New job - physically exhausted

[Mumof1andacat]

Hi I have started a new job where I'm on my feet the whole time I am there. I work part time and the shifts are 7.5hrs long or 11.5hrs long. I enjoy the job but I am exhausted being on my feet the time. All my other jobs have been office based so I have sat down. I'm 3 weeks in and my days off inbetween shifts are spent on the sofa asleep. Will I ever get use to being on my feet? At the moment I'm sleepy and I ache everywhere :(

You'll get used to it - it's just a strain on your body you haven't experienced before.

Make sure you're eating and sleeping well.

What's the job?

I’m also on my feet all day. It’s nice when it stops.

But yes you get used to it.

Is it care work by any chance?

Yes care work on a hospital ward

Yes you will get used to it. Make sure you stay hydrated and eat healthily on your breaks to keep your energy up.
Much better for your health to be in a job where you are active than staying sedentary at a desk all day. It’s just a big change of pace for you.

Thank you everyone. On shift tomorrow so early night again. My body hurts x

I do the same job.
On early shift I start at 7.15am so I'm in bed by 930pm the previous night seriously!
When I have a day off I always have a lie in.

I go to the gym on days off around lunchtime & I find that weight training especially is making me stronger & fitter for work.

Always drink lots of water at work, eat healthy energy giving food on your breaks (do not skip breaks), look after your physical & mental health.

In this job never fall into the trap of becoming a put upon martyr who misses breaks as you will just burn out & then they will get in bank staff to do your job.
Harsh though it is hcas are considered dispensable by management as there are so many people waiting to step into your shoes if you get ill & leave.

I know I sound cynical: I've been an HCA for 8 years & I enjoy the job caring for the patients & working with my direct colleagues BUT I dont trust management & I've seen colleagues with 20 years service treated like pieces of dirt.

So what I'm trying to say is to look after yourself & your health first of all.

Make sure you follow all the manual handling procedures properly- don't take shortcuts or you will get a bad back etc.
Ask for a debrief if anything really distressing happens - I haven't always done so & regret it.
Find a really comfy pair of shoes.
Hopefully the tiredness will get less bad & you will start to really get a lot out of your job!

Get shoes with really good soles

I would really recommend a really god pair of shoes you would be amazed how much of a difference they make

I wear clarks trigenics, they're the most comfy shoes I've had.
Lots of my colleagues wear Skechers or black Nikes.