An Officer's Wife & Night Shift

So, as I mentioned in my previous post Dan had a career change about 6 or so months ago. He was hired into our local county as a Deputy. We feel so so so lucky and blessed to have this opportunity come our way. For the past---well....ever since we have been married really---He has been searching for the right opportunity. Prior he worked in retail straight out of college to get us established. But, then the economy crashed and there were NO job opportunities- at least in our state. Dan is also the type of guy that would not enjoy a desk job. This position really is a good fit for him. So anyways...

He went through the academy- training- rotating shifts- and now he's permanently on night shift. He starts work at 11pm and is relieved at 7am. It is extremely difficult to get day shift (impossible) just starting. All employees are ranked by senority so pretty much all the old-timers work the day shift. That just left working afternoons or midnights. We opted for midnights thinking it would be so nice to have him home in the afternoons- for dinner- for dates- for parties- etc. etc. Let me tell you- this night shift wife thing is for the birds!

It's been really really hard! And not just the night shift....the OT! Right now, before Miss A comes, he works nights even on his days off- AND doubles on the weekends. I don't know if its the hormones, pregnancy, me being crazy (quite possible), but it's been super hard on me. I feel like a single parent at times, even though I'm clearly not. It's hard to keep up with our little J all day while being 9 months pregnant. It's hard not seeing Dan all weekend because he's working doubles. It's hard when he wakes up in the afternoon and is a zombie (I know it's hard on him too),  It's really hard!! (Did I not say that enough)?

I know working opposite shifts can be ideal for some couples- but not when you actually ENJOY spending time with your spouse. Not when they are your best friend and you have a blast together. You also have to fight the urge to compare your life to others. For example- seeing families out enjoying the weekends together- that's hard for me. This won't always be our reality but for now it's hard. It can be difficult to see how "easy" some other wives/mother's have it. Not knowing their struggles this can be an easy thing to fixate on.

I feel so fortunate that I am able to stay at home full time with our kids- but it is honestly the hardest "job" I've ever had. I am really grateful I have family within 5 minutes of us too. But I sometimes can't help but feel guilty being over so often just to hangout for some interaction with adults with my husband being gone ALL THE TIME! I would definitely consider myself an introvert over an extrovert- and I have always enjoyed my alone time and I consider myself a very independent person. But this is a little TOO MUCH alone time. I have to really hand it to  all the police wives out there- It's one thing hearing how hard it can be and another experiencing it and that being your reality.

Rant over...

There are a few positives right now:

Dan is home every morning and eats breakfast with us before going to sleep. He is up and already home before most husbands get home from work in the afternoon, the paychecks from OT are nice, days off are flexible, he looks good in his uniform. ;)