Many remote customer service jobs follow their customers' time zone. From Egypt, that can mean a normal day for European companies or a night shift for American ones. Here's how the hours line up and how people make it work.
How the time zones line up
Egypt is on Eastern European Time (UTC+2), and moves to UTC+3 when it observes summer daylight saving time. Daylight saving dates in Egypt, Europe and the US don't all change on the same day, so double-check your shift times around March, April, October and November.
- UK and Western Europe: usually 1 to 2 hours behind Egypt. A 9:00 to 17:00 London shift is roughly 10:00 or 11:00 to 18:00 or 19:00 in Cairo. Very comfortable.
- US East Coast (New York): usually 6 to 7 hours behind. A 9:00 to 17:00 New York shift is roughly 16:00 to midnight, or 15:00 to 23:00, in Cairo. An evening shift, not a night shift.
- US West Coast (California): usually 9 to 10 hours behind. A 9:00 to 17:00 shift becomes roughly 19:00 to 03:00 in Cairo. A true night shift.
Always confirm which time zone a posting's hours are in. "9 to 5 EST" and "9 to 5 your time" are very different jobs.
Why US-hours roles can be worth it
- Fewer local applicants want evening and night shifts, so competition can be lower.
- Some roles pay a premium for overnight hours.
- Your days are free for study, family or a second project.
Making night shifts sustainable
- Keep the same sleep schedule every day, including days off, as much as you can. Constantly switching is what wears people down.
- Make your bedroom dark and quiet for daytime sleep: blackout curtains, an eye mask, earplugs.
- Plan meals so you're not eating heavy food right before sleeping.
- Get daylight when you wake up, and avoid bright screens for the hour before bed.
- Tell your household your hours so they can protect your sleep time.
Be reliable when it matters
Being on time for every shift is the fastest way to earn trust (and raises) on a remote team.
- Set two alarms and log in 5 to 10 minutes early.
- Have a backup internet connection and a charged power bank or UPS for your router. Power cuts happen; being prepared is what employers notice.
- Know who to message if something goes wrong, and tell them immediately.
Find the right hours for you
Roles on Remote show their shift where the employer gives one. Browse remote jobs open to Egypt or voice support roles, which follow customer hours most closely.