Original Message

Shift change at 6 means leaving events very early or getting home once they're almost over.  Shift change at 8 means getting to actually see events before work during night shifts.  

I have done 6, 7, and 8.  8 was the best.  

as far as beating traffic, that will all depend on exactly where you live and work.  At my first base, 8 was perfect for avoiding traffic.  At my current base, 7 is best and 8 would be a nightmare