If you’ve taken a new interest in nursing, industrial work, or hospitality, you may find yourself confused with the schedule. Most positions in these industries are split into three shifts – first, second, and third.
First shift employees arrive early in the morning and stay until early afternoon. Second shift employees arrive early in the afternoon and stay until late evening. Third shift employees cover the “overnight” hours, usually from the late evening to early morning.
Often, employees refuse to accept second shift positions, claiming the hours are inconvenient for a work-life balance.
We’d like to convince you to reconsider! Here are four of our favorite second shift benefits:
No Alarm Clock
Forget about the early bird getting the worm. There’s something to be said about waking up each morning on your own timetable—not the timetable of your alarm clock.
Avoid Rush Hour Traffic
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), most automobile accidents take place during morning and afternoon rush hour. There are several factors that create a dangerous environment at this time, including aggressive, distracted, and drowsy driving.
While working second shift, you’ll avoid rush hour altogether. You’ll be driving toward the office when most people are driving home, ensuring a safer and less stressful commute.
Make Appointments During The Week
Many family-owned businesses (i.e. doctor’s offices, dentist’s officers, chiropractors, and specialty stores) close by 6 pm. Since first shift employees are rarely home in time, errands are forced to wait until the weekend.
Second shift employees have the ability to schedule their appointments in the morning and early afternoon, knocking our errands and to-do lists before the work day even begins.
Save Money on Daycare
Have a baby at home? If your partner is scheduled during first shift—and you find yourself scheduled during second shift—you may be able to avoid daycare altogether. Your child, stress level, and checkbook will appreciate it.
In addition to these benefits, some companies may offer a “shift deferential” to your base rate, leading to higher earnings when your check arrives.
The Reserves Network specializes in pairing you with the right position for your skills and experience. Contact our team for more information!
