I work in a healthcare profession where nights/holidays and every other weekend are the norm. My current schedule is 12h says m/t and every other Friday plus 8h shifts every other sat/sun. I might have the opportunity to move into a job that is mon-fri 8-4:30. No nights/weekends/holidays. My kids are currently 3 and 6mo and I'd like to have this schedule when they go to school. So what do you guys think? Take this opportunity because it doesn't come around very often and give up my days during the week with the kids now? Any advice or scheduling preferences?
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@gotkimchi: such a tough choice! I also work in healthcare, evenings and weekends. My son is close to 2 and for me I still prefer to have weekdays and mornings off. Eventually I might rather work a different schedule to avoid weekends and holidays but I really enjoy my schedule for now. It depends on how rare the m-f schedule truly is, I guess.
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@junebugsmama: I know it's so hard
but the 12 hour days are wearing on me. The days I work I don't see the kids at all 
and with my oldest being 3 she'll be in school so soon and then I feel like I'll miss so much! I would say this job is pretty rare so that is a consideration
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@gotkimchi: so I also don't work 12 hours, and I think that's a huge factor. I think in your shoes I would switch, unless it was difficult to find childcare.
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I think if this new schedule is what you want eventually, I would take it now. The timing might never seem perfect but it would stink to hold out and have it not be an option in a few years.
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@catgirl: thanks, I've been thinking that as well
@junebugsmama: thankfully childcare isn't an issue,
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@gotkimchi: I work in healthcare too and when LO was <10 mo I worked weird shifts, often evenings and weekends. Now I have regular business type hours (though I'm not full time) and it's so much better. I love having weekends to do whole family things and dinner together everynight. Plus I feel like the predictable schedule is better for LO now.
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We're in opposite boats!
I'm a nurse that works M-F 8-5 for the most part, one weekend a month and two holidays a year (they rotate).
But I want to do 2-3 12-hours instead. I'm getting so burnt out at my current job. I just think five days a week in a nursing job feels like a lot. But I also feel bad complaining. It's partly cause I don't love the field I'm in. But it's the field I was hired to right after graduation so I know it's not forever and just a stepping stone.I will say I have loved having most weekends with my family, it makes such a world of difference. I would hate to give that up for sure.
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I work in healthcare, too, but I only work part-time. I recall a few of my friends working three 12 hour shifts a week (nights), and they were able to take their kids to school in the mornings, sleep during the day, and then wake up for pick-up. Not sure if that can be done forever though.
I do like the predictability of my schedule and being able to schedule things (i.e. play dates and vacations) in advance.
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@Mrs. Pen: I feel bad complaining too because I know it's nice to have days off during the week and work less days with the long hours but man it's draining. Hoping a change of pace helps
@MenagerieMama: I'm hoping it helps give us some regularity as wekk
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@gotkimchi: not a nurse, so take this with a grain of salt
but as my kids are getting towards school age (currently in a co-op preschool), are you sure that working "regular" hours would be better? i understand that the 12h shift days are long, but having the other week-days would allow you to still volunteer at their school regularly/go to field trips if that's important to you. i do know that lots of normal working-hours parents complain about how they feel left out of their kids school/PTA/whatever because they aren't able to attend stuff!Just another perpsective to consider
As with anything with kids, I'm sure there are pros and cons either way.That being said, if it's something you definitely want to do, I'd probably make the move now since it's available to you!
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@KayKay: I'm not sure lol!! I go back and forth, but as it is now I don't see my kids the days I work which is terrible. Make grown up decisions sucks
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If I were you I would go for the M-F job. I think you'll love having evenings and weekends together as a family, and who knows when the opportunity will present itself again?
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Im in your same boat. I have a 3 year old, 5 mo old and work 3 12s on the weekends for the past 2 years. It was fine at first, but man, I'd jump at any opportunity to take the regular hours. As for volunteer opportunities and field trips at school, that's what PTO is for. Leaving my kids on Saturday and not seeing them again until Tuesday morning is torture. Not to mention never seeing my husband.
If, after you've settled into your new M-F job and decide you hate it, those weekend shifts will still be there! -
Do you work both Sat and Sun every other weekend or just one of those days?
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@sapphire: both
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@MrsRoo: that's great advice thank you
but the 12 hour days are wearing on me. The days I work I don't see the kids at all 
and with my oldest being 3 she'll be in school so soon and then I feel like I'll miss so much! I would say this job is pretty rare so that is a consideration
but as my kids are getting towards school age (currently in a co-op preschool), are you sure that working "regular" hours would be better? i understand that the 12h shift days are long, but having the other week-days would allow you to still volunteer at their school regularly/go to field trips if that's important to you. i do know that lots of normal working-hours parents complain about how they feel left out of their kids school/PTA/whatever because they aren't able to attend stuff!Reply
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16 comments