Casey Nguyen - Night Shift Worker Position Statement

Name: Casey Nguyen
Role: Tenant (Night-Shift Worker)
Background: I work overnight in healthcare, requiring uninterrupted sleep during the day. This schedule makes it critical that the living environment be conducive to rest during non-traditional hours.

Situation Overview

Living in a house with tenants who frequently host late-night gatherings and create noise during traditional quiet times has become increasingly disruptive. As someone working night shifts, I need a quiet home environment during the daytime to ensure proper rest and maintain my work performance. The ongoing conflicts over noise levels and guest policies add stress and uncertainty to my daily routine, making it difficult to plan for both rest and my professional responsibilities.

Priorities and Values

My primary priority is to secure a living arrangement that supports my non-traditional sleep schedule. I value consistency and predictability in the household’s noise levels, particularly between mid-morning and early evening hours when I sleep. Market data suggests that shared housing norms are increasingly accommodating for shift workers, and I expect our policies to reflect this trend. I also appreciate open communication and fairness in enforcement so that the rules apply equally to all tenants. Respect for personal space and well-being is essential, particularly given the physical and mental stresses associated with a demanding night-shift job.

Trade-offs and Flexibility

While my need for quiet is fundamental, I recognize that occasional social events may occur. I am willing to negotiate defined exceptions if proper notice is given and if noise levels are kept within agreed limits. For instance, I might accept an arrangement where social events are permitted on weekends but with soundproofing measures in place or limited to common areas away from my room. I am also open to periodic reviews of the schedule to ensure that all tenants’ evolving needs are met, as long as changes do not compromise the overall quiet requirements significant to my work-life balance.

Constraints and Concerns

The major constraint for me is that my work performance—and hence my livelihood—relies heavily on obtaining restorative sleep during the day. Any compromise that leads to unpredictable noise could result in severe personal and professional consequences. I am also concerned that if the policies are not respected, it may lead to stress and additional health complications. Furthermore, the current tension in the household could foster an environment where my unique working hours are continuously overlooked.

BATNA (Best Alternative to Negotiated Agreement)

1. Consider seeking alternative shared housing environments that advertise shift-worker accommodations, even if it means a slight increase in cost.
2. Propose a formal house rule amendment specifically tailored to support non-traditional schedules, with mediation from a third-party mediator if an internal agreement cannot be reached.
3. Look into temporary subletting arrangements or negotiate with employers for adjusted shifts as a short-term measure if the living situation becomes untenable.

Vision of Success

A positive outcome for me is a house agreement that explicitly accommodates shift workers by establishing designated quiet hours tailored to my sleep schedule, likely during mid-morning to mid-afternoon. Such an agreement would include prior notification for any exceptions and clear penalties for repeated violations, ensuring that my need for rest is respected without entirely stifling social opportunities for others. The ultimate goal is a balanced environment where everyone’s rights and responsibilities are clearly defined and upheld, allowing me to maintain both my health and professional commitments.