Common Misconceptions About Night People

We’re insomniacs.
No way. We aren’t trying to get to sleep.

We’re unhappy.
Only when we’re not allowed to follow our natural schedule.

We have a medical problem.
We’re as healthy as most, and more than some. For instance, you won’t find us getting skin cancer from too much sunbathing.

We’re wierd.
Who’s calling who wierd?

The Bozo Boss Misconception: We’re lazy, dishonest, and trying to fool everyone because we want credit for working at night but we don’t actually do it.
This is an evil misconception. It doesn’t just show a lack of respect for our natural body rhythms, it says we’re liars, frauds… Employers always seem to feel this way, even when we’re doing the kind of work that can be measured somehow. All I can say to these people is: Have you ever observed a Night Person at work during his or her peak time? After you’ve sat up with one of us and seen how productive we are, say that again.

We think we’re vampires or have some other kind of odd self image.
Do you think you’re the sun god Amon-Ra just because you’re a Day Person?

We’re criminals who use the excuse of staying up late to cover our crimes.
Sure, and all the people who are up in the daytime are law-abiding citizens. Crimes are ONLY committed at night.

We’re hooked on caffeine.
It doesn’t take coffee and coke to keep US up!

The only reason we stay up late is to go to bars, cavort, and party.
Sure, we like it as much as the next guy, but don’t blame us just because we’re always the last to leave!

We’re delinquents and degenerates.
How do you know? Do you follow delinquents and degenerates around at night? If you do, what’s YOUR problem?

–from the Night People resource

2 replies on “Common Misconceptions About Night People”

  1. I wish I could be a night person again. I hate having to force myself to go to bed at 11:30 when I’m not even tired, my brain is in 5th gear, and there are so many things I want to do before heading back to work.

    Despite our disagreements about many topics, you’re definitely right about one thing – joining the corporate treadmill means you don’t have the opportunity to do quite all the things you want. Fortunately, it affords you many other opportunities in exchange.

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