Got my first IT job!

Tech_Guy01

Ok so a few days ago I accidentally spam this forum with resume review =p and then started applying at a few places like indeed and craigslist. I got a called back from the job on craigslist and scheduled for an interview the very next day. I got hired after the interview as a technical support.

The only thing I'm concerned about this job offer is that it's graveyard shift, but it's only a six month contract.

Should I still go for it? Can anyone who ever had graveyard jobs tell what the experience is like?

ITSpectre

Go for it!

As for the hours... you will get used to it. Learn to sleep during the day and be awake all night takes some getting used to. Since its only 6 months it wont be that bad. You will have a rough day here and there... also don't go to sleep right when you get home after work, try to stay up for a hr or 3 then go to sleep. Also dinner now becomes breakfast and you will have to pack a lunch or go to a 24hr wal mart for some grub. There is a lot of down time and no traffic much.... you will also have "nights off" instead of days off.

jeremywatts2005

Fantastic now start preparing for the next role. Always be forward looking in your tech career. Be a chess master to start thinking about your next moves before they come up.

Clm

congrats dont wait till the last couple of weeks to apply for your next gig

Tech_Guy01

Should I use sleeping pills for the first few weeks? And drink coffee to stay up?

ITSpectre

I would use coffee or 5 hr energy drinks. Sleeping pills really arent needed. You just have to train your body to sleep during the day and be awake during the night.

devilbones

I work 1800-0600 everyday since November. I drink coffee and take Costco sleep aid. Luckily my windows close and there is no light coming in but I am used to the schedule now. Good luck and have fun with your new job. Try to learn as much as you can and dont be afraid to ask questions.

[Deleted User]

Honestly, taking caffeine or sleeping pills since you work the night shift you are asking for problems imo. It can really mess up your sleep cycle and mess up your body's internal clock. Just get yourself on a good sleeping schedule a few days before to get your body prepped for the change and you should be ok. So for example, say you get off @ 6AM. Drive 1hr home i'm assuming be home @ 7AM then just go right to bed and sleep till around 4pm then do whatever things you need to do around you place then start another shift. Since it is only a 6 month gig, it should be ok. Congrats on the new job!

byron66

I did graveyard at a hos[ital for almost two years. You'll definitely get use to it. Make a set time and go to sleep, don't play around. No pills or caffeine needed.

PsychoData91

I haven't worked these myself, but my mother has worked third shift in a hopsital for YEARs. Picked up a few tricks. It's only for a few months. Large amounts of Caffeine or sleep aids are going to throw you off or get you stuck in a rut. There are other things you can do to help with sleepiness, like apples or cold water. Both of which are great ways to stay healthy as well.

If light bothers you, make sure you've got the room nice and dark. Biggest thing that will help you is establishing a sleep schedule (which helps in normal daytime life too btw). Have yourself a plan of when you get off work, when you get to bed, when you get up, to work, et cetera.

It can also help alot to make your meals ahead of time for when you are in a hurry, or have something quick to make. In the mornings, I get up around 5:30 and I leave by 6am for my commute. I eat two of these and an apple while I'm commuting.