Im interested in joining the operations staff at the local plant. This requires performing 12 hour shift work.... 3 days on 4 days off. Having every third week free is great but how difficult was adjusting to the time schedules? Issues with juggling family life and work? Please indicate your pros and cons. thanks!

It will take some getting used to but you actually get more time off in the long run. Swapping from days to nights is sometimes rough. You will adjust in time. It also depends on the pay Most shift workers at power plants make good money and there is always some overtime in the schedule. So it works out well most of the time.

Its actually pretty easy. There are usually a few operators at every plant that love overtime so they cover your shifts when you want time off. Or, if you dont want to take vacation, you can swap shifts...if you need to get off early, have the guy relieving you come in early and pay him back the next day...pretty self explanitory.

Cons are swinging back and fourth from days to nights can be rough sometimes depending on what you have going on at work and at home.

It really depends on what kind of schedule you are used to. I worked construction and my hours were very irregular so I was happy with the change.

If your a night owl; youll most likely easily adapt. Morning birds have a tougher time. Either way, the last reply is right....going from day shift to night shift is rough.

The best thing to do is to NOT use that day inbetween day and night shift as a, get everything done day. Get your a** into bed and sleep; and make sure you get plenty of sleep during the day when your off shift. Get blinds that block out the sun and make sure everyone you live with understands you cant be disturbed just because your home during the day. Family/friend support is paramount to succeed on shiftwork.

combustion, how did you add the aviator?