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Life, Coffee and Care Work

Expect nothing. Appreciate everything.

I'm almost surprised that I'm sitting back in the library and writing another post so soon after the last post. Life is good, and I'm feeling upbeat. I'm grateful for having a job and even though there are issues, there is no such thing as a perfect job. I've been through so many different jobs over the last few years to think otherwise. However, COVID 19 has caused a recession to hit, again, as the news daily reminds us of the job losses that are sweeping through the UK. The retail and hospitality sectors seem to be the hardest hit. I worked in hospitality until only recently, my job change has been a blessing in disguise and I'm so grateful for having a job that I know I'll keep, though I'm working hard to make sure that I'm doing everything in my power to improve myself. The library has proved a great resource as I've taken to borrowing books on dementia. The home I work in has a specific wing and the books I've been reading has opened by eyes to how it effects each person differently, as well as the numerous types of dementia that are out there. The better I can understand it, the better I can do my job, if that makes sense.


A question people sometimes ask is how I could possibly work night shifts. Answer is simple. I do it because I love it. Night shifts are just as difficult as day shifts, but in a different way. We have other things to do so we're often busy for most of the shift. Given that people seem to think that doing night shifts I have my days free to shop, meet up for coffee, or just hang out. Not the case. Working nights often entail that my life is a bit upside down to everyone else's. When you're awake, doing whatever you do, I'm at home sleeping, with my phone on "Do No Disturb." Working nights doesn't mean I have more time to do what ever I want. I have exactly the same amount of time as you do, I just have to manage my time very carefully. I'll sleep during the day, and try to do whatever I can to get enough rest. My days off are often filled with long hours asleep, just to catch up. I have depression, which is thankfully under control at present, but sleep deprivation can trigger it. I do have my rota for the next two months (at least), so making arrangements to travel as well as seeing friends and family is a lot easier than in previous jobs.


I should point out that coffee has got itself more strongly planted in my life as my best friend. I'll often drink at least one cup of coffee before I leave for work, and then throughout the shift, I'll drink up to three or four cups. Though staying awake, well, not feeling so tired, has definitely become easier, the longer I've been with Care UK. I'll sometimes even doze on my break, if I'm really tired, as it means that I'll be able to power through the last leg of my shift. The nice thing about doing twelve hour shifts is that I technically only work for eleven hours out of the twelve, as by British law, I get an hour's break for every ten hours worked. I don't get paid for my break but at least I get it. The breaks often end up taking place in the early hours of each morning, when the rest of the world is asleep. So I'll read, write in my journal, knit, watch something on my phone or doze, whatever I want really.


Anyway, almost out of time, again. I'll write again soon-ish.

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