Dear Matt: I took a new job that includes rotating shifts, working second shift, weekends and frequent 12-hour days. How can I adjust to the shift work lifestyle professionally and personally?

Matt says: Shift work isn't for everyone, but there are good career opportunities with Twin Cities companies if you can make it work, says Dan Webinger, account manager with Award Staffing (awardstaffing.com), a Bloomington-based staffing company specializing in the light industrial, clerical, merchandising, hospitality, technical and scientific industries.

Getting paid a shift differential is a benefit and a motivating factor for shift workers. At States Manufacturing in Minneapolis, employees who work the weekend shift get paid for 40 hours when working 36. Also, shift workers often commute at off-peak times, reducing time and stress. And "it's a lot easier and more efficient to run errands" when others are working, says Webinger. "There are a lot less people on the roads and in the stores on weekday afternoons."

There are disadvantages. If you have children, shift work can make juggling parental responsibilities a challenge. What will you do about daycare? Will you have to miss your child's sporting events? Who's going to pick the kids up from school or take care of them when they get home? It can also be highly disruptive to your sleep cycle, potentially causing health problems.

Planning is crucial to making shift work a success, for the employee and for other family members, including spouse and kids, says Kim Mooney, lead technical coordinator for PMG Manufacturing Solutions (pmgroup1.com), a Bloomington-based company that places highly-skilled manufacturing workers in traveling contract positions where employees often work long hours and different shifts.

"Create a calendar for yourself and all family members that clearly dictates upcoming schedule and work shifts, reviewing frequently," says Mooney.

Eating right, exercising and taking 20-30 minute power naps can help shift workers remain healthy and productive. Avoid caffeine and artificial energy drinks; "a banana and water provides just as much energy as a cup of coffee," says Mooney.

At work, find someone you trust who can act as a confidant — someone who will listen to difficulties and give advice as needed and support you.

"These types of roles are very hard to fill, so these types of employees are highly regarded," says John Johnston, director of manufacturing for States Manufacturing.

Rest is critical; so is maintaining work/life balance. "It's easy to get lost in the changing schedule from your job and lose touch with those most important in your life," says Johnston. "The calendar will help plan time with family and friends."

Contact Matt at jobslink@startribune.com.