Work/life balance
Discussion
Not so much seeking advice (I'm nigh-on made my mind up), just curious as to what others would do.
Currently work nights in an office, and have due for past two years. 22:00 - 06:00, 5 nights from 7 including weekends, Bank Holidays etc. Get one full weekend off every six weeks, or thereabouts.
Put bluntly, I hate it. But it's a job (remember this bit), which is more than many have.
26 y/o, single, no "normal" social life whatsoever. No-one around at 02:30 during the frequent mid-week night-off, surprisingly: they seem to save it for these "Friday nights" and "Weekends", whatever they may be. Rarely see my mates, go out even less. Days off are spent in bed, and the ruined sleep pattern mean that you're not up for doing much on them. But it's a job.
Both physical and mental health is suffering: lucky to get 5, maybe 6 hours sleep (interrupted) per day, moods to pot, forever on a "low", forever tired...but again, it's a job.
Given the above, if it were you, would you jack it in without there being another job lined up, if you had enough pennies stashed away to see you through a couple of months?
Currently work nights in an office, and have due for past two years. 22:00 - 06:00, 5 nights from 7 including weekends, Bank Holidays etc. Get one full weekend off every six weeks, or thereabouts.
Put bluntly, I hate it. But it's a job (remember this bit), which is more than many have.
26 y/o, single, no "normal" social life whatsoever. No-one around at 02:30 during the frequent mid-week night-off, surprisingly: they seem to save it for these "Friday nights" and "Weekends", whatever they may be. Rarely see my mates, go out even less. Days off are spent in bed, and the ruined sleep pattern mean that you're not up for doing much on them. But it's a job.
Both physical and mental health is suffering: lucky to get 5, maybe 6 hours sleep (interrupted) per day, moods to pot, forever on a "low", forever tired...but again, it's a job.
Given the above, if it were you, would you jack it in without there being another job lined up, if you had enough pennies stashed away to see you through a couple of months?
Would be looking to quit ASAP but not without another job.
If working where you are makes getting a day job harder then I would think about quitting but with a fair few months money stashed away.
I spose it depends on what industry you are looking to go into and how hard it would be to get a job.
If working where you are makes getting a day job harder then I would think about quitting but with a fair few months money stashed away.
I spose it depends on what industry you are looking to go into and how hard it would be to get a job.
Jimbo. said:
26 y/o, single, no "normal" social life whatsoever. No-one around at 02:30 during the frequent mid-week night-off, surprisingly: they seem to save it for these "Friday nights" and "Weekends", whatever they may be. Rarely see my mates, go out even less. Days off are spent in bed, and the ruined sleep pattern mean that you're not up for doing much on them. But it's a job.
Both physical and mental health is suffering: lucky to get 5, maybe 6 hours sleep (interrupted) per day, moods to pot, forever on a "low", forever tired...but again, it's a job.
I'm in a similar position myself right now, only intended it to be a temporary job while I got something proper but have just got stuck and am getting increasingly pissed of with it all. The hours and lake of motivation do make getting anything better very difficult and can't remember the last time I went out / lost contact with friends etc., but needs must...Both physical and mental health is suffering: lucky to get 5, maybe 6 hours sleep (interrupted) per day, moods to pot, forever on a "low", forever tired...but again, it's a job.
Can you save up some holiday and take a week off spending this week attempting to get interviews etc. then a week back at work and finally another week off to attend any you are able to get? I think this is what I might try. (should they ever grant my holiday applications). As you have said due to sleep patterns and time just having a couple of days free will not be enough to really get in to anything with proper commitment.
Failing the above fancy robbing a bank?
I did a similar shift pattern for two years...I had the same "low" and also ended up hating it,but the money was really good.
I was eventually made redundant from the job,but I reckon I'd have jacked it in after a few more months anyway!
I just don't think its worth messing up your social life that badly.
I was eventually made redundant from the job,but I reckon I'd have jacked it in after a few more months anyway!
I just don't think its worth messing up your social life that badly.
Don't quit unless you have another job lined up. It's always easier finding another job whilst already in a job rather than finding a job when you're without.
You're unhappy and only you can change that. So, instead of staying bed (as you have nothing else to do) get on the net and look for a job that suits you.
Good luck
You're unhappy and only you can change that. So, instead of staying bed (as you have nothing else to do) get on the net and look for a job that suits you.
Good luck
You're single, you're young, you're mobile, what on earth are you doing? Ditch the job and start living your life, you'll be 'old' in 14 years time as 40 and getting on a bit for serious shagging/driking antics or for that matter getting a wife and having kids. 14 years time will roll up very quickly as will being 60. Life is short and you only get one.
Leave the job, have a think, and a bit of a travel, retrain if it'll help, then start again. Oh and if I forgot to mention it don't forget to get some shagging and drinking in.
You will never be more mobile or unencumbered by baggage as you are now. Use it.
Leave the job, have a think, and a bit of a travel, retrain if it'll help, then start again. Oh and if I forgot to mention it don't forget to get some shagging and drinking in.
You will never be more mobile or unencumbered by baggage as you are now. Use it.
Timmy35 said:
You're single, you're young, you're mobile, what on earth are you doing? Ditch the job and start living your life, you'll be 'old' in 14 years time as 40 and getting on a bit for serious shagging/driking antics or for that matter getting a wife and having kids. 14 years time will roll up very quickly as will being 60. Life is short and you only get one.
Leave the job, have a think, and a bit of a travel, retrain if it'll help, then start again. Oh and if I forgot to mention it don't forget to get some shagging and drinking in.
You will never be more mobile or unencumbered by baggage as you are now. Use it.
What this man said.Leave the job, have a think, and a bit of a travel, retrain if it'll help, then start again. Oh and if I forgot to mention it don't forget to get some shagging and drinking in.
You will never be more mobile or unencumbered by baggage as you are now. Use it.
26 and no responsibilities (e.g wife, mortgage) and a bit of cash stashed away. Take some time out and get more perspective on your life.
It may seem a bit of a risk but sometimes it is worth it. Ask yourself this, if I said you will be doing exactly what you are doing in 2 years time, how will you feel?
You will get something else when needs musts...you can make your own opportunities rather than passively going with the flow.
Time moves shockingly fast through your late 20s. Don't waste it. F**ck im 30 now and I've just blinked the last 4 years away without actually doing anything meaningful with them!
Diablos-666 said:
Don't quit unless you have another job lined up. It's always easier finding another job whilst already in a job rather than finding a job when you're without.
I'm finding the opposite with 6 month contracts - they [headhunters] won't even put me forward for an interview unless i'm available in the next 4 weeks.Thanks all. Interesting responses, and feeling better for airing it to begin with. All hail internet anonymity!
FWIW, in response:
it's yer' average warehouse office admin job. Finished uni, came home, signed up with an agency the next day and was prepared to do anything just to get some work (not wanting to sit around bemoaning the recession, lack of jobs etc). This came along as a one month temp. assignment, and it kinda snowballed from there. Here I am two years later admitting defeat, utterly broken.
I've not tried blackout curtains, but everything up until that, yes: blindfolds, earplugs, white noise, phone off etc, etc: none of it worked. Too hot, never managing to drift off, waking up with the daybreak on the way home etc, etc. The lack of daylight during waking hours is also tough, as silly as it sounds. You never feel "right", your skin goes all white 'n' horrible, so this, coupled with the tiredness and lack of motivation, takes it's toll.
Add to that the continual (2, 3 times a week maybe) declining of days/afternoons/evenings out (or merely in the company of others: a beer with the sister and bro-in-law, f' instance), having to leave friend and family occasions of an evening to go to work, the midweek nights off on yer' lonesome etc, etc...it's a social killer.
I can appreciate that nights-shifts may suit others: those with school-age kids and parters who work during the day, f' instance. Or those with friends/family who also work nights. Me? Granted it's taken a while to realise, but I think they're not for me...
'nuvva q. Should another prospective employer ask my reasons for leaving, would "Didn't want to do nights any longer" ruin things? And would not having a job at the the of applying hinder said application?
FWIW, in response:
it's yer' average warehouse office admin job. Finished uni, came home, signed up with an agency the next day and was prepared to do anything just to get some work (not wanting to sit around bemoaning the recession, lack of jobs etc). This came along as a one month temp. assignment, and it kinda snowballed from there. Here I am two years later admitting defeat, utterly broken.
I've not tried blackout curtains, but everything up until that, yes: blindfolds, earplugs, white noise, phone off etc, etc: none of it worked. Too hot, never managing to drift off, waking up with the daybreak on the way home etc, etc. The lack of daylight during waking hours is also tough, as silly as it sounds. You never feel "right", your skin goes all white 'n' horrible, so this, coupled with the tiredness and lack of motivation, takes it's toll.
Add to that the continual (2, 3 times a week maybe) declining of days/afternoons/evenings out (or merely in the company of others: a beer with the sister and bro-in-law, f' instance), having to leave friend and family occasions of an evening to go to work, the midweek nights off on yer' lonesome etc, etc...it's a social killer.
I can appreciate that nights-shifts may suit others: those with school-age kids and parters who work during the day, f' instance. Or those with friends/family who also work nights. Me? Granted it's taken a while to realise, but I think they're not for me...
'nuvva q. Should another prospective employer ask my reasons for leaving, would "Didn't want to do nights any longer" ruin things? And would not having a job at the the of applying hinder said application?
Unless the new job involved night shifts I wouldn't think no longer wanting to do them as a reason for leaving your old job would be a problem at all. Long term night shifts are detrimental to your physical and mental health.
What you don't want to be ( I assume ), is 28/29 and asking us all the same question in a couple of years time. Because then it will be harder to move/change things and if your missus ( at that point ) is the same age as you the subject of bambinos will be starting to get raised. At which point kiss your mobility and ability to take major risks/lifestyle changes good bye.
What you don't want to be ( I assume ), is 28/29 and asking us all the same question in a couple of years time. Because then it will be harder to move/change things and if your missus ( at that point ) is the same age as you the subject of bambinos will be starting to get raised. At which point kiss your mobility and ability to take major risks/lifestyle changes good bye.
Have you approached your employer to discuss this? It might be worthwhile if you haven't. Assuming you're good at what you do, have you made any impact other than just turning up and doing your shift? If so, why not ask what possibilities exist in the organisation for advancement/change of role. Has your employer appointed you a mentor to help deal with situations like this? If not, why not try and find one? Have you undertaken any further study/training since you started? PM me if you want to discuss other options in more detail. Good luck!
Timmy35 said:
You're single, you're young, you're mobile, what on earth are you doing? Ditch the job and start living your life, you'll be 'old' in 14 years time as 40 and getting on a bit for serious shagging/driking antics or for that matter getting a wife and having kids. 14 years time will roll up very quickly as will being 60. Life is short and you only get one.
Leave the job, have a think, and a bit of a travel, retrain if it'll help, then start again. Oh and if I forgot to mention it don't forget to get some shagging and drinking in.
You will never be more mobile or unencumbered by baggage as you are now. Use it.
What he said!Leave the job, have a think, and a bit of a travel, retrain if it'll help, then start again. Oh and if I forgot to mention it don't forget to get some shagging and drinking in.
You will never be more mobile or unencumbered by baggage as you are now. Use it.
Get out! I had a great job in my early 30's, but was in a rut, unhappy, thinking do I still want to be here in 30 years time?
I quit, hitched a caravan up to my car, and drove down to the Costa del Sol.
Did a bit of labouring, anything. Met some intersting caracters, and ended up sailing around the world, and later, working on super yachts.
I live in Mallorca now, and run one of those shiney gin palaces.
I'm now 50, and it's gone so quick you wouldn't believe! Now I'm thinking Crickey! I'll be 60 before I know it! But I've seen the world twice over, and had a ball, if I fell off the perch tomorrow, it wouldn't be as sad as if I still worked in that factory.
Opportunities won't come to you, you have to go out and find them!
Have a good life! It's the only one you'll get.
Interesting thread, as i'm in the same position. OK I dont work nights but hating the job at the moment, its the same boring old repetitive crap every day. There is rumour they are going to take our breaks off us, which will mean 8 hours at the pc doing the same old thing, barely able to leave to go the loo let alone have lunch!
Really wanting to get out, however, jobs are very thin on the ground round here at the moment, but ive just been reading the "ever quit your job without another lined up" thread!
I dont have mega bucks stashed away, but I have minimal outgoings as I still live at home, so my outgoings barely touch £100 a month. Once ive sorted a few things out, i'll have a good £10k stashed away. Tempting just to bugger off somewhere for a bit and take some time out!
Really wanting to get out, however, jobs are very thin on the ground round here at the moment, but ive just been reading the "ever quit your job without another lined up" thread!
I dont have mega bucks stashed away, but I have minimal outgoings as I still live at home, so my outgoings barely touch £100 a month. Once ive sorted a few things out, i'll have a good £10k stashed away. Tempting just to bugger off somewhere for a bit and take some time out!
mickrick said:
What he said!
Get out! I had a great job in my early 30's, but was in a rut, unhappy, thinking do I still want to be here in 30 years time?
I quit, hitched a caravan up to my car, and drove down to the Costa del Sol.
Did a bit of labouring, anything. Met some intersting caracters, and ended up sailing around the world, and later, working on super yachts.
I live in Mallorca now, and run one of those shiney gin palaces.
I'm now 50, and it's gone so quick you wouldn't believe! Now I'm thinking Crickey! I'll be 60 before I know it! But I've seen the world twice over, and had a ball, if I fell off the perch tomorrow, it wouldn't be as sad as if I still worked in that factory.
Opportunities won't come to you, you have to go out and find them!
Have a good life! It's the only one you'll get.
Yeah definitely all of this. ^^Get out! I had a great job in my early 30's, but was in a rut, unhappy, thinking do I still want to be here in 30 years time?
I quit, hitched a caravan up to my car, and drove down to the Costa del Sol.
Did a bit of labouring, anything. Met some intersting caracters, and ended up sailing around the world, and later, working on super yachts.
I live in Mallorca now, and run one of those shiney gin palaces.
I'm now 50, and it's gone so quick you wouldn't believe! Now I'm thinking Crickey! I'll be 60 before I know it! But I've seen the world twice over, and had a ball, if I fell off the perch tomorrow, it wouldn't be as sad as if I still worked in that factory.
Opportunities won't come to you, you have to go out and find them!
Have a good life! It's the only one you'll get.
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