[Sliders]

I'm wondering who can tell me, based on jobs they've had, their experience with either shift work or having a regular schedule. What worked out before for you and why?

[bioChE]

Shift work is usually a bad idea for someone with BP, simply because we tend to do much better on a fixed schedule.

I used to do consulting work which required me to get up at all hours of the night and catch flights, fly across two time zones for meetings, then get up and do it over again. I ended up in a manic state for more than two years. In the end, it required multiple hospitalizations and a period of time on disability to get things straightened out. That time was probably a little more drastic than straight shift work, but the principal is the same. If I were you and had the choice, I'd go for an 8-5.

For the past 7 months I've been working an 8-5, and it has done wonders for my stability. Combined with a reasonable med combo, I've been more stable than I've been for the past 20 years.

[Aardwolf]

I don't (think?) I have BP but i'll chime in.

I've worked both regular hours, and shift work for a number of years, in varying amounts, and at stupid times as well.

For sleep and stability, either a repeating (less than a week) Staggered shifts WITHOUT nights, that fall naturally (i.e. Early, mid, late, rest days) or a "stable" X days a week between 8-5 repeating.

I found things get hairy when it's a staggered shift pattern involving nights that only repeats, say, once a month. Then your brain and body never know when or how to catch up with what is going on.

[Unrigged64072835]

I used to have to work a lot of crazy shifts in the military, and they always messed with me. A stable shift where I can get enough sleep is best.

[Ellie_jo]

One of the biggest goals I made during therapy was to get a regular schedule and it helped a lot. Staggered days with no routine or predictability were really hard on my mind and body.

Regular schedule > random shifts, for sure.

[Yoda]

Straight night shift works best for me.

[BipolaRNurse]

I agree with Yoda: straight nights aren't bad. At least it's consistent, which is necessary in order to have a prayer of remaining stable. It's not the ideal shift for bipolar people, most of whom do better on a daytime schedule, but it's far better than having rotating shifts.

[Hobbit House]

I agree with the other posts. Rotating schedules are very difficult. I've done it several times with varying degrees of success. I found straight night shift worked well for me because I drove trucks and the roads were pretty empty then. Other than that a permanent schedule, preferably days is best for you.

It's been a long time now but many years ago I worked rotating shifts (different hours every day and different days off) for about 4 years. I had 2 very major breakdowns and was a complete mess the whole time. I'm not sure the work schedule caused it all, but I doubt it helped.

I think I'm different from most people.

I get to work from home whenever I want to, so I often work at different times of the day. Like, I'll sometimes start working at 5am-10am, then take a huge 8-hour break. Then I'll finish working from 6pm-9pm. Other times, I'll work straight from 5am to 2pm... or 11am to 9pm. Totally depends on the day.

I'm okay with that sort of work schedule because I have the *freedom* to stagger it if I want to. It helps reduce stress for me, and stress is normally a huge trigger for me.

[wares1ge]

I do shift work at a hospital and its terrible. I never work the same schedule and I can never get on a routine, especially if I pick up extra shifts. I think working a fixed schedule would greatly benefit me at this point. The only pro I can think of about shift work at the hospital is having days off to go to all of my appointments.

[Sliders]

Thank you all for your replies!!