Tracey I think you have done exactly the right thing. They clearly value you. If it were me personally I would take the 5-12 shift. But I won't have 3 kids. I used to work late shift work, and I got into the habit of sleeping until midday. Now I work 9-5 and I love it and have weekends off, and get to see my husband. I have struggled also with work hours and yucky bosses in the past, but when I found out mine was happy to keep me after maternity leave I felt like Hugging him, (he's not a hugger)

All I can say is good luck, and get on the internet, go to the work cover page and download the PDF on bullying in the workplace. It's an interesting read.

I do think it is unfair if your employer were to keep taking advantage of your generosty and kept calling you in, by the sound of it , the crazy hours you have worked for them the least they could do is give you a raise and pay you back fo all that work

If you are contracted for a certain amount of work, then you should never be expected to do more.

Would they consider letting you work 5.30 till 12.30 instead to give you that little bit more time? or even 6-1 I know it sounds nastier but at least you won't get to work stressed.