[Winged_Muse]

Alright so I just got myself a job the 15th of this month working at Walmart as a Cashier. Well, now that my schedule is actually available along with everyone else's, there is one question I have. I work from 3:30-11:30 (both PM) as one of my shifts and with my birth control, I usually take it around 9:50-10PM. I probably wouldn't get home from work that day till about 11:45 unless I am let go sooner. Should I still be okay if I take it about that time? I'm probably just worrying about it and it'll all be fine but I just wanted to get your opinions and see if I should still be protected with it all. Thanks

[WildChild]

Why not call your docs office and talk to them about this? Ask how you change the timing of your dose?

[KMonte85]

I used to work at Wally world back in my highschool days. If you're working an 8 hr shift from 3:30 to 11:30, that means you will get two 15 minute breaks and a lunch break. Your first break should be somewhere between 5:30 and 6:30, lunch break around 7:30-8:30, last break between 9:30 and 10:30. You could bring your pills with you and take it during your final break for the night without having to change up your schedule.

On busy days, you might get your breaks pushed back a little bit, but you would still be within your "usual time" for taking the pill. If you're nervous or uncomfortable about taking the pill at work, then follow WC's advice and talk to your doctor about how you can safely change up the time you take your pill to something that will be more convienent for your new work schedule.

[Ashlee T.]

Congrats on getting a job!! I knew you could do it! It's gonna feel so nice to make your own money.

I agree with KMonte. I used to keep my pills in the zip up part of my purse so that no matter where I was I'd have them. You'll def get some breaks during your shift. If you don't want to mess with that, do as WC said and call and ask your doc just to be sure, BUT as long as you're taking them every day at 11:45-12:00, then it shouldn't cause you any problem. What can cause a problem in regards to protection is if you take it at one time one day and a whole different time the next day allowing there to be some "unprotected" time in there.

[jessie1234]

eaither that or just pop the pill out and put it in your pocket...
when the time comes around just take it out of your pocket and take it

[Winged_Muse]

Yea, I’ll be working a 3:30-11:30 shift. I’ve thought about just bringing my pill but then I don’t know. I’d have to keep them in my wallet or something since my purse is never with me except for when I go to my lunch break and occasionally on my breaks. I did tell my assistant manager about wanting to change my schedule a bit so I can’t work past 10 but then I figured, I’m not specifically worried about it and I’d have to do a whole big process to get it fixed and everything so I said screw it. I take my pill anywhere from 9:40 (usually) to about 10:00 (PM of course). I do carry a water bottle with me all day long so I guess I could just bring it with me that day. Guess I was super tired and my thinking wasn’t working.

Oh and by the way BD, I’ve already gotten one check even though it was only for the 3 days I worked before the pay period ended. $157.28. My next check I will get on the 6th and the money should be good

[Ashlee T.]

Awesome. Paychecks are niiiiice!

Yeah you'll work it out. I took the pill for years and I just kept the pack in my purse at all times. Perhaps plan to take your pill right after you eat on your lunch break. Get in the routine of doing that every day and it'll work out just fine.

[JadedQueen]

It shouldn't be a problem.... if you REALLY want to be on the safe side and this is a schedule that you are going to normally be working you may want to adjust the time you take it to a time that works better with your schedule. If you are REALLY worried about it I would adjust the time slowly like the first night take the pill with you and take it at 10:30 the first night the second night take it at 11:00 the third night take it at 11:30 and after that take it at 11:45 to accomodate your new work schedule. If your work schedule is going to vary from week to week you may want to adjust the time you take it to a time that works regardless of your work schedule (like first thing in the morning or something). Typically birthcontrol pills build up in your system and the pill doesn't run out after 24 hours... (that's why usually when you try to get pregnant it takes a month or so for the pill to get out of your system) BUT... various things can render the pill ineffective and increase your chances of pregnancy. I would consult your doctor or pharmacy to be on the safe side and if you really really really want to be on the safe side abstain from sex while you are making adjustments to the time you take the pill or use an alternate form of birth control while you are making the adjustment. You can never be too safe.

[Winged_Muse]

No, my hours aren’t that like all the time..thank god they’re not. It’s a Retail job so my hours are never going to be set. Like I said, I talked to the assistant manager about it but it’s a whole big process and I just said nevermind that I wasn’t going to worry about it and I’m not. I’ll just put my pill in my pocket before I get to work that day and take it when I need to as long as I’m not busy. It’s not like sex is happening as often anymore, not with my schedule as it is anyway. Most of the time my schedule is early in the day. Tonight I work 12:30 to 9 (both PM) but I’ll be home in time to take my pill without worry. That’s just the one day. I did have to stay till Midnight one night but was thankfully sent home an hour and a half sooner than I would have since it got pretty dead and even then, I was on my period and on my inactive pills so it didn’t matter much.

[sourpuss]

If you have your water with you all day, then you could just put the pill in your pocket and take it at your usual time.