I feel ya. I think 7 years of shift work in policing aged me about 20 years. I struggled to turn off especially after a busy shift and my first rest day I was always like a zombie. Unpredictable finishing times are also a killer. Now working in a role which is office hours and predictable and feel like I'm recovering. There was very little that helped me unfortunately I think I just wasn't cut out for them. Some colleagues however were fine with shiftwork and could sleep 8 hours before a nightshift.... Always jealous of them! 6 months into a routine and I'm starting to feel like a normal human again 🙂
Hey Adam, thanks for this! I too have recently switched to a position away from the field for a bit. I also am ONLY NOW starting to feel "normal" again... Not there yet - by a long shot - but better. All the best!
The work and the overtime work… and partnerships with other agencies coming to your area. It’s a lot. The needs are real. There are so many pathways involved in health, climate and tools. It’s a lot but it’s also a bit simple. It’s workable and there’s plenty of space to be had.
I will agree that shift work does take a toll, Since starting at my detachment in Maskwascis. The first few weeks were really hard with commuting 45 minutes each way, but I think me being 21 I have become used to it pretty well. I hope your doing well!
The best shift block that I ever did was the twelve hour shift of three on, two off, two on, three off with every other weekend off. The best was ending on a day shift and starting on nights. Even with an hour commute, it was a very easy transition on the system. Having said that, once I went to straight days, I don't think that I could have easily gone back to shift work. The worst block that I had, I can't even describe it. It was a mix of days, afternoons and nights and being on call and it was absolutely awful. We'd sometimes work six or seven days in a row and have three days off and it wasn't enough time to get things done or relax.
That first schedule sounds fantastic! I have no doubt that I'll eventually have a steady day schedule with tye odd "blip" here and there :) My second post schedule was terrible... 7 on 2 off... 8 on 3 off. Eight hour shifts, on call for 16 hours. Not a fan!
Definitely a hot shower, some oatmeal cereal and a round in the massage chair knocks me right out. Also helps prevent charley horses by improving blood flow after spending 15-18 hours per day in a vehicle.
I work in one of the OCC in KDiv… we’re 2 days, 2 nights, typically 6a-6pm then swap. I’ve always been a bit of a night owl, so fortunately I haven’t been having too hard of a time… I must say an hour and 15 min commute doesn’t help my case lol.
Hey DOCC! can I get a 27/29 on one male when ready? haha... the 2 days / 2 nights schedule seems like a golden schedule... at least on paper. I'd like to try that for a rotation. An hour and 15.... each way?! goodness... that makes for a long day. However, if you're coming home to peace and happiness... well worth the effort :)
Respect bro, I don't mind working crazy hours , finally got some days off , finally got Thur my 3 month probation with both of my security company's, Can't wait to get back to work tho, stay safe out there bro and all ways watch your 6 God bless you
Oh man I'm going on 8 years of the 2 3 2 schedule working maintenance in a data center. Some weeks we get called in to cover so messes up the rotating Even more, having days off during the week is nice, but the toll on my body the juice isn't worth the squeeze I'm ready to go back to my trade for a day job
When you know your coming up to start a block on nights do you try and do a change over the day before so the first night isn't too bad or just go for it
Sort of. I just try to nap during the day of my first night shift. Helps a little. The first two nights are the toughest. You body is like “What are you doing!!”
I work in the police but not as a cop. I do rotational shift work and it's hell. I haven't slept at all in 24hrs and now I have to work. I'm thinking about quitting because it's been months and my body has not been able to adjust.
It’s certainly very tough… and for some, WAY difficult. Me included! Hope you find your groove my friend. Lots of resources out there with tips / strategies to help. Not they they’ll all work, but worth the effort.
Haha I’m in a unit now. More “business” hours type thing mostly. I worked with TPS for a year… at that time, schedule wasn’t much better. I am interested in that 4 on 4 off split though. I hear it’s great
