Browsing by Subject "vuorotyö"

Aims: The aim of this study is to describe how childless shift workers combine a romantic relationship, free time and work. It was examined from the point of view of everyday life. The central theory was the model of multiple role involvement which means that different roles of a person can strain or enhance each other. The purpose of the study is to investigate how shift work affects combining work and a romantic relationship. Another purpose is to investigate which factors are crucial for the successful combining of shift work and a romantic relationship. Methods: The study focused on childless shift workers who were in a romantic relationship. The research data was collected by an online questionnaire which was published on the Facebook page of five labor unions. The questionnaire included background questions, six scaled questions and ten open-ended questions. The sample consisted of 139 shift workers from different professions and age groups. The research data was analyzed by using content analyzing and categorizing. The participants were divided to six types by using the fact how well they had succeeded in combining shift work and a romantic relationship. The combining of shift work and a romantic relationship had succeeded excellent, well, moderate, bad, very bad or better than in a previous relationship. Results and conclusions: Shift work seemed to be a challenging and straining working time model. However, most of the couples had succeeded in combining work and a romantic relationship. The factors behind successful combining of shift work and a relationship were 1) love and willingness to continue a romantic relationship, 2) relationship-oriented attitude, 3) openness and communication skills, 4) planning schedules and spending time with his/her spouse, 5) flexibility and adapting shift work, 6) consciousness of own responsibility of combining work and a romantic relationship, and 7) the model of employment of the spouse. It is necessary to have both practical and romantic skills in combining work and a romantic relationship. It is also crucial to spend quality time with his/her spouse.