I have been doing shift work for over ten years. Whilst there are a few advantages mostly it is bad as the erratic hours cause me physical and mental issues. The times are 8 hours each day some where between 5:30 AM and 10 PM, plus an hours travel each way.
Most professionals I have talked to tell me that I should stop shift work and start doing regular hours. They suggest that by sticking to a daily routine, for example getting up and going to bed at set times and eating at the same times each day, that I will find life less stressful and give me more time to do things for myself.
This might be true and I need to convince my employer to let me try it. I am interested to know if anyone here does stick to a set time daily routine, does it make life better ( as I think it will ) or does it make no difference, in which case it might not be worth my causing a fuss.
But are you going to get fired if you only want to work the same times everyday?
If the physical and mental problems I have developed get worse and I keep either coming in late or leaving early, or just sitting staring and avoiding working continues maybe. My Doctor says I cannot be sacked for being ill, but they could sack me for being late just three times. I guess it depends on how they keep relating to me. Are they going to accept my feeling and accomodate me or get bored with my using the same excuses and get rid of me in some way.
Do the work people know you have Aspergers, Michael1?
I have mentioned it and usually get a bemused or indifferent response, i.e. they don't know what I'm talking about! Whilst it is enlightening to me to know about AS, I think it probably frightens them a bit. Also without anything official to show them it's difficult to back myself up.
That's a shame because they are supposed to make some accommodations for people with disabilities.
Try applying for a regular shift with a doctor's order. They cannot legally fire you for that.
Some people in my country actually like to work afternoon or overnight shifts every day because then they do not need to pay for childcare if their spouse works another shift at the same company or nearby. They just bring the children in the car and change shifts. You might be able to trade off shifts with other people and make other people happy too.
I have asked the Doctor to do me a letter to take to my disciplinary meeting on Friday. The trouble is the last time I met the managers I was shaking so badly I could not get anything across. I will have to try very hard to stick to the issues I want changed to get anywhere with them.
I do shiftwork and find it very irritating.
I have 3 shifts (7.30am to 3.30pm, 10am to 6pm and 12 noon to 6pm) I have a different routine for each of my shifts. But I try to keep as much the same each day as possible (morning routine, meal times, bed time etc).
I don't think I've got any mental or physical problems as a result of shiftwork (yet). To be honest I find weekends the most difficult as I don't have any kind of set routine.
I think its important to keep as much the same as possible each day. To keep little islands of structure in your day (use these islands like stepping-stones to avoid becoming overwelmed by the chaos around you).
Sorry I really don't know what to advise. I really couldn't do it myself.
Try writing a very clear letter with what you need to take to your managers along with the doctor's letters. Maybe ask them to write down notes or their questions for you.
Also do not sign anything right there. Ask to take it home and think about it and have someone else check it out. I got laid off and signed an agreement right away because I thought I would get severance. Actually, I could have sued them if I did not sign it.
I agree with M: it is a good idea to write things down if you think you will have trouble saying them. And whatever you do, don't sign anything.
Thankyou for the replies. I am lucky to work for a well resourced company. They have asked me to attend a company medical assessment next week re; Asperger's. I am interested to know how they assess me.
I did not raise the issue of shift work. As M says alot of people are prepared to trade shifts. I am not sociable so I should just stick with shifts.
I think the increased anxiety I've suffered over the last 18 months has been due to increased custom. There are now very few if any breaks between customers. The reality of course means I am more likely to stay employed.
My HR manager says that If the Co. Doctor supports an Asperger's diagnosis that she will look into the legal changes needed to accomodate me. I don't know what that would mean. It appears I have nothing to worry about. They seem interested to help me.
I have been doing shift work for over ten years. Whilst there are a few advantages mostly it is bad as the erratic hours cause me physical and mental issues. The times are 8 hours each day some where between 5:30 AM and 10 PM, plus an hours travel each way.
Most professionals I have talked to tell me that I should stop shift work and start doing regular hours. They suggest that by sticking to a daily routine, for example getting up and going to bed at set times and eating at the same times each day, that I will find life less stressful and give me more time to do things for myself.
This might be true and I need to convince my employer to let me try it. I am interested to know if anyone here does stick to a set time daily routine, does it make life better ( as I think it will ) or does it make no difference, in which case it might not be worth my causing a fuss.
I prefer routine... I allows me to focus better, less clutter...