Last night I worked my first and last overnight shift.
I got to work at 12am and left around 10:30am.
I know, some people work 12+ hours. But, I don't know how they do that.
If you are one of those people, how the hell do you do that?
After about 10 hours I was ready to drop dead. Or sneak into one of the empty rooms at work and fall asleep on a random girls bed. I didn't care at that point.
I guess I should explain where I work for those who don't know.
I work at Excelsior Youth Center. It's a residential treatment center for teenaged girls who have been abused either physically, sexually, or that have been neglected. Basically, it's a place full of girls aged 11 to 20 that have serious issues due to the fact that their piece of shit {what!? I don't cuss on this blog! : )} crap parents couldn't raise them correctly. If you can't tell, I am a little bitter towards their inadequate "care" givers.
Anyways, I volunteered to work an overnight shift for the first time ever.
Y'all.
I literally got paid to sit at a thick wooden door with a small rectangular window and stare at a girl while she slept. I felt like a total creeper.
At Excelsior, there are girls who self harm. When they self harm, and won't stop, they get put on "Protective Observation". AKA me sitting there staring at you while you sleep. I sat at this girl's door from 1:05am to 6:30am. Mind you, we aren't allowed to face the other direction, we have to continually stare into her room.
I swear my brain turned to mush during that 5 hours.
So, that was the time I got paid to stare.
Have you ever gotten paid to do anything so ridiculously mind numbing??
how did you stay awake?? I used to work with kids with emotional issues due to abuse and neglect - it is so sad.
ReplyDeleteI'm a nurse and some of my favorite clinicals were when I went to local group homes and sat with troubled teens with some of the same issues you stated above. I loved being able to show them support and hopefully be a better role model than what they were used to. That being said, I'm sure I would have definitely fallen asleep if I had to watch someone else sleep. How did you do it?!
ReplyDeleteIt is a great job! I don't normally work the overnight shift thank goodness! I love working with the girls and it is very rewarding.
DeleteI haven't been paid to do something like that but I did get a free day at Disney Land! We volunteered for Disney's Give a Day, Get a Day program and for 3 hours we attached 5 safety pins together. I left feeling crazy and with holes in my thumb; but hey, our day at Disney was totally worth it!
ReplyDeleteThat's a little better than my getting paid to stare! I would totally do that for a free day at Disney Land!
DeleteOh my word.
ReplyDeleteI don't get paid to stare but sometimes my jobs gets so boring I cry (I think because I'm so tired or my eyes are dry or something). yes, a couple of rogue tears make their way down my cheek on some really rough days.
I don't know how you stayed awake! Major kudos to you =)
I have worked such a shift before and yes it definitely does take something out of you! I think you've earned a nap :)
ReplyDeleteI work in hospitality and have worked those over night shifts. Granted, I have never had to stare at anyone :) But working in a downtown DC hotel on the weekend on an over night shift, I feel your pain! Lots of drunk crazy people! My shift would usually be 11pm to 8am. I'm so glad those days are behind me!
ReplyDelete*erica*
LookingtotheStars.com
I bet working at a downtown hotel is tough! Dealing with drunk people would be annoying! Thanks so much for visiting my blog! : )
DeleteI could never work the night shift! Most nights I barely make it past 9:00pm. You're a star!!
ReplyDeleteGetting paid to stare...interesting concept! I think it would be so hard for me too. Late hours plus nothing to keep you occupied except staring. I can't believe they assign a person for that; although it makes sense. I would hate if overnights were my normal schedule. I don't think I can do it.
ReplyDeleteI honestly couldn't do this. I would have fallen asleep. Actually, this weekend I have to work an overnight event and I'm telling you, from 2-5 is going to be horrible. Coffee Coffee and more Coffee is going to be necessary.
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog through GFC and I'm your newest follower. I love your blog! Your layout is quite impressive too.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds to me like you already have a hard enough job to begin with! I haven't had to stare at anyone, but I've had to work shifts from 9am-midnight. Now THAT was hard. I was the manager of a Blockbuster (remember when those existed?) and had to fill in when people called in sick.
The fried chicken recipe you have below looks deeelicious!
Can't wait to read more from you! :)
Alex[andra]
letlifebelikemusic.blogspot.ca
Wow, I don't know how you did it! Besides just sitting and staring, it was also while you were supposed to be sleeping. I think I would have dozed off. Good for you!
ReplyDeleteWoah, Whitney! You are one tough cookie!! Between the hours and the constant staring, I would have gone out of my mind. And maybe fallen asleep! You have such a rewarding job...I'm sure it's amazing and such a learning experience each day! I hope you got some sleep after that crazy shift and treated yourself to something sweet...you deserve it!!
ReplyDeleteXoxox
Maria