I’ve worked 2nd (afternoon), swing (evening), and 3rd (overnight) shifts for the majority of my life. I recently moved into a training position where I’m Monday through Friday, 8am to ~5:30pm (I get OT while I’m cleaning up and writing reports).
As much as the 2nd/swing/3rd shifts screw with your life in other ways, the difficulty in scheduling any kind of life services outside of working hours is maddening. Doctor’s appointment? Nope. DMV? Maybe Saturday, if you’re lucky. Chaperone your kids field trip? Hahahhah no.
I don’t want to burn sick time for a doctor’s appointment (I need to save those for when my kid is actually sick), and I sure as hell don’t want to use up a “vacation” day for it. How tf are you supposed to get anything done?
I am, and in a 'right to work" (labor unfriendly) state as well. But have been at the same place for 13 years, and am flexible with them because they are flexible with me. Will stay late if needed, (I leave Wednesdays for overflow and tell my boss that is the day I can work late) but take time for appointments when I need. And I don’t answer emails after I go home, am not reachable. I’m not sure why, but they seem to think I am a top performer. As far as I can tell it’s not objectively true, but I’m not the one evaluating it.
People at my job also take long lunches to work out if they want. It’s a participation sports company.
I don’t believe in doing too much, that does no favors for your coworkers or the people who come after. I say good things about my coworkers to their bosses, too. Anytime I can possibly give someone else credit I do.