I'm speaking to you from one hard-working person to another. So you need to know that I am fully aware of what you are going through. I go through it almost every day of the week. I know it sucks, and I'm here to remind you that you aren't the only one working your butt off to make ends meet.
I know you want to tear your hair out when things don't go the way they should, or when a co-worker gives you an attitude for no reason on one of your most stressful days. I know what it's like to see your friends going out and having a good time while you're stuck at work getting in that over time while you're closing. Maybe to top it all off, you still have classes to go to and homework to do when you get off work. It's as if you can never get a break.
If you work third shift, it seems like it's even worse. You sleep while your friends and family are awake and you work while they're asleep. Even on your days off, you struggle with your relationships because your sleeping schedule is all out of wack and you know if you stay up during the day, it will mess you up the next day on your next shift. You can't seem to be available for your roommates or whoever you live with, either. The only time you have to clean is early in the morning or late at night when the others are sleep. So it's as if you're some sort of leprechaun that helps keep the place in order. Or maybe you barely have time to keep the place clean. Which makes you feel bad but you just can't help the fact that you're exhausted from a thirteen-hour shift.
Take advantage of the days you have off.
Treat yourself in any way you can.
Go buy yourself something nice.
Go out to a restaurant by yourself to let your mind breathe while you splurge on that steak platter.
If you're trying to save money and don't really want to blow it, that's fine. Treating yourself doesn't have to mean your wallet has to play a part. Draw yourself a nice bubble bath while you listen to your favorite playlist. Give yourself a movie night while you drink your favorite hot beverage out of your favorite mug. Have a friend over to vent to about how difficult that work week was while the two of your binge your favorite TV show.
Organize or rearrange your room.
Write in a journal.
Doodle.
Clean out your closet.
Whatever you do on your time off, make sure it's worthwhile and therapeutic to get you through the next shift coming your way. That way you can walk in and clock in with a feeling of contentment to get you on a good start of the day. Walking in with a good attitude can really make a difference to your shift. Even if you get some bad customers, or your workplace is slammed, or you want to slap your coworkers, attitude changes everything.
Hang in there, buddy. Just remember:
