Back in the day, I worked the night shift.

The work week started late Sunday evening.

I went to work at 10pm Sunday evening and came back home at 6am on Monday.

The rest of the week followed that schedule.

OK, questions I faced ...

Do I eat breakfast when I get home at 6am, or at 8pm when I wake up and before I go to work?

And what about lunch and dinner? When do I partake in those?

Needless to say, I had issues with that night shift schedule.

As it turned out, I slept only six nights per week because I, at the time, wanted to participate in the social events of those who were not subject to that night shift.

Sleeping only six nights a week.

Looking back, I will proffer that the only reason I was able to deal with that schedule was because I was in my 20's and adaptable for the year I was subject to it.

But, in hindsight, it only increases my respect for those folk who work that night shift.

The great people I had the privilege of working with when I worked nights were inspiring to me.

@#2 ... I worked night shifts for 25 years, but only two at a time. ...

I'm not sure how to interpret that.

... but only two at a time ...

That's what Ii do not understand.

@#4

thx for the followup.

In that schedule, how did you adapt to the usual life functions?

For example, when did you eat breakfast?

I do not want to trivialize the effects of a work schedule that is not a routine daytime work schedule.

Indeed, the varying work hours you describe, well, wow. I am not sure how I would have dealt with that.

Of course, I look at my Dad who was a NYC Fireman. There were a couple nights per week, every week, when he was at work, and not at home.

@#6 ... They adapted to the shift schedule, not the other way around. ...

So, on what schedule did they have their meals?

Or sleep?