Should I take a 26% pay cut to have a 9-5 job instead of one where I have to work all shifts within one week.?

I currently have a part-time position as a hospital shift supervisor. My hours range from 20 to 48/wk, averaging 33 hrs. I am expected to work all shifts; days, evenings and nights. The other supervisors are only required to work two of the three shifts. Although this is not fair, it isn't why I'm considering leaving. The main concern is my health. I don't get enough sleep, so I get run down and sick, and depressed. I also have a second job to fill in when I'm only scheduled 20 hours. Some times this creates a scheduling problem where I end up working 60-70 hrs/wk for months.
I was just offered a full-time position in a nursing home (9-5) but the pay is significantly less (26%). I can live on it but it would be difficult.
Since I live in a small town and there are only two hospitals in a 250 mile radius, if I leave this hospital, there is only one hospital left (2 hours from home) as a potential employer.
There is little opportunity for a 9-5 job w/ my current employer

I stayed on the day shift for 13 years with weekends off just so I could see my child grow up. I lost out on a lot of money, but it was worth it.

This decision is totally up to you. The first thing you need to do is decide what the pros and cons are of each. Then you have to decide what is most important to you. From your posting, it would seem that you have to decide between your health or money. Which is more important?

If I may make a recommendation, I would say that there are other opportunities to make money. However, once your health has deteriorated, it will be very difficult to get it back. In my mind, my health far surpasses any additional amount of income from the swing shift position. But, and I reiterate, only you can make that choice.

Whatever you choose, I wish you the best of luck.

I think that if you can financially be able to afford to do it, then go for it. Your health and well-being is number 1. If you get too burned out, then you won't be able to work at all.... maybe you should keep your other part time job, incase they need you on a weekend or something like that. If the pay cut is going to affect you a lot, then cut out on some of the extra stuff you have... like if you have an advanced cable package, cut back to just a basic package, decrease your cell phone plan (if you can)... Growing up my parents always complained about how much they hated their jobs... so now when I get a job, I make sure I like it. Leave on good terms, like 2-3 week notice... that way if the nursing home does not work out, you can probably go back. FYI: I had a friend who was a head nursing supervisor at a nursing home and she actually hated that job more than she hated her hospital job...

I feel for you, I also have a job that is unpredictable, (construction), sometimes I work 60 to 70 hours a week never knowing when I am going in until 8PM the night before,, and then there's the times like now, winter, when I don't think Ive worked any more that 40 hours this month. I would suggest to you that if your job will have any chance in advancement, and wage increases, to stick with it, but if health is indeed a concern ( and Not an excuse) then you have an obligation to take care of yourself FIRST. good luck in your decision making.

Here goes, I shouldn't have to tell you this, but I will. Your Health is without a doubt the one and only most important asset that you have. For without it nothing else can be done and done well. You need to think of you first, sooner or later the poor health habits catch up, and believe me when you least expect it. The good Lord gave you good health, take care of it, nothing else will seem as important when you are very ill or diagnosed with some mental or physical disorder simply because you didn't take heed to your own body giving you a signal that its time to let up on it. Please do yourself a favor and take the lesser paying job, be healthier and possibly happier in the long run. GL and GB

If you can live without the 26% you'll be loosing but feel that you'll be richer in terms of quality of life then you should change.

You sound like you need to move to a different town. Your being run ragged in that one with few options for your position. Maybe if your willing, apply for jobs around the country ... send in your resumes ... find like ten places in the country you'd like to live by exploring them a little on the internet and try getting jobs there. You'll have more opportunities for a 9-5 job without running yourself thin and you'll probably find one closer then 2 hours away. If you like the town your living in and don't mind the 2 hour drive ... try out the other hospital. Good Luck.

These rotating shifts will deteriorate your health in a heartbeat due to inability to get some well deserved rest and sleep.Forget the dough,cut back on expenses and enjoy life and get out of the rut.The nursing field is very unsatisfying.

I have been working odd shifts for 21 years along with taking call and not getting any sleep for long periods of time. I find it worth it in the long run. I am able to trade shifts to see my children participate in different activities. Is it worth it, to me it is completely worth it. Yes, I could work in a Dr.'s office but then again I would miss out on daytime projects my children are in.
The only one that can answer your question is yourself.