Shift Work Jobs - Are You Really Cut Out For One?
As I write this article, somewhere in the world right now it's the middle of the night and even though most are sound asleep and tucked into bed, there will be someone, somewhere - working.
In fact there are literally millions of people on the planet who work in some kind of job involving shift work.
Not to forget those who work in roles that are not technically classified as shift work, but due to the extra hours placed on employees to get a job done, many employers expect their employees to stay back and work after hours - many of which can be unpaid.
The sad reality is that we're becoming a society that never stops.
24/7 is becoming the new 9 to 5.
So if you're new to shift work or about to begin a new job which involves working unusual hours, have you thought deeply about what you're about to embark on? That is, whether you're really cut out for working irregular hours.
Because shift work is hard, and it's certainly not for everyone.
Employers rarely run through the details with prospective employees on the impacts of personal health and family life, and how it affects your life.
And it will.
Enormously.
But it's not all doom and gloom.
It's about being prepared.
So what can you do to better prepare yourself for a shift working job? Lots of things, and here's a few ideas to help get you started.
1.
Be very organised.
Plan your meals in advance and buy your groceries accordingly.
So many shift workers experience ill health and weight gain soon after starting shift work because they feel too tired to eat properly.
Always remember that the fastest and most convenient way to acquire food is not usually the healthiest.
2.
Inform your friends and family that you are about to start a job that involves working irregular hours.
Unexpected visitors and phone calls don't help a disrupted sleeping regime.
3.
Keep moving your body.
In many cases, exercise is the first thing to be given the flick when starting a new shift working job as your energy levels tend to flounder.
But the key thing to remember is that exercise will provide you with more energy, whereas no exercise will only escalate your fatigue.
So if you're new to shift work and you're not sure whether it's going to be for you, give yourself a fighting chance by taking care extra good care of your health.
Because when you do, your transition from a "normal person" to that of a shift worker will be much more enjoyable and easier one.
In fact there are literally millions of people on the planet who work in some kind of job involving shift work.
Not to forget those who work in roles that are not technically classified as shift work, but due to the extra hours placed on employees to get a job done, many employers expect their employees to stay back and work after hours - many of which can be unpaid.
The sad reality is that we're becoming a society that never stops.
24/7 is becoming the new 9 to 5.
So if you're new to shift work or about to begin a new job which involves working unusual hours, have you thought deeply about what you're about to embark on? That is, whether you're really cut out for working irregular hours.
Because shift work is hard, and it's certainly not for everyone.
Employers rarely run through the details with prospective employees on the impacts of personal health and family life, and how it affects your life.
And it will.
Enormously.
But it's not all doom and gloom.
It's about being prepared.
So what can you do to better prepare yourself for a shift working job? Lots of things, and here's a few ideas to help get you started.
1.
Be very organised.
Plan your meals in advance and buy your groceries accordingly.
So many shift workers experience ill health and weight gain soon after starting shift work because they feel too tired to eat properly.
Always remember that the fastest and most convenient way to acquire food is not usually the healthiest.
2.
Inform your friends and family that you are about to start a job that involves working irregular hours.
Unexpected visitors and phone calls don't help a disrupted sleeping regime.
3.
Keep moving your body.
In many cases, exercise is the first thing to be given the flick when starting a new shift working job as your energy levels tend to flounder.
But the key thing to remember is that exercise will provide you with more energy, whereas no exercise will only escalate your fatigue.
So if you're new to shift work and you're not sure whether it's going to be for you, give yourself a fighting chance by taking care extra good care of your health.
Because when you do, your transition from a "normal person" to that of a shift worker will be much more enjoyable and easier one.
Source...