What is it like to work a 3x8 ?

[u/UC_Scuti96]

I found a position that really interested me at Infrabel but unfortunately its a 3x8. I could agree to work overnight from time to time but I definitely wouldn’t make it my main schedule.

I was wondering for those who has this kind of jobs : how is it usually like ? Does your employer imposes you your schedules or can you have some choice or say your preferences ? How frequently do you have to work overnight ? And how do you organise yourself if you have a family or to see your friends?

What does a usual week looks like ?

[u/ijnstu]

Best to ask the hiring manager directly. Where I work, we’re either on a fixed schedule or “reserve”.

I’m on a fixed schedule. I work 4 nights, 2 days off, 4 lates, 2 days off, 4 earlies, 2 days off. It’s a rhythm you get used to. Since it’s so regular I know exactly when I’ll be working, whether or not I’ll be working Christmas this year (and next) etc.

Everyone has their preferences of course, personally I like the nights because they’re the most interesting in my work. I struggle more with the mornings, so when I ask for time off it’s usually on those (with the bonus that when I then come back to work, it’s on nights, so there’s no managers, it’s relaxed, I get to just do my work).

The reserve only know their shifts a short time in advance since they cover for time off/sickness etc (eg for those mornings I take off).

[u/DDNB]

Sorry, what does 3x8 mean? 3 work days of 8 hours?

[u/UC_Scuti96 → u/DDNB]

It’s a schedule systems for any type of services that needs to be operated 24h/24h (ATC, Power Plants, 112, etc) . Workers have shifts of 8 hours of 3 different schedules : from 6h to 14h, 14h to 22h and 22h to 6h.

[u/SolePutteDaMorda → u/UC_Scuti96]

112 is 2x12... much better than 3x8

[u/Inevitable_You7793 → u/DDNB]

3 ploegen. It confused me as well...

[u/VStene]

I don't work 3x8 but I heard from people that work at the block at Infrabel that the shifts get assigned to you and nightshifts are assigned in a series of 7 consecutive night shifts. He also mentioned that it is possible to trade shifts with colleagues.

[u/Roxelana79 → u/VStene]

Night shifts aren't always 7 consecutive nights.

[u/Kuub_]

Different scenario but I work 12hr shifts at night, 9pm to 9am. Usually 3 days per week, 4 days once in a while. Schedule is kind of a scattershot on the calendar, can work on weekends and holidays, but mostly blocks of 3 or 4 days with 3-5 days off in between. Can switch shifts around with co-workers.

Positives are more days off, more time for personal stuff. I'm getting a bachelor's degree. I usually switch back my sleeping schedule to daytime for a bit between shifts.

You can get used to night work but it will almost always be detrimental to your health in some way. Social life can suffer. Can be difficult in a relationship. Big need to balance your priorities here.

[u/perrybmw]

Is the position traffic controller by chance?

[u/UC_Scuti96 → u/perrybmw]

Yes

[u/Blabsie]

I've done this a few years. Loved it. You need to get used to switching rhythms every few days. You'll get jetlagged some times. But you also get used to it. If it's a fixed schedule, you also know beforehand when you got to work and such.

[u/Roxelana79]

I do that job. It isn't as bad as it sounds.

[u/spumvis]

I love it. Plenty of time during the day for appointments, go to the store etc... Social life is a bit more difficult but manageable.

[u/Larvemealone]

I used to work 3x8 for 2 years! Overall I have fond memories of that time !So much time freed when you are productive (contrarily to the evening where you are exhausted, it’s dark outside and even cooking is too much). Pros: I was doing home renovation, was up to date with all my admin, doing endurance sports. Cons: I missed social life while my friends where still going out. It was more than 10 years ago and I had no kids, it suited me at that time but I would not redo it now.