My husband had a work shift that was 2 12 hr days, then 2 12 hour nights. For years!! Luckily, I met him 2 years before he retired, and it wasn't so hard on us. We retired, married, and moved here in the same 3 month period. I LOVE it!!! We can go camping when we want, do what we want, eat what/when we want.........or do NOTHING! I had a stressful job, too, and I agree, stress DOES damage you!