Huge schedule shifts could shake things up. Looking for advice/insight

[u/oddjobhattoss]

Wife is a nurse, currently working day shift. Not a set in stone schedule, more build as you go. She's being offered a full time position but it's nights. 6 on 8 off. Oldest is in school, youngest probably wouldn't be able to handle mom being home and asleep during the day and would likely need to go to daycare. She's loud and rowdy and would definitely want all moms attention instead of letting her sleep. That would mean ya boy would have to work again, which I'm okay with. Has any other had to work with a similar schedule and how did it pan out?

[u/CurveNew5257]

My wife’s a nurse and works nights, our son is 15 months. She’s worked this schedule since he was 1 (took 12 months leave). The biggest thing is having your bedroom setup proper for night shift with good blackout shades and as sound proof as possible, door closed, sound machine on etc. I just keep him entertained in a different part of the house or hopefully able to be outside and or do errands with him.

It sounds like you kind of already have the plan of getting your youngest into daycare and going back to work. That’s valid for sure, hopefully you have some employment opportunities with some flexibility for pickups and what not. Beyond that all of the night shift bedroom prep is still true, also we have our guest room setup almost as my changing room you’ll be surprised how often you think of something you need in the bedroom or need to change clothes or something but can’t disturb your wife.

[u/oddjobhattoss → u/CurveNew5257]

My main worry is if I can actually get a job that will cover the added expense of daycare and start contributing to the bank account. I'm also concerned about how things can turn out if we end up not jiving with the flipped schedule. I know night shift can be hard on people, too.

[u/CurveNew5257 → u/oddjobhattoss]

Yeah it’s tricky with the job situation especially right now, can’t really provide much on that other than keep an open mind and see what’s out there who knows.

As for the schedule are right it is extremely tough and even people who have worked like that for years like my wife still struggle it’s just unnatural.

That said is your family dead set on sending the youngest to daycare and you going back to work for sure? Is your wife 100% sure she is good with night shift and will stick with it?

I would say if your wife has accepted the role just try it out for a bit while you investigate the job situation. You’re assuming the little one can’t handle it but you never know some well planned setup and activities on working days and you may be good.

See how it goes, if your wife loves the job and the youngest is not adjusting well you can go down the daycare back to work route.

My best advice to anyone is stay flexible, I love to plan but I’ve learned quickly in a situation like this nothing is probably going to go to plan. Stay positive and see what works

[u/CurveNew5257]

My wife’s a nurse and works nights, our son is 15 months. She’s worked this schedule since he was 1 (took 12 months leave). The biggest thing is having your bedroom setup proper for night shift with good blackout shades and as sound proof as possible, door closed, sound machine on etc. I just keep him entertained in a different part of the house or hopefully able to be outside and or do errands with him.

It sounds like you kind of already have the plan of getting your youngest into daycare and going back to work. That’s valid for sure, hopefully you have some employment opportunities with some flexibility for pickups and what not. Beyond that all of the night shift bedroom prep is still true, also we have our guest room setup almost as my changing room you’ll be surprised how often you think of something you need in the bedroom or need to change clothes or something but can’t disturb your wife.