Job offer and Shifts

[turtledovelove]

I'm hoping I can get some advice on what it's really like to work shifts (NHS) especially juggling with children and family life.

I have just been offered what I would deem to be my dream job role however I am so worried about logistically managing the shifts. It is a complete change in career path and I was shocked (yet thrilled) to be offered the job. Since that phonecall I feel as though I'm overthinking everything to the extent that I've now talked myself out of accepting the position! How am I going to be able to juggle shift patterns? It seems a monumental hurdle and yet people do it everyday.

Of course I knew it would be shifts when I applied for the role however a) I didn't even expect to get an interview and b) I certainly didn't expect to get offered the job.

I currently work an office job with the usual Monday to Friday pattern. I dislike my job immensely but it fits in with family life and I admit I am very much in my comfort zone. I guess that is what makes the thought of working shift patterns so daunting.

Please tell me it'll all work out and will all be fine

Once you’re passed the “shadowing” & 6 week rota stage you should be able to “request” shifts around what you can.
Can’t always get them but if you’re in a good team, it’s usually doable.

We have found a good childminder to cover when I’m doing a long day & my OH has to go in for an evening so she covers 3 hours with the kids.

Also MIL does 4 hours if my OH has to do a 4 hour shift his end.

It does mean I sometimes go to night shifts only having slept in for 3 hours of the morning for the first night but it’s doable.

It’s just finding a way that works for you & your family. Good luck & hope it works out.

What will your shifts be?

We have a live-out nanny as we both do shifts but only do the same night shift one Thursday every 6 weeks. We did a stint with a childminder and just took turns to take that shift off, but the childminder did do early starts and late finishes.

I like our lifestyle. We aren't often all together, but I don't mind missing some day trips that husband takes the kids on. It's easy to get kids to activities as often one of us is off (I don't think childminders would take my kids to swimming lessons?) and usually one of us is there for homework too.

Congratulations! Can I ask what your new job is? Well done for taking the leap!

Thank you @pancakes22.

The post is an HCA on a mental health unit who support new mothers and their baby's.

On paper it really is my ultimate dream job.
A crystal ball would be good right now just to get a glimpse of a few months down the line and be sure it'll all fall into place.

@user1471464218

What will your shifts be?

We have a live-out nanny as we both do shifts but only do the same night shift one Thursday every 6 weeks. We did a stint with a childminder and just took turns to take that shift off, but the childminder did do early starts and late finishes.

I like our lifestyle. We aren't often all together, but I don't mind missing some day trips that husband takes the kids on. It's easy to get kids to activities as often one of us is off (I don't think childminders would take my kids to swimming lessons?) and usually one of us is there for homework too.

I know the general shift times but what I don't know yet is whether you generally do the same pattern each week so that you're in some sort of routine or whether they are all over the place.

A long shift for example is 7.30am until 8pm. You're expected to do 3 of these per week in a full time post. Alternatively 2 of these per week and 2 shorter days which are either 7.30am until 3.30pm or 12pm until 8pm.

My partner works long days and our youngest goes to a childminder 3 x times a week. Her hours are 8-5 so the wrap around care is my biggest concern.

Thank you @Terrhins it's great to find out how other families manage it.

I am hopeful that it will all work out ok but it's one of those situations that until you're doing it you never really know how it'll all slot into place.

@turtledovelove wow, what a rewarding job to have! Definitely talk to your other co-workers about how the shifts work out & if requesting shifts is an option & the looking for good wrap childcare.

I’ve just got my Rota sorted & now moved up a band to a different post so will have 6 weeks of training before 6 weeks of certain days before being able to request shifts again but we’ll try to make it work.

Hope it all works out for you.