You're going to burnout if you try to keep this cycle going. I really feel for you!

Unfortunately not, the only relative I have local already looks after her from ~6am till sometime after 7pm, I can't ask anymore of them.

OP posts:
Original poster
Fortgeloveofsleep · 10/12/2023 09:19

Firefly2009 · 10/12/2023 06:18

I'd advise you to do different hours. I have done both single parenting and very long shifts. Both were extremely difficult and tiring. But I didn't do them at the same time. You need a change. It is unreasonable to expect so much of yourself.

I wish I could do different hours but it's not something they can accommodate in my role. I've pretty much been told to suck it up or find a different job, which also isn't an option due to financial viability.

OP posts:
Mischance · 10/12/2023 09:21

I have no answer - but just wanted to send a hand hold and heaps of admiration for your staying power.

Firefly2009 · 10/12/2023 10:20

So what are your options?

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