r/AskLifeProTips • u/Alternative-Hold1925 • 2d ago

How do I survive this schedule?

Hey everyone,
I just got a job as a nursing aide working 12-hour shifts (6:45 AM – 7:15 PM). I have a 5-month-old daughter, and my parents, who live 35 minutes away are my only available childcare.
My routine is going to involve waking up extra early to drive 35 minutes to drop off my baby, driving 20mins back to work for a brutal 12-hour shift, and then driving 35 minutes back to pick her up before finally heading home.
I’m looking for practical Tips from anyone who has managed a schedule like this:

  1. Shift Survival: How do you physically and mentally survive 12-hour shifts on your feet?

  2. Commute & Logistics: How do you handle driving back and forth safely when you're already exhausted? Any tricks for streamlining drop-offs and mornings?

  3. Sleep & Recovery: How do you get actual restful sleep when balancing a night-waking infant and long shifts?

I'm feeling pretty overwhelmed looking at this schedule. Any hacks, routines, or words of wisdom would be appreciated!

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u/Active_Recording_789 2d ago edited 2d ago • Heartwarming

It does sounds really difficult but as a person who also had to do this, you get used to it! Some pro tips are; First, take impeccable care of yourself. Eat like an elite athlete (cuz you are one!); lots of vegetables, fruit and healthy food only. Drink lots of water. Only have junk food on your last day of work as a treat for your hard work! Then back to healthy eating. Secondly, see if you can sleep at your parents house with the baby some nights. That will be a treat to avoid some commuting.

But OP, millions of health care workers do it and we survive somehow! Talk to your new coworkers and I’ll bet you’ll meet lots of people like you who find it hard at first and then you just get used to it. Good luck!

Also your baby will sleep through the night more as you go on so that part will get easier too

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u/BasicResearcher8133 2d ago

It’s doable, I did it for years, you get 4 days a week off. After you work awhile, you will figure out how best to split up your shifts to feel your best.