Advice needed

[geoqueen]

Hi, I’m looking for some advice from people who have had to work a lot at their time of their life. I’m working 2 jobs and about to start a third. I’ll be working 6 day weeks for the next 6 weeks, until my temporary contract at one of my jobs finishes and I’ll then be working normal 5 day weeks so that’s fine. However before then I’m doing overtime on two Saturdays (my day off) meaning I’ll have a period of working 8 and 9 days straight until then. I’m just looking any advice on coping with this as I’m a bit nervous! It is necessary for me unfortunately due to finances. 2/6 of the days are 10 hour shifts, 3/6 are 5-6 hour shifts and 1 day is just a 3 hour shift. They are all daytime/afternoons so that’s ok.

Also just to follow up, incase you can’t already tell I’m one of those people who can’t say no unless I am physically unable to do something…. I know it is a problem….

2/6 of the days are 10 hour shifts, 3/6 are 5-6 hour shifts and 1 day is just a 3 hour shift

So for 6 weeks you'd have the following pattern:

Day 1: start 9am end 7.30pm (at least 30min break for lunch)
Day 2: same
Day 3: start 9am end 3pm
Day 4 and 5: same as Day 3 - can include optional break.
Day 6: start 9am end 12noon
Day 7: rest day?

im not sure how you'd need to work 8 or 9 days straight if the above is correct. The important thing is not having to do too many of the 10 hr shifts (you've said 2/6) and more of the 6 hrs (3/6) , which it seems from your description is what you'd need to do.

seems doable for 6 weeks.

The times I've given are just "indicative" - main thing is to ensure you have at least 11 hrs (legal minimum worker right in U.K.) between your shifts, which would be possible based on what you've said.

It will definitely be full-on but you can do it. My advice would be to refrain from alcohol if you drink because it can really impact your sleep, eat well, stay hydrated, and go to bed at a decent time every night. Try to take care of yourself the best you can.

Meal plan and batch cook/prep and freeze easy to reheat nutritious meals.

Well done you OP. It sounds like you need to learn to say no as burnout is mental as well as physical, but that this is a temporary thing to sort some finances.

I literally would not be bothered with housework, you can’t do everything. You’ll hardly be home and should be sleeping then anyway. Buy easy to make but nutritious foods, try not to overdo the caffeine. When I’ve had periods at work doing crazy hours I was running on adrenaline. It does catch up with you though so listen to your body.