If you had asked me this question about 5 years ago, the answer would have been straightforward. Without a doubt, I would have been a night person. These days, though, I would have to disagree.

Why would I have been a night person?

To fully understand why I think I would have been a night person, let’s jump back to my uni years. I grew up in a crowded house. In Australia, it is rather normal for people to stay with their parents while attending university (college). It is the more financially responsible choice, and, for the most part, there aren’t a lot of campus housing options. At least in my experience.

So, this led me to stay with my parents, with too many siblings. Being unable to have my own room or my own space, you can see where it might become difficult to study. Someone was always there, and finding a quiet and peaceful area was nearly impossible. Which is probably what fueled my nighttime tendencies.

Any moment where I wasn’t asked copious questions about what I’m doing or being sucked into a cacophony of endless noise was a dream come true. And you can see where my desire for the moon first took root.

Nothing can beat the pure satisfaction of sitting down and completing an assignment without interruption. And, on more than one occasion, this was the only time I could complete my work.

It is a unique experience to sit down in one spot, say ‘goodnight’ to everyone, and be in the same spot 10 hours later, seeing everyone move in a trance as they get ready for work or school. Being on a different schedule never bothered me; rather, it showed me a different side of myself.

At night, I could think and write without distraction. I could ponder research, edit transcripts and critically analyse works of art. It was a time when the guarded, well-maintained Jenna could sleep, and the artistic version of myself could awaken.

Having a break from an endless stream of people was all I could want and more while I was studying. Over time, nights became my favourite part of the day.

But what happened?

Years later, I would describe myself as a morning person. I now wake up early to get things done, beat the crowds and organise my life.

You may be wondering what caused the change, and the answer is simple… Capitalism.

After moving out and finding my own space, I needed to find a job to help me make ends meet. While there are some jobs available for night-time hours, what works best for my partner and me are morning shifts. Therefore, a change in my personality was needed.

Now I am nearly 30, and staying up all night no longer has the appeal it used to hold for me. Why would I stay up late when I need to be at work for 7 am? These are some of the questions I ask myself when a really good book holds all my attention.

But don’t get me wrong, deep in my heart I know I’m a night girly; however, my schedule no longer allows me the luxury of a late-night rendezvous with pestilential minds.