surfisup1000:

 

clevedon:

 

tripper1000: I don't envy people working 12 hours shifts, and I don't believe they are sustainable or healthy. I've done it and it destroyed me. No life to speak of, just eating, sleeping and working - nothing else. Parents don't have time to invest in their kids which creates new social problems etc etc.

 

 

 

In my mid 20's I did 12 hour shifts and sometimes a 16 hour shift thrown in to complete a project. Alternating shifts, some starting midnight, some 8.00am some midday and some 4.00pm. Six days a week with an hours travel either side of it, admittedly the pay was very good and, yep not a lot of time for much else. 

 

But it was the best thing I could of ever done, it was an awesome job that I enjoyed, gained tons of experience and financially worth it.

 

 

It is comparing apples and oranges though. 

 

As an IT professional , i have worked long hours on projects. Project work was interesting, somewhat stressful, long hours with great pay. Most importantly, projects have a completion date at which time you move onto the next thing. Between projects there is time to recuperate. You can work long hours when you know it is only for a finite period. 

 

Working a production line in manufacturing.....every day is the same, no perks, low pay,   and it goes on forever. 

 

However it is perfect for some people... And these jobs usually rotate around the manufacturing routing steps so you might be clipping on handles one day, lids the next. Bliss!