The Loneliness of Nightshift

TCC GROUP 'ONSITE SAFE'


The loneliness of nightshift.It is interesting that such a a change in work patterns makes you feel out of kilter, down and isolated simply because the times you are awake are shifted to afternoons , evening and early mornings....of course the patterns change a lot of the social conventions,social interaction times available when not sleeping.I have found it difficult, but not impossible myself to adapt ,but not without sometimes intense short lived, feelings of isolation and loneliness from not being able to contact people and be with them when you want.My case was increasingly difficult at times because my partner works and is studying fulltime and hence are limited to an hour together for sleep and brief talking moments snatched early in morning s at 5-6am and odd moments in the week where a 3 hr block where she is studying at home present themselves (usually whilst trying to sleep myself).I am usually able to snatch an hour or so during the week at these moments.Luckily this is not a long term arrangement.In addition I am lucky I have a very supportive partner and gradually developing a more flexible time schedule to catch friends and family( with their flexibility and help/patience).This is not without its issues,but luckily I feel myself being able to create options and have to a certain degree a little control over my work or at least what I tell myself(control within parameters).the longer the shift continue the more I think I adapt ...not without problems of course...but none the less things change gradually for the better with some effort planning and setting up some basic routine and goals .I say goals but i mean also any important activities that you would normally not allow to slip ordinarily but which with the change in times and sleep there seems for me a tendancy to let slip a bit.Exercise is one of these.My plans for my own business & business cards, art projects and all the associated maintenance things that I like to do with enthusiasm...Social interests and catch ups...the list goes on.Why?I think its my own bodies adapting and my own personal resistance to change and lifestyle.I have found that since accepting certain pre conditions along with the co operation of my partner it has allowed me to free myself up.It has its down side to our relationship of course.Hence the reason it is a short term activity which must be explained and worked on to be communicated to my partner and I must make as many efforts as possible to be there when it is crucial and not opt out.SMS,email and the phone are great tools to this end as well as notes to my loved one and friends in general(oh and of course blogs).F2F is best of course though.Ciao for now.Must make my lunch or is it a midnight snack ...whatever?I must remeber to keep my diet in order and eat plenty of fruit and veg.Thanks to my partner and her sage advice.Ciao baby.