Switching from 1st to 2nd Shift?!?!

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2009-12-01 2:14 PM

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Elite
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Puyallup, WA
Subject: Switching from 1st to 2nd Shift?!?!
So there is a possibility that I can switch from 1st to 2nd shift.  For the 5 years I've been "working" (since college) I've been on 1st shift, but a job has opened that is similar to my own that would be on 2nd.  I would have the same boss and co-workers but would pretty much be on my own.

Who else is working 2nd and what obstacles did they run into?  I've actually thought it would HELP my training, because it would allow me to do it in the morning/early afternoon BEFORE I went to work?!?!?  I think the "big" worry of mine is that it would adjust my social calendar  - but I don't really go out too much anymore...I'm the go to bed early so I can get a good night sleep and get things done type person! 

Thoughts/ideas/suggestions from COJ???

Thanks!! Laughing

2009-12-01 2:20 PM
in reply to: #2538087

Iron Donkey
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Subject: RE: Switching from 1st to 2nd Shift?!?!

Are you single, with a S.O., or have kids?  Different scenario for each on scheduling.

2009-12-01 2:26 PM
in reply to: #2538087

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Regular
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Subject: RE: Switching from 1st to 2nd Shift?!?!
Been working 2nd shift for over a year now. It's nice because i'm by myself and all the bosses and politics are gone, plus, I can browse this website like I am now vs first shift. Quality of life sucks though, impossible to sleep at night at least for me, most active hours are from midnight to four in the am. Haven't actually had any type of social life in over a year. Second shift is the equal to a prison sentence IMHO but it is a job and you do get away with alot more as no one else in the world wants to work this horrid shift.   
2009-12-01 2:30 PM
in reply to: #2538087

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Elite
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Puyallup, WA
Subject: RE: Switching from 1st to 2nd Shift?!?!
I am completely single...just recently ended a short relationship...no kids - only 2 cats...who don't really care when I'm around as long as they have food :-D
2009-12-01 2:40 PM
in reply to: #2538087

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Elite
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Subject: RE: Switching from 1st to 2nd Shift?!?!
I've worked both shifts at the job I'm at now.  I was in college during both at one point also.

1st shift advantages:

Easier to resolve issues since more people are at work.
Better sleep pattern. (I ended up staying up/getting up WAY too late.)
Better social life.  Going to dinner is an option.
Tired way less often.
Better relationship with co-workers.  (Not sure why.)
Get off work at a decent hour.

2nd shift advantages:

Time for errands or workouts before work.  (This is awesome!  Bank, P.O., ect...)
Easier to schedule appointments/classes.
Quiet Office

Is your workout routine the only reason you're considering the change?  For me, that wouldn't be enough.  I did an ironman this year working full time 1st shift (as do many others) and I'm not sure I'd have been able to on 2nd shift.  Many days I had to train before and after work.  On one hand, morning workouts without getting up too early is awesome.  But on the other, its tough to get off work at 11PM and go the gym.
2009-12-01 2:41 PM
in reply to: #2538087

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Elite
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Muskego, WI
Subject: RE: Switching from 1st to 2nd Shift?!?!

I worked 3-11 all through school and about a year post-school.  I committed myself from day one that arriving home was time for bed.  So, getting to bed at mid-night-ish allowed for (a) the world to be my playground in the AM as all stores were dead, etc., and (b) a semi-normal routine when not working.  I always ate a big meal at lunch and then tried to snack at work, etc. so getting home was not time for food, just time for bed.  To this day I'm starving at lunch and could care less about dinner for the most part.  Friends that stayed up until 3/4 AM post-work were miserable.  So, I guess try to avoid that and it becomes a convenient schedule in many ways.

2009-12-01 3:20 PM
in reply to: #2538145

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Subject: RE: Switching from 1st to 2nd Shift?!?!
morey1 - 2009-12-01 2:41 PM

I worked 3-11 all through school and about a year post-school.  I committed myself from day one that arriving home was time for bed.  So, getting to bed at mid-night-ish allowed for (a) the world to be my playground in the AM as all stores were dead, etc., and (b) a semi-normal routine when not working.  I always ate a big meal at lunch and then tried to snack at work, etc. so getting home was not time for food, just time for bed.  To this day I'm starving at lunch and could care less about dinner for the most part.  Friends that stayed up until 3/4 AM post-work were miserable.  So, I guess try to avoid that and it becomes a convenient schedule in many ways.



Man, I cannot get to sleep at all when I get off work. I've tryed drugs, milk, eating patterns, no caffeine, etc, etc. Cannot get to sleep at home. Your right it's miserable when you don't sleep till 3 am - 4 am.  Even staying up till 8 am and swimming at 5 am, but then i'm more focused on getting the workout over with and getting to sleep though. What time did you wake Morey? 
2009-12-01 3:40 PM
in reply to: #2538230

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Elite
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Muskego, WI
Subject: RE: Switching from 1st to 2nd Shift?!?!

Even staying up till 8 am and swimming at 5 am, but then i'm more focused on getting the workout over with and getting to sleep though. What time did you wake Morey? 

8-ish.  It was awesome.  Wake up when my body was ready, no alarm needed, and still tons of time.  I feel your pain though, others could not do it and had trouble like you describe.  By nature I'm a morning person, and that may have helped me get to sleep post-work. 

2009-12-01 9:18 PM
in reply to: #2538087

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Master
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Riverside, IL
Subject: RE: Switching from 1st to 2nd Shift?!?!
I've been working a 2nd shift (I start at 3pm, but am usually home by 10:15pm) for the past 22 years...and I love it!  Wouldn't give it up for anything!  I have my mornings free to workout as long as I please, plus plenty of time to run errands, go shopping, schedule appointments, take a nap (which I do almost everyday), or do whatever I please before I get ready for work. 

Granted, we do not have kids...so that makes it easier for me.  But I still get up at 4:30am on weekdays, because I'm a morning person and like to start my workouts early.  On weekends, I'll "sleep in" until 5:30 or 6am.   I try and get to bed no later than 10:30pm everyday...weekends I'm usually in bed before 9pm.  Yeah, we have no social life.  (:   
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