Nightshift Vet of 10 plus years, what I've noticed
Ten plus years working overnight, the majority of that in two different jobs. I briefly did a couple of shifts at another job filling in (call center), and a week at a hotel overnight as well. So, no warehouses, cleaning, health, or hospitality beyond that one week at the hotel. It's been in a dispatch and then later a security aspect and in both cases in an office in front of a computer. Here's what I've noticed.
Nightshift is a punishment for most people. It's something that most people only take because they have to for whatever reason. Weather it's they've been placed on nights and don't want to or can't find another job, or it's all they could find in the first place. And, it's not for everyone. We're all aware of the health implications, the devastating effect it can have on our romantic relationships, and friendships. That's not the point of this post. I personally prefer nights and get a bit annoyed when I tell someone I work nights and they either look a bit repulsed, lose respect, and/or say something like "I'm sorry to hear that". They mean well but it's my choice and I don't appreciate that. And yes, that has happened a few times.
Drugs and alcohol seem to come up a lot in this Subreddit and I'm not sure if it's more common in the other overnight industries I'm not familiar with or if I've just managed to end up at companies where people keep clean. Other than a bit of weed being smoked on breaks I've not personally experienced colleagues using any substances. And, if they have then they've not let it affect their work enough that anyone noticed.
And then there's the people who can do nights forever, for a while, and not at all. I feel like the numbers I'm going to share are pretty accurate. They're estimated obviously and, only from the industries I've worked in but I'd be curious to know what you feel about them. I feel that about 85% of people cannot do nights. They could try, but ultimately they can't They're just not built for it. Just no. Then, another 8% can do nights for anywhere from 3 - 6 months. They're fine, they're showing up awake and happy. And then one day they hit an invisible wall and they can't anymore. I've seen this on all walks of life, all genders, all ages. It just happens. It's like they hit the wall and they can't get past that. The last 7% includes myself. The people who can miraculously work nights and enjoy it.
I like nights, it works for me for a lot of reasons. Companionship both romantic and non can be the most difficult parts. I've found a way to make that work for the most part. I'm able to switch back and forth on days off and I like being flexible. I know that's not what we're supposed to do but I do and I like it.
Those are my observations, what are yours? Do my stats sound right to you?