I’ve worked 2nd (afternoon), swing (evening), and 3rd (overnight) shifts for the majority of my life. I recently moved into a training position where I’m Monday through Friday, 8am to ~5:30pm (I get OT while I’m cleaning up and writing reports).
As much as the 2nd/swing/3rd shifts screw with your life in other ways, the difficulty in scheduling any kind of life services outside of working hours is maddening. Doctor’s appointment? Nope. DMV? Maybe Saturday, if you’re lucky. Chaperone your kids field trip? Hahahhah no.
I don’t want to burn sick time for a doctor’s appointment (I need to save those for when my kid is actually sick), and I sure as hell don’t want to use up a “vacation” day for it. How tf are you supposed to get anything done?
My favorite working years were in the '80’s when I worked evenings (4pm - 12:30am). I was in my 20’s. I took classes, taekwondo, easily scheduled any appointments, went to the store when it was less busy, etc. I’d get home before 1:00 am, relax for 30-45 minutes and go to bed, then awaken naturally in the mid-morning, no alarm clock needed! I’ve always been a night owl so it was the perfect schedule for me. I’ve also worked overnight shift which was the worst, not good for sleeping, during the day when it’s bright light and hot and people making lots of noise.