I work nights, 7 pm to 7:30am. And I’ve discovered over the past almost nine years of a night shift schedule that there are some advantages to not working a “normal” 9 to 5 schedule. Sure, it can sometimes be difficult to schedule 9 to 5 appointments like doctor and dentist appointments. But there are advantages, too. I miss rush hour traffic. I leave for work after it’s over and head home in the morning before it gets heavy. I can go to the gym at 1 in the afternoon when teenagers and college aged young adults are in class and most adults are at work. And I can go to the grocery store at odd hours when it’s fairly empty and be in and out quickly. Tonight I went to the grocery store at 10pm. (Yes, mom, I went out after dark.) That’s when I was fully awake and had the most energy. It was a breeze to get in there, get a cart full of groceries for the next week or so, and get home. So I really don’t mind my odd night-owl schedule.
Not a 9 to 5 schedule
19 Friday Jan 2007
Posted in Uncategorized
Brooke's Musings 
In this 24 hour a day town, the crowds lessen at night, but barely. Every hour is rush hour, and people — myself included — don’t seem to know how to stop and relax.
Brooke L, you can go to the store during DAYLIGHT hours when it is safe – there aren’t THAT many people there!
Did you at least lock your doors? (Somehow, I doubt it!)
I used to work the 3-11 shift. It made it a little hard to date, but otherwise there were a lot of advantages: sleeping late, light traffic to and from work, grocery stores not being busy and of course hitting the bars for a little man-chasing during prime time even on work nights.
It was fun, but now that I’m older (and sober) I like my more normal schedule.
Aunt Quilly – Not enough people do know how to slow down and relax. You’re right.
Mama – Well, 3 of the 4 doors were locked… does that count?
Serra – Oh yeah, that 3 – 11 shift is a killer on any social life, isn’t it?