Hold your horses! It doesn’t need to be a signed contract. In writing implies written text from any source (e-mail for instance). You should never, ever state ultimatums to your employer, unless you are prepared to start a war (which is a bad idea in terms of future recommendations). A good employer will understand your situation, and TRY to help. That said, you should always have a plan B, or preparedness for worst case scenarios - in these (or any) situations.
That particular culture needs to change especially if, as in this case, the person is a long term company employee.
I would consult with the union first, to ensure I have a watertight case. I experience similar situations on a daily basis in my job. My take is you need to negotiate on an empathic level to get in the right direction. This also meaning you should be prepared for a compromise. The friendly end result for OP can eventually be a decent “parachute” agreement (be bought out of the employment).
Obviously american work laws are trickier than European laws, meaning the employees rights are well protected in many European countries.
Just make sure the ultimatum is reasonable, is doable, and you are well prepared to walk if the ultimatum is not met. Also ultimatums got over much better if you bring something special skillset to the table (leverage)
You forgot to add Sicilian.
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Alrightmiami, sounds like a tough decision. Family first, always. The M-F gig might be the answer. You can always find ways to earn extra income on the side (freelance, hobbies) if needed. Plus, a well-rested dad is a way better dad! And hey, with a stable income, you might even treat yourself to some well-deserved relaxation with a GiftCardMall Mygift purchase.
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I made a really big scary move last year so i can relate.
What jumped out at me was this:
16 years with your company and you’re on nights.
You deserve better. Nights are a young man’s game, or for those unique people who like nights.
Sometimes changing jobs is the surest way to increase your pay, even if theres a temporary cut.
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I made a similar move many years ago. I was working a job where 6 days a week was mandatory and 7 day a week was more common than not. I never worked less than 60 hours a week for 6 years. I made great money, but missed out on so much with my family. I was offered a new job closer to home. It still required a ton of hours, but was more flexible in allowing me to take time off when I needed. I took a better than 20% pay cut. This was probably the second best decision I ever made in my life. Eventually I made more money than I could have ever made at the first place, and worked fewer hours. I was able to spend much more time with my family, didn’t miss anymore birthdays or holidays. And, I think you’ll find that the most successful people don’t stay at any one job for long periods.
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So when i transferred to SC i was given nights as a punishment for being good at my job. Lol. I applied for 2 AM positions, but they offered me the night spot because they want me to help “fix” that shift. I would have turned it down, but wanted to move to get the kids back before the start of school. So i took it hoping i could adapt to the hours, but after a week i realized it wasnt for me.
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Roger that.
Perhaps negotiating your way back to day shift?
If you’re the “fixer” they should hate to lose you.
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I agree, family first but don’t do anything without a plan. I worked an overnight shift and in less than a week I decided to go back to college. It will kill you.
To echo, graveyard is a young man’s game. When I graduated college the economy and especially my industry were severely depressed with quite literally no jobs available. But I needed to live, so I worked graveyard (11pm-6am) at a gym, worked 8-5 at an internship in my career field, and took part time evening work a few days per week selling sports/event tickets. Did that for 10 months before landing an entry level job in my career field. No way that life works for anyone with a family or who is over 28 yrs old. I was truly miserable, but felt like there wasn’t much of another option at the time.
Once basic needs are met, money just buys time b/c time is more valuable than money.
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Put my two week notice in last night. Im nervous, excited, anxious and hopeful. Its been so long since ive even considered working elsewhere. Taking a big leap out of my comfort zone.
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Congratulations! If nothing else, the newness will be exciting and motivating, plus you’ll learn some new stuff along the way.
But also, I think you’re doing the right thing. Putting your family first means so much more than simply bringing home a paycheck.
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If all else fails, you still have Onlyfans.
Wow!
I’m guessing you have a contingency plan and whatnot, right?
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Good luck @Alrightmiami19c !
In my over 2 decades working, I’ve held 7 jobs I believe with 7 different companies! Yes, some may call that job hopping, but as another poster alluded to, the main driver in me leaving EACH and EVERY job has been for a better opportunity with another company…meaning, more pay, better bonus potential, more flexible hours, etc. In ALL SEVEN of my moves, I went to another job and increased my base salary each time by 5-figures. It drove my father crazy when I did this, but I had to remind him that the only person looking out for you, is YOU! And that loyalty to a particular company nowadays doesn’t mean jack shit to an employer; I’ve seen them lay off someone with decades of service without a moment’s hesitation.
Good on you for being the catalyst for change in your working situation! I know it’s fucking terrifying sometimes, but you can now go into this next job knowing what you will/won’t settle for[and yeah, fuck the graveyard shift! I did it in my 20’s for a few years no problem but as an older person with family it’s awful].
As @SkyzykS said…I do hope to god you had a contingency plan…or at least something either lined up already or had an “in” with someone at another company. It’s cliché but true: the best time to look for another job is while you still have one.
Keep us all posted on your employment journey!
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Youre not the first person to tell me that. But id probably lose money. Haha
I accepted the offer from the job that pays a little less but is days m-f.
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Congrats on the courage to take a leap into the unknown. Don’t forget, careers last decades and a temporary salary reduction is not a big deal if it saves your from potentially incapacitating physical and mental damage.
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