Just to see what you guys make of this. I am employed in the oil field (if you want to call it employed), since Hurricane Katrina I have had to draw unemployment as the companies I am contracted to were devastated. I didn't draw unemployment for 1 week due to work starting to flow back in, than, along comes Hurricane Rita and everything comes back to a standstill. My job usually slows down signifigantly during the winter months but never like this. I have worked for this company for a little over a year and really like my job. The problem is that I don't know when the work will be steady again, could be tommorrow, next week or next year. I have another job offer that I will have to decide on and schedule an interview by tommorrow before noon, which I will probably take. Out of necessity I just purchased a car for my wife and now have a note, not to mention a baby on the way. I have already spoken with my boss about a 7 and 7 schedule and he told me to do what I had to do. This job offer is not 7 and 7 work it is full time. I am not a fool, and will jump for this other job, as I have a family to support and even if its less money it is more than I am making now sitting at home. I am unsure if I will like this job as well as I like my current one, it is driving a 1 ton truck delivering lumbar. Do you guys think I should try out this new job and if I like it stick with it, or work it till my current employment picks up and come back to this company?

 

First priority- you need to keep a roof over your head and food on the table, so for the short-term it's a no-brainer. Are there any other opportunities in your field a little further afield? I've got a buddy working in the oil industry up in Alaska. A little far away, but a hundred bucks an hour plus benis can ease a lot of pain, ya know?

 

Exactly. Take of yourself and the family, no matter what you have to do.

Whether next year or 10 years from now, we're going to get away from our tremendous dependence on oil. Have you seen the Ford commercials? They're going to have multiple vehicles that run on ethanol or other fuels next year! So, whether it's hurricanes or the country finally waking up to the fact that we're too dependent on oil, that may not be the most stable future for you anyway.

 

WHen you have other people depending on you you have to do what is best for them.

It is the responsibility you took when you grew up and became a man.

Things usually work out in the long run.

Good Luck

Mike

 

IF I was in your situation man, I would take whatever makes me more money. Money isnt everything, but with a kid on the way, I would say it would be in one of your best interests!

 

I already called the woman this morning at 0900 and have to go over there after lunch to sign a form so they can check my driving record. I dont forsee any problems. I was taking this job anyhow. Once I moved out of my parents house I have taken plenty jobs that I hated, but I did them cause it was putting food on my table. I have no problem doing jobs that I hate, not saying that I will hate this one. Just wondering if I should try to go back into the one I am currently in. I have also taken into consideration what jon said and have been thinking about it, but its kinda hard to do something about it when money is rolling in. It has come easier for me though this last couple months sitting on my carcass. I may just go ahead and stick with this one and advance through the company. I have also given a lot of thought to the fact that one hurricane can hurt me like this, than thats a job I dont need. Polarbear, my father in law was telling me about a job in Alaska about a year ago, but he talks a lot of doo doo and I didnt take him seriously, he said something about a job dealing with a pipeline. He said they pay big money and all they need is a warm body. The biggest trouble I would have with moving would be my wife. Thanks for all the advice, you guys have helped me decide whether or not to deal with slow work and no work year after year.

 

Sounds like you made a decision, so no advice here.

just a "God bless"

 

I understand that- my friends wife and daughter live just north of here in Washington, and his schedule is something like 3 weeks on, one week off. Not the greatest, but he's got it pencillled to where he can retire in about 5 years (he's in his early 40's). He seriously bring down $100/hr plus overtime. (do the math on that, why dontcha)

Long distance jobs are getting more common- I have a customer that commutes from Oregon to London (that should get some kind of an award). CEO of a telecom, and wife and kids didn't want to move. I'd like to get some of his airline miles with all the flying the whole family does.

 

Imagine the Frequent flyer points...

I do know a guy that flys to UAE every 4 weeks for a "4 on", "2 off" though...
He is an engineer for, you guessed it... An oil company.
Makes what I think works out to be around US$120k - not bad for a 2nd year graduate.
They pay 75% of his airfare too. (Wonder where the money is going??)

 

Oh hey polarbear, tell your buddy I am interested in the 100 dollar an hour job

 

Look away. He was a lineman for a utility before he changed careers, without a college degree.