Panama Shift

horseunderwater · 24 Sep 2015 at 10:44

I have just started full time working a Panama shift which is 2 on 2 off 3 on 2 off 2 on 3 off 12 hour days.
Does any one else work this type of shift how does it affect your lifestyle health
, and family life?
Mark

ci_newman · 24 Sep 2015 at 11:37

That shift pattern looks horrid, is it all days?

horseunderwater · 24 Sep 2015 at 11:46

yes all days

shorttricky · 24 Sep 2015 at 12:06

I did this pattern for a good few years (but switching between days and nights every time).

Personally I loved it, although it should be noted I sat on my backside in front of a bank of monitors - I imagine it'd be less fun if it's very physical work. It's long shifts, but you basically have a weekend every 2/3 days. Holiday works out great, because booking 2 shifts off ends up giving you a week between shifts.

The only problem is that if Christmas falls on your busy week, you end up working it a lot - I did 5 in 6 years. We ended being allowed to drop to minimal cover and sort it out ourselves, but that'll depend on what your boss is like.