This summer I'm working my first-ever third-shift job, better known as the graveyard shift. If you remember the SpongeBob episode where SpongeBob and Squidward work overnight at the Krusty Krab, then that is exactly what that entails (minus the Hash-slinging Slasher). Anyway, my job has been at Amazon (yes, THAT Amazon), and although I've only been there for several weeks so far, I've now developed a sense of the culture that overnight workers share. Here are some of those things.
1. Getting used to living in a ghost town
A tumbleweed stumbles across a barren road
Odyssey RAM
When you work from 11pm-6am, there aren't many places open. There's Taco Bell, Denny's and Walmart, but outside those three, there really isn't any place open, especially when you're on break. My workplace is near a Panera, Starbucks and a handful of other restaurants. But unlike my daytime colleagues, we don't have the luxury of being able to go there in the middle of the night. Cherish it, morning crew!
2. Feeling worthless for sleeping during the day
Winnie the Pooh sleeping
Tenor (Odyssey RAM)
Adjusting your circadian rhythm is fundamental when you take on an overnight shift. When you first start, you feel like a worthless member of society for sleeping most of the day. Nowadays, you just don't care; invest in a sleep mask, pop a melatonin, turn on your sleeping music and doze away.
3. Pulling unwanted all-nighters when you're off
Squidward Tentacles rolling under his bed
https://giphy.com/gifs/mrw-squidward-BDagRmSMsH0l2 (Odyssey RAM)
I work four nights a week, and for the other three days it's extremely tempting to revert back to normal life when you're off. You keep telling yourself for these 72 hours to undo the new sleep rhythm you're acclimated to, but your brain says no. The next thing you know, you're laying in bed tirelessly all night, only for the sun come up. It's like you're at work after all!
4. Hitting up Walmart when you get off
Justin Timberlake pushing a grocery cart
media.giphy.com (Odyssey RAM)
When the only two places open when you clock out start to lose their flare, sometimes you just go to Walmart and grab the first three things you see when you walk in. You're tired, hungry, and just want something to eat so you can go to bed. Sometimes the best thing to do is just grab something that is just edible.
5. Incorporating fast food too much into your diet
A diner at night
Pixabay
When you clock out at 6am, you're tired and a bit salty that the sun is up so you can't go to sleep instantly. So you think to yourself, maybe I can kick myself into a food coma with some totally unhealthy, *fast* food. But in all seriousness, with the level of exhaustion that you'll feel when you're done for the day, you're going to want something fast. Because let's face it, you will probably never have the energy to prep an actual home-cooked meal when you get home.
6. Becoming married to caffeine
Daisy Duck pouring coffee
Giphy
Becoming used to working nights is one thing, but that doesn't mean that you're immune to fatigue. Caffeine--whether it be coffee, Redbull or 5-Hour Energy--will become your best friend. Actually, no, scratch that. Not your best friend, your significant other. And then your spouse. And then the main beneficiary in your will. And accompany you into heaven.
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