Everything I Learned Working Nonstandard Hours

June 20th, 2025

Currently Reading: Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green

Currently Watching: My Magic Closet

Currently Listening: Birds playing in the rain

I work the late night shift. Not overnight; late night.

I'm naturally a very early riser so this schedule has obviously had an effect on me. When I first started I thought it would be good. I'd have time to work out in the morning, prep dinner, visit with friends...instead I'm sleeping.

Words cannot express how tired I am all the time. I feel like I'm getting dumber. I am becoming less politically informed because I'm working or sleeping in the times I used to watch the news when I worked a more conventional schedule. And when I am awake I've just been watching the snippets of the Karen Read trial. Now that she hasn't been convicted of murder, I don't have the energy to do anything. Some call this depression or lack of Vitamin D...I call it...working opposed to my natural schedule.

The world is designed for people to wake up in the morning and sleep in the evening, and I'm one of those lucky people who naturally craves that. But, because the job market sucks, I was forced to take a job that has me clocking out at 11 pm. I am thankful I have this job. The hours suck. The work sucks. But the benefits...the benefits are top notch. I've gotta...see a doctor while I have this insurance.

When I started this new job, I moved into a new home. This home is closer to my friends, but I never get to see them. I rarely even get a chance to speak on the phone with them. Not only do I work until 11 pm, but I work Tuesday - Saturday. I tried to organize a trip to a barcade with some friends at 11:30 on a Saturday after my shift and everyone canceled on me because it was too late and they were too tired. I don't blame them! I'm in my 30s as well!

I actually want to spend my brief morning hours making art and dumb tshirts, but I have to spend it going to the grocery store because I don't have the time or energy to plan dinners enough in advance. For example, right now, I have no idea what I'm having for dinner. I can't be so spontaneous for dinner because I only have one hour in total for dinner and I would prefer a home cooked meal to fast food every day.

So I'm a little depressed. And maybe lack a little Vitamin D.

--Beacon