Sleep night work - how do I fill my days?

Catman_Jellytot
Catman_Jellytot Posts: 40 Member
in Chit-Chat
Hi.

I'm currently a carer, and although I work at night I do get to sleep at least a few hours (unless she doesn't settle-but that's another issue). My shifts are 5pm Monday til 9am Tuesday, and then 9pm til 9am Tuesday/Wednesday, Thursday/Friday and Sunday/Monday. Because I get to sleep most of the time, I'm finding hard to fill my days when everyone else is at work...and that means I get bored, and so I eat!

Is anyone in a similar situation, or does anyone have any ideas about how I can fill my time without eating, sleeping or spending money? Although I do want to exercise, I don't want it to take up all my 'leisure' time, so are there any oother things I could do?

Replies

  • Madame_Goldbricker
    Madame_Goldbricker Posts: 1,625 Member
    I'm a night shift worker. I just do the normal things anyone does on their time off. I tidy the house, walk the dog, go shopping, go to the gym, go swimming.

    Not entirely sure what you are looking for OP?
  • Catman_Jellytot
    Catman_Jellytot Posts: 40 Member
    Basically I'm looking for things I can do on my own while everyone else is at work. I don't want to veg out in front of the tv all day and cleaning my 2 bedrroom flat only takes up so much of my time. I've started exercising with my mum so there's no need for me to do any in the day. I am "off" every single day, so I'm finding it hard to fill my days up.

    I just need some ideas so I stop vegging out and eating too much.
  • fr053n
    fr053n Posts: 2,793 Member
    find a hobby? scrapbooking, painting, learning an instrument? there is a lot you can do, enjoy life!
  • Madame_Goldbricker
    Madame_Goldbricker Posts: 1,625 Member
    Walking is great. I normally go out for a couple of hours on a nice day (dependant on where you live of course). Check out what's on locally near you? Exhibits so forth there'll be something.

    Try looking for local groups that meet up and share interests; hiking, walking, national trust, singles groups. There's something out there for everyone.
  • baba_helly
    baba_helly Posts: 810 Member
    I wish I had that much free time. if it were me I would go back to school and advance my knowledge. you could also try volunteering.
  • jennifer_a00
    jennifer_a00 Posts: 186 Member
    You are so lucky! If I were you, I would stock up on good books to read, choose some new complicated recipes to try, and be learning to knit. That's just me though, what are your interests? It's good that you don't want to veg in front of the tv all day!
  • Catman_Jellytot
    Catman_Jellytot Posts: 40 Member
    Everyone says I'm lucky, but I don't feel it!
    I don't enjoy my job (but who does right?!) and it's quite a lonely time being at home when everyone (my boyfriend, namely) is at work. We're like passing ships in the night! And it doesn't help that I don't get paid very well, or the people I work for aren't very nice.
    But hey, having a job at all is a god send so I shouldn't really complain. Thanks for all the ideas, and I've also found a good list of things to try out :)
  • HerkMeOff
    HerkMeOff Posts: 1,002 Member
    Maybe you should spend your free time looking for a better job?
  • baba_helly
    baba_helly Posts: 810 Member
    so... you hate your low paying job and you have nothing to do during the day? make good use of your free time and go back to school so you can get a better job.

    Eta: you can also get a 2nd part time job to supplement your pay if school isn't an option right now.
  • Madame_Goldbricker
    Madame_Goldbricker Posts: 1,625 Member
    I work in the social care sector too but in a different role to yours. There's loads of jobs if you look around. Or you can sign up to an agency to pick & choose. Plus it'll expand your experience support roles wise. Volunteering will also get your foot through the door most places. I'd imagine you've got at least your NVQ Level 2 Health & Social Care? You can always do an access course at college if you fancy going to uni. You would be eligible for a bursary doing nursing/social work.

    However even doing your NVQ Level3 opens up more doors. Pay wise it's pretty crappy across the board in the care sector (but rewards can be high). The world is your oyster once you think outside the box a bit :drinker:


    * I see you are already a university student from your profile. In which case the crap pay presumably won't last for ever? Sometimes we just have to suck it up for a bit! (And I don't mean that nastily).
  • Catman_Jellytot
    Catman_Jellytot Posts: 40 Member
    I have a degree in education. I want to work in a special school and eventually become a counsellor or therapist, or maybe an educational psychologist. But right now I can't seem to find anything. Every job I've applied for, I've not even got a response. Sucks, but that's just the way the world works. I currently earn less than minimum wage due to being on a fixed rate for nights, but hourly it works out to around £4.50 an hour. It's crap but it's a job right now. I currently work for an agency (this job is a zero hour contract) and I'm also on the books for an education agency, but lately I've got no work from them.
  • wertgirlfor
    wertgirlfor Posts: 161 Member
    I understand what you mean, I'm out of school and only work 4 days a week. I also am having a hard time finding something else to do at home by myself besides baking/eating. I'll be lurking for ideas lol
  • 77tes
    77tes Posts: 8,589 Member
    It does sound lonely and isolating. And I sympathize with the part-time/low-wage job in spite of having a degree. I have a daughter who is working 3 part time jobs. Try learning to sew if you don't know how. It's an economical way to make clothes that are just what you want, and as you get more fit, you'll need some new things.

    Good luck!
  • lewoldt
    lewoldt Posts: 630 Member
    I work 7pm to 7am 2 nights on then 2 off and I know how it feels to try and fill your days off. Recently divorced I find the empty house almost maddening. I go out for walks or drives to nowhere. I have also started kayaking. Anything to keep me away from the couch and the fridge
  • Myhaloslipped
    Myhaloslipped Posts: 4,317 Member
    I understand what you mean. I also work from home. I have a small, online a resume/ghostwriting business that keeps me busy, especially during the summer. Do you have any hobbies ?
  • liznotyet
    liznotyet Posts: 402 Member
    If you have a public or university library nearby, I would volunteer at it a few times per week. Gets you out of the house with books and people, and is something different to add to your resume. A few years ago I also started online learning - free and diverse - through Coursera.edu.
  • Madame_Goldbricker
    Madame_Goldbricker Posts: 1,625 Member
    I have a degree in education. I want to work in a special school and eventually become a counsellor or therapist, or maybe an educational psychologist. But right now I can't seem to find anything. Every job I've applied for, I've not even got a response. Sucks, but that's just the way the world works. I currently earn less than minimum wage due to being on a fixed rate for nights, but hourly it works out to around £4.50 an hour. It's crap but it's a job right now. I currently work for an agency (this job is a zero hour contract) and I'm also on the books for an education agency, but lately I've got no work from them.

    Have you tried volunteering yourself as a classroom assistant at any school? It might be worth a try. Hopefully something will come up at some point.
  • kar328
    kar328 Posts: 4,159 Member
    I work 7P-7A 3 times a week and live alone, so I get what you're saying. But, I find plenty to keep me busy, even to the point where things don't get done due to lack of time. Read, clean, exercise - mostly walking outdoors in good and bad weather, shop, make and keep appts - much easier during the week than on weekends like everyone else, catch up on shows I record while I'm at work, and plenty more. I like people's suggestions of more education too.

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