If you’re considering taking a job in a warehouse, you should be aware that most warehouses operate 24 hours a day. This means that your warehouse shift could be during the day, evening, or even overnight. But how can you decide which is best? Here are some pros and cons of each shift.
First Shift
First shift is the daytime shift. You’ll likely start work sometime between 7 and 9 a.m. and finish between 3 and 5 p.m. This can be a great shift for those who prefer traditional working hours, including those with kids in school or who want their work hours to align with those of friends or family.
However, first shift workers typically face the toughest commutes. It’s not an ideal option for those who are not morning people, since warehouse work requires you to be at your best from the moment you arrive. And it also tends to be a popular shift, so you may not be able to get it right away.
Second Shift
Also known as the swing shift, working hours for second shift include late afternoons and evenings. You’ll typically start work between 3 and 5 p.m. and end work between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. This shift is ideal for people who like to stay up late and sleep in late. The commute is usually easier, and you’ll have mornings free to run errands or take care of personal business.
But you may find yourself socially isolated, as you will work through the times that most people gather. This can also be a tough shift for those with a family, as you’ll head to work around the time that everyone else is getting home, and return from your shift after most people are asleep.
Third Shift
Known as the graveyard shift, this time period includes the overnight hours. You’ll typically start work between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. and go home between 7 and 9 a.m. It’s usually the quietest shift, which can be great for those who want to relax and focus on their work. The commute is generally easy, and you can run errands after work. You may also receive a shift differential in your pay. And if one parent works overnights while the other works days, it can limit the need for child care.
However, the graveyard shift is tough on those who are not natural night owls. You’ll need to radically alter your sleep schedule and take steps to protect it. You may have trouble staying connected to family and friends, and you may find yourself chronically tired and unable to be productive outside of work hours.
Ultimately, there is no best warehouse shift, only the one that is best for you. Don’t automatically assume that first shift is the best, even if you’ve always worked days. Instead, take a deep dive into your own natural rhythms and outside responsibilities, and choose the shift that best meets your needs.
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