Expert: Dacus T. Grant - 4/5/2007

Question
I would like to know how bad not having a regular schedule is, like having a weekend on a Tue.and Wed. How often do the hours of your shift change. Can you ask to work the 7-4 shift or for a Sat. Sun. weekend. Thanks for any answers.

Answer
Hi Kyle,
    Shift work is like any other work it just takes a little getting us.  Controllers typically work 2-3 evening shifts and 1-2 day shifts or a mid.  A typical week would be based on the 24 hr clock and could go something like this Thurs 16-24, Friday 14-20, Sat 12-20, Sunday 06-14, Monday 07-15 or a Sunday night mid(Sunday night at 2230-to Monday morning at 0630).  I presently have Tues/Wed off, it allows you time do things during the week when it's not so crowded, but it makes it almost impossible to do things with your friends on the weekends.  You can always ask for a shift change and approval will be based on staffing.  You may have  to find someone to swap shifts with you if they are short staffed on the shift that you are working.  Typically, Friday and Saturday nights are the hardest to get off of.  
I hope this helps.

Dacus