As you’re probably aware, careers can come in a wide variety of forms. While many employees enjoy consistent schedules, others have an immense amount of variability in their work. From healthcare social workers to emergency response professionals, many professionals must be able to jump into action and perform whenever duty calls.
However, just because you have an unpredictable career doesn’t mean you can’t experience the same feelings of security and stability as those with predictable schedules. In fact, you can engage in various practices to thrive in these unique career roles.
Understanding what these practices are is key to being your best as an employee with an unpredictable work schedule.
Here are strategies for success in careers with unpredictable schedules.
Becoming a Master of Time Management
Regardless of the career you’re in, great time management can be an incredible superpower. From being able to accomplish more to being more efficient, this practice can make you a better employee that’s set up for success. In fact, nursing time management even plays a critical role in helping healthcare teams thrive and provide patients with the best care possible
For individuals with unpredictable work schedules, this is even more true. Given the fact that you’ll be working at a wide variety of times, being able to accomplish the same amount of work regardless of your schedule is critical.
One of the foundational building blocks of good time management is scheduling. In the case of unpredictable hours, this means paying key attention to which tasks are most important so that they can be completed first regardless of hours.
Another key facet of becoming a master of time management is setting clear goals. Rather than simply planning to “work on” something, plan exactly what it is that you want to accomplish. By doing this regularly, you’ll be able to get better at excelling during your work hours no matter how unpredictable they are.
Practicing Being Present
When you work a consistent set schedule, it’s easier to cultivate a routine. Ultimately, these routines make it easier to be present during working hours and be extremely productive.
If you work unpredictable hours, however, it can be much trickier. Despite this barrier, practicing ways to be more present can make you more productive during your unpredictable work hours.
One effective way to be more present is to block out distractions wherever possible. This means limiting your access to pastimes you typically engage in when procrastinating or putting off work. By making it a point to do this regularly, you’ll gradually become more present during your working hours.
Beyond limiting distractions, finding grounding practices that allow you to be more mindful can also be powerful. For example, meditating for a few minutes before every shift can help put you in a better state of mind that allows you to drop into your work and focus. Ultimately, cultivating the power to be more present will help you thrive in your role despite your unpredictable schedule.
Using Technology to Your Advantage
While technology can often be a source of distraction, it doesn’t always have to be. In fact, there is a wide variety of apps that can help you be more productive and effective in your role.
Though it may seem overly simple, using a timer to make sure you’re staying focused on your task can be incredibly effective. Beyond this, there are a variety of productivity apps that are designed to help you focus and execute to the best of your abilities.
Sleep trackers can also be incredibly effective for professionals with unpredictable schedules because they ensure that one is always well-rested and ready to work. In addition, automation tools can help take care of repetitive tasks and allow professionals to focus more diligently on important duties.
By taking advantage of all of the technological tools available, professionals who work odd and unpredictable hours can thrive and focus no matter where their work takes them.
Having a Plan for Disruptions
Within any career, disruptions can occur that throw you off of your game. Whether they affect your personal project or your entire business, reacting effectively is key to consistently finding success in your role.
Given the nature of careers with unpredictable hours, most professionals in these roles will at some point experience a variety of these types of disruptions. This being the case, it’s vital to have plans and strategies in place to deal with these obstacles and thrive.
Depending on your unique job role, the types of disruptions you can expect will change. As such, it’s important to understand the patterns in your line of work and the various challenges that you may potentially face.
By gaining clarity about the challenges you’ll likely face, you’ll be able to craft plans to react to them. As such, you’ll greatly minimize your chances of being caught off guard by an obstacle and, as a result, will always have a better chance of thriving in your role.
It’s Possible to Thrive with an Unpredictable Schedule
Though it’s not always ideal, many hard-working professionals find themselves in roles with unpredictable schedules. While this can be a hindrance to routines, it doesn’t mean that you can’t find success in your role. By taking the right approach and implementing the right strategies, you have the power to thrive in your career no matter how unpredictable your schedule is.
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