I am a deputy manager of a children’s home working with kids who struggle with emotional and behavioural disorders. I’m on a 24.5 hour shift, I work from 09:30-23:00 and then I sleep at the place I work. Up again at 7AM for three more hours work.
Today has been rough, one of the hardest days I’ve had in a while. I’ve just got to bed an hour later than planned after an already long shift and I am just physically and emotionally exhausted.
My usual go to after a day like that would be to get home, wait until the afternoon so I feel less guilty about it and then drink the stress away.
My actual plan after I finish work tomorrow was to go to the gym which I’ve been pretty consistent with lately and to spend the day playing my guitar and learning some new songs but it’s days like this that really make it hard to stick with your healthy routines.
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I hear you. I was an RCW in children’s homes, doing those same hours. I did it for 10 years so I know the strain those sleepless nights after a very long day can have, they eat into your days off too because you’re just exhausted. The gym sounds like a good plan, sweat some of the stress away 
and get the endorphins in your system 
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Thanks mate, I know I will stick to my plan tomorrow even if I’m shattered because overall it’s been making me feel really good, I think it just helps me putting how I’m feeling out there sometimes. I’m coming up to date thirty now, I know I’d feel awful if I let it slip now. You stuck it out for ten years!? Not many can hack it for so long. I’ve not long passed 11 years myself.
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Dont know if your tried any support groups in you area, gym and guitar are good for your physical and mental strength , im a guitar player 12 string and 6 and my wee uke and Ps4 ,and gardening keep me right and my meetings wish you well
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Aw buddy, I love my little uke. I used to have a lovely twelve string but it got left in the loft at my parents when it got put in to storage and it warped the wood. I did try a local support group, it wasn’t specifically alcohol it was general mental health, I know they do a lot of good work but I just didn’t connect with anyone there and I didn’t go back but I might try it again at some point.
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My experience is that if you don’t want to drink, an AA meeting is a good safe place to be.
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Cheers, I knew I didn’t want to drink but I could feel my usual coping mechanisms creeping in. I spoke to my wife, I spoke to some friends and I stuck to my plan. Felt pretty good for myself afterwards. Hope you’re doing well mate!
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