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Being a shift work wife puts a spanner in the works with…
Our hormones.
Our moods.
and our self-confidence.
In one instance, we love the feeling of eating whatever we want with as much hot sauce as we desire, watching our favorite rom-com enjoying a girls nights in.
But in the same instance, we feel kind of lonely and miss our other half (well, sometimes).
When Dan was working full-time night shift I struggled in the beginning to find my groove.
We had very recently (like that day!) moved to the United States from our homeland of Australia and I was only just learning the local lingo, where the grocery store was and driving on the opposite side of the road and he was already gone at 9 pm…
I was left alone in the cold of winter wondering what to do next.
Before we moved, I knew this was going to be the case but it still didn’t stop me from feeling a tad isolated. Lonely even.
I sat wondering, what to do when you’re bored at night? And I’m never bored.
I like to think I’m a fairly strong, independent woman and can survive a few nights on my own.
Like for goodness sake, I do work as an emergency nurse at a large trauma center back in Melbourne, Australia and don’t need Dan there to hold my hand.
So I sat down and started seriously considering how I was going to keep myself occupied night after night.
For those who know me, understand I’m not one to just sit around and wait. So I got my butt in gear and ended up starting this blog The Other Shift and suddenly found myself VERY busy!
I’m not saying that starting a blog is the recommended course.
But it’s important you find something which interests you, keeps you busy and most of all allows you to feel good.
I created the above infographic for women (and men) who find themselves alone on a regular basis when their other half is away working night shift.
…41 – 50 shift work wife ideas to own the evening when your husbands on night shift
41. Make a list of the places you want to visit for a date and make a plan to do them with your spouse/partner
42. Go and visit a friend who’s partner is also on the night shift
43. Read a magazine and complete all the crosswords
44. Explore and research different smoothies you’ve ‘got to try.’ Add new healthy ingredients to your shopping list and give your taste buds something to look forward to
45. Watch a popular Netflix documentary you’ve never had the chance to see
46. Frame some photos and make a new, impressive photo wall in your home
47. Make your own cards, invitations and thank you cards – you never know, it may just turn into a profitable side hustle
48. Research “Environmentally Friendly”. How can you and your family improve?
49. Think of someone in need and do something special for them.
50. Wash your make up brushes – seriously how long has it been?
If you’re asking yourself, ‘what to do when you’re bored at night?’
I hope you found some inspiration through this honest shift work wife article.
I have been in the exact position you’re in as a shift work wife and understand how tricky it can be.
To balance communication, affection, listening and patients, among everything else that comes with managing the household, takes a special woman.
Be kind to yourself but proactive at the same time, in order to make your current situation your own.
What was your favorite suggestion you’re busting to try tonight?
Cheers,
Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links, meaning we receive a commission if you decide to make a purchase through our links, but this is at no additional cost to you. Please read our disclosure and privacy statement for more info.
Hey there! I'm Emma Smith a passionate, Registered Nurse from Australia. Together with my husband Daniel, we run The Other Shift. Our sole aim is to help shift workers and those on unusual schedules find balance between work and life. I understand the challenges of fitting in exercise, maintaining relationships and getting enough quality sleep, but I'm excited to show you that it’s possible to do shift work and still thrive. Read more about us and our story here.
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