The Holiday Struggle Montana Families Know All Too Well

Unfortunately, many families know the sting of seeing a holiday schedule posted and realizing someone they love won’t be home for the whole day.

In my house, it’s not unusual for my husband to get stuck with mandatory shifts on big days like Thanksgiving or Christmas. We might only get a couple of hours together, but we grab those hours and hold them tight. Instead of sitting in the sadness of what we’re missing, we’ve decided to lean into what we still have. And that shift has made all the difference.

Holiday Shifts Are More Common Than You Think

If you’re feeling frustrated that you or your spouse got scheduled on a holiday, you’re far from alone. Business News Daily found that about a third of companies across the country require employees to work on Thanksgiving. That means thousands of families in Montana are juggling the same challenge.

Most Holiday Workers in Montana Do Get Extra Pay

Here’s the part that might take a little of the sting out. PR Newswire reports that a Bloomberg study found 91 percent of companies that schedule holiday work actually give something extra in return. Most offer overtime or even double pay, which can make that missed slice of pumpkin pie feel a little less painful.

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For Some Montana Workers, Holiday Shifts Come With No Extra Pay at All

However, that still leaves 9 percent of companies asking employees to work Thanksgiving or Black Friday without any extra pay or comp time. If you’re in that group, that’s a tough pill to swallow. Holiday shifts are hard enough, but doing it without any kind of bonus is another level. If that’s your reality this year, just know someone sees you and appreciates what you’re carrying. I hope you still find a few quiet moments with the people who matter most.

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A Thank You to Those Keeping Montana Running

Montana doesn’t slow down just because the calendar says holiday. Restaurants still cook. Gas stations stay open. Nurses show up. First responders keep watch. Retail workers handle the chaos. If you’re one of the people spending part of your holiday on the job, thank you.