Third Shift ~
Although technically I currently work second shift, I have worked third shift on many occasions in the past. I realize just how rough that can be. May 8th is set aside to celebrate those that work the dreaded “graveyard shift” while the rest of the world sleeps. May 8th is National Third Shift Workers’ Day.
National Third Shift Worker’s Day
According to Squidoo, National Third Shift Workers’ Day is always on the second Wednesday in May. Third shift is for those that help keep businesses and services running 24 hours a day. It is most commonly worked in emergency fields that require 24 hour services to keep people safe and healthy, but those are not the only places that run 24 hours a day. Many factories have 24-hour operations, as do a lot of convenience stores and restaurants.
At any rate, third shift is one of the hardest shifts on your body to adjust to and to work regularly. It changes eating habits and sleeping patterns, not to mention the changes within one’s personal life, such as not being able to see your spouse or children as often. If one’s child is involved in after-school activities such as sports or dance, a third shift worker may have to miss these activities to get some sleep.
I know from personal experience how rough this can be. I have worked either second or third shift a lot of my married life. Sure, it pays a little more with shift differential pay, but sometimes I wonder if it is worth it. I think that anyone who tells you that they have adjusted to a third shift schedule within a few days is lying. It takes weeks to get used to going to work when the rest of the world is going to sleep, and getting off work and coming home when the rest of the world is just waking up. It seems that you are just missing everything that is going on, and you can’t seem to get caught up on what is happening in the world.
A Big Ol’ Pile Of Shift Work
I don’t envy anyone that works third shift. It is not an easy shift at all. So, for those of you out there that do work third shift currently or have worked it in the past, I raise my glass to you on this day and propose a toast! You are one of the real driving forces behind America’s economy!
Check here for more holidays in May!
Have You Ever {Or Do You Currently} Worked Third Shift?
Aria H. says
I dont and havent ever worked a third shift, but I work both first and second shifts a lot since I work out of my home and the work is always there to do.
Thomas Chappell says
I use to work at a boat company that did public and private cruises on the rivers in pittsburgh. All holidays are mandatory and football sundays were as well. My longest shift was 36 hours. They don’t pay over time because they are considered a seasonal job plus it is water ways work. We made the best of it and had a lot of fun though.
Dawn McAlexander says
A 36 hour shift and no overtime. Bleh. I worked a 24 hour shift one time at a place that didn’t pay overtime, but never 36. Wow.
Sherry S. says
I’ve worked all three shifts. Now I work at what some call four crew or four star. We work six weeks of nights Monday, Tuesday and Wed. and every other Sunday if needed and then we work six weeks of days Thursday, Friday and Sat. and every other Sunday. If that’s not bad enough we do what they call a flop once a year and switch out when we work days and nights. We are getting ready for long shift change this week and I’ll be going to weekend days. I hope my schedule hasn’t given you a headache.
sstrode at scrtc dot com
Dawn McAlexander says
Oh my gosh! How to you even get up. I have worked at places that had weird shifts like that, but I never had to rotate, thankfully.
Sherry S. says
After a while you get use to it and it’s not so bad. We use to have to do a lot of overtime and that could be pretty hard on you because they can make you work two days OT a week. OT on nights is hard when they get you every other day because you usually sleep a lot your first day off.
Dawn McAlexander says
Oh I bet!
lisa says
I have worked at a job that would shift people. I hated it. It wreaks havoc on the body.I believe people need a regular routine.
Dawn McAlexander says
I agree. I have worked jobs where I switched shifts, too, and I was always tired.
Edward H. Reinholtz says
I work the 3rd Shift currently and Do work 5 nights a week the nights sometimes Change but I have been working the last 15 years at a hotel . I also worked the 3rd shift at Mcdonalds and also a Gas Station. I prefer working the night Shift because I really don’t deal with many people . I am at work by myself and if anything happens I call who I have to like the local Police .
Dawn McAlexander says
That is one thing that I did like about 3rd shift..not too many people, including managers. It’s not that I did stuff to get in trouble, it’s just that they generally made me nervous, lol.
Sherry Compton says
I didn’t realize there was a day for third shift workers. How cool. I haven’t but my husband has. He is fine with third shift. It’s just an adjustment on him. My daughter is the same way. They both think second shift would be the hardest so I guess it all comes down to your likes and how you adjust to things.
Dawn McAlexander says
You are right. Everyone likes different shifts best. I think I liked 2nd best. I hate getting up early, but I love staying up late at night. 🙂