Is This Career Right For Me? Part Four – Scheduling

Choosing a lifetime career can be tricky. With so many variables, one may find themselves
easily overwhelmed by such a decision. Today we continue our new series, where we break
down how to know if a career is the right choice for you! For this installment, we are going over
scheduling.

Work Life Balance

In the previous installment, I went over how imperative work-life balance is to overall health and
happiness. This goes hand-in-hand with work schedules. When choosing a career, it is important
to consider how many hours a week you will be working, and how much free time will be
sacrificed in the process. It’s also smart to think about when your days off should be. Working
six days in a row may be feasible for some, and out of the question for others. Trust your gut,
and try not to overwork yourself; maintain balance.

Shift Types

This section will explore the different types of work shifts, along with pros and cons of each.

First Shift (Day shift)

Pros: You will have the evening/night free, can sometimes be slower depending on field, good
for early risers

Cons: Not good for night owls and people with insomnia, could be inconvenient for parents of
children

Second Shift (Afternoon/Evening Shift)

Pros: You will have the morning free, good for people who like to sleep in

Cons: Can be incredibly busy, may not have much wind down time after

Third Shift (Night Shift/Graveyard Shift)

Pros: Higher demand in the job market, good for night owls, tends to be slower depending on
field

Cons: Might need to reset your sleep schedule, certain careers require special
training/certifications (such as a security guard)

PTO/Vacation Time

As mentioned in part two, PTO and vacation time is a crucial factor in any career or job. Every
company and organization has different policies, so do your research beforehand. This will go
hand-in-hand with your schedule, as it affects how much time you can take off without penalty,
or, if you can take paid time off.

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There are numerous things to consider when choosing a career, scheduling being a major one.
Stay tuned for part five of this series coming soon!