Certain jobs in the oil and gas industry require that persons work in rotational shifts of 28 days. That means being on site for 28 days and taking a break for the next 28 days. Offshore drilling jobs are a classic example. This type of work routine has its advantages but also several drawbacks. We look at both.
The Positives
High Compensation – Offshore drilling is high paying work. This is unusual for menial jobs and those that do not require a college degree. Workers will often earn 3 to 4 times as much as their peers in ‘normal’ jobs. It is not uncommon for those who have been in the industry a decade or two to be millionaires.
6 Months Off – There are hardly any jobs where you can be away from work for half the year but still rake in more than $50,000 at entry level. The 6 months of freedom are not only a great way to rejuvenate but also gives you plenty of time to do your own stuff.
Travel – If you are keen on travel, offshore drilling jobs are a godsend. Most workers will not be tasked to the same drilling rig for long. They’ll regularly be moved to a new location. This coupled with the high pay and dozens of weeks off each year means these jobs are up there with those that give you the most opportunity to see the world.
Multicultural Work Environment – Offshore drilling takes place in many locations around the planet. One year you could be working in the North Sea and the next in the Gulf of Guinea. You interact with people from different parts of the world. It’s actually a great opportunity to informally learn a new language.
Cultivate a Hobby, Skill or Business – It’s difficult to build a business while working full time for someone else with only a couple weeks vacation each year. Employers will often want you to not just be available during normal working hours but also overtime. Combined with the demands of family, you have barely anytime left for doing anything else. The 28 day rotation gives you ample time to successfully drive personal projects.
The Negatives
Dirty and Exhausting – Virtually all roles on an offshore drilling rig are physically demanding. Despite the 28 day breaks, fatigue does set in. Few jobs can boast of giving as much literal meaning to the phrase “getting your hands dirty” as those of offshore drillers. You are bound to be covered in grease or mud at some point on any given day.
Away From Family – Many energy jobs are often hundreds of miles offshore or deep in the jungle. Workers have to be away from their families for weeks at a time. Those who are parents inevitably miss some crucial moments in their child’s life such as a birthday, graduation or the holiday season. The feelings of guilt can be overwhelming.
Low Bar for Entry – The absence of rigorous education requirements makes it difficult for offshore drilling workers to be employed outside the energy industry. A senior accountant working in the energy industry can get a job in retail or manufacturing at nearly similar pay. However, a supervisor on a drilling rig with no tertiary qualifications will struggle to find a similar paying job outside the drilling industry.
Poor Diet – The menu on an offshore drilling rig will vary depending on location and organization. Workers are usually at liberty to eat as much as they want between 5 and 6 times a day. Whereas healthy options will often be available, the easy access to foods that may lead to poor health is a real risk.
Risky Work Environment – A rig consists of many moving parts. A worker can easily be killed if they are in the wrong place at the wrong time. Another hazard are the highly flammable hydrocarbons. An explosion can be catastrophic leading to death or permanent injury. Disaster is always looming.
Decision?
Offshore drilling jobs are not for everyone. While they pay pretty well, that will not be everyone’s primary consideration. Overall, you have to evaluate your circumstances and priorities then compare them with the pros and cons of working in this industry. Only then can you make a decision you will not regret.
Your article lacks articulation for “The Negatives”;
I agree with the basics you have outlined in most all other areas, however, have taken offense to the “low bar for entry” comments . I believe most all of the O&G companies would have a few comments for you as well. I personally have educated myself far far beyond the basic requirements at much time and expense that I have rarely seen in may other personnel that have the means but do not have the ambition to excell nor move forward/up in their career. This characteristic is per individual and not at the sole discretion of the oil gas companies, rather when broken down into the various support groups that provide services for the oil gas energy sector these companies will trade education requirements for short-cut cost cutting.
Your comments are VERY misleading to the “John Q Public” sector that knows nothing about the oil gas energy world.
College degrees are required for most positions. Education and training is of utmost priority especially for safety critical positions.
Competency has never been on the leading edge within the O&G industry personnel selection as it is today.
It seems you may have a chip on your shoulder for those of us that are over-achievers and manage our time and money to further our continued education and as such excel farther than many others within the industry.
I have been an oil company client representative, [contractor not staff] for over 20 years and have found all my colleagues to be overly educated as well.
I have found the drilling company contractors to have poorly educated employees and willing to let them skirt their way through the minimal training and only doing what is required but no further. Again, if a person wants to excel, stand-out and better their career they will take the initiative themselves and not rely upon the company to provide training for every aspect of their career aspirations.
This contractor mentality towards minimalist education requirements taken further BY THE INDIVIDUAL transgresses ALL areas domestic USA, intentional, offshore, land assignments. There are no “offshore” boundaries as you suggest in your article. You specifically targeted your derogatory statement to “offshore” workers. The same applies to ALL locations, land, offshore, in-out of the oil and gas “energy’ sector, into manufacturing, retail, hospitality and education industries, not just “offshore’ as you narrow-mindlessly suggest.
My summation you are part of this contractor” workforce and that you have been either rejected from the offshore positions due to your lack of education and training. I speculate this assumption would likely be correct seeing the specificity you have provided to your readers with such an incorrect and contrasting statement that the 28/28 rotational offshore oil and gas industry is largely a group of poorly educated workers.
Hi Jim,
I completely agree with all of your points. A while ago, we made a decision to publish articles from guest authors, and also went through a trial period of hiring writers in order to publish more content on the site.
The quality of posts that get submitted vary tremendously. Some are excellent and get published with enthusiasm. Others are terrible and get rejected. Then there are the mediocre ones that might require some editing and fact checking before publishing. It’s a tricky balance, and there are certainly some legacy posts that don’t reflect the present and future for drillers.com.
This article was written by a paid writer, that wrote from a personal perspective. It looks like one of those in the ‘grey area’ that I mentioned.
Thank you so much for taking the time to add a comment that creates a better balance of the reality in the industry. I’m sure that the original writer didn’t intend to cause offense or create a biased impression.
All future readers of this post will see a better informed overview of the topic with your additional comment!
Hi Mr. Jim & Mr. Jason,
Just wanted to check if a rig employee can be offshore straight for 6 months
Hi Yaying, It’s bound to be physically possible, but I doubt that any worker would agree to that. Companies also have to follow legal guidelines for health and safety.
I met a supervisor from a rig in the gulf and he oversees many men. He has asked me to request for him an early vacation so we can see each other. His contract us not up until November. Hes been there since the middle of June. But when you request for someone it costs money and he told me its refundable. I asked him if he could do it. He told me his late wife did that for me. Is that true or is it a scam or can he pay ot himself and leave early?
It looks like you’re saying that you met a potential romantic partner and he told you that if you want to see him soon, it needs to be you to negotiate with his employer, not him? Then you’ll be required to pay money, not him? I can’t say if any of this is true, but you could always get a copy of his employment contract and get a lawyer to look at it. Better still, wait until November.
Do you mind telling me who this person is? I think I am taking to the same person!
Lourdes and Erin,
I had the same experience with a drilling engineer in Dublin. He said his late wife got him his vacation years ago. His name is Richard. He says he has a son and lives in the East of USA. Also when he gets to States he will repay me and get me anything I want because he has money in his account in U.S. and no one he can call in U.S. to help him to pay the 3,800.00 to get to the States. so does this sound like the same one????
Did this person send you any pictures of himself..
This is a scam. cut all contact.
I met the same guy
Are their oil rig on land in Africa?.Do directors stay for the full 3 months or maybe longer?.How do you find out if the director is located in the country he says he is?
Hi Mary, That’s an unusual set of questions but I’ll answer. There are masses of land rigs there, the famous oil countries of Nigeria and Libya are in Africa.
A company director is a job title, an employee who may or may not have ownership. Length of stay will depend on the details of their contract, just like any other employee. They could live there permanently, work 28/28, or never even visit the country but work from a head office in a different country. If you want to find out if someone is telling you lies, that’s probably more of a question for a private investigator or polygraph expert 🙂
I met a romantic partner who states he works for an offshore company in Texas. He works 4 weeks on and 4 weeks off. He was due to leave on November 2 but is still there because the chopper company wants 600. Cash to take him to the San Antonio airport. They will not take a debit card. He wants me to wire 600. To a woman in Michigan to pay for the chopper and he will give it back to me. Everywhere I have read the chopper is paid by the company. Is this true?
Come on – how obvious do you want it to be that you are being scammed?!
‘I met a Nigerian prince online that says I won the lottery but I need to wire (WIRE?!?!) him $700 first – is this real? am I a Billionaire?!’
Of course this isn’t true!
RUN honey!
He is a scammer wanting your $$
Sorry Ladies,
Someone is having a good laugh and hoping it will be at your expense. The Moderator seems reluctant to come out and say it directly so I’ll say it for him, with 40 years of offshore experience, you are all being conned.
I dont know if it would be a better story if you were all victims of the same guy or you’ve each been unlucky enough to meet your own duplicitious parasite. Don’t hand over a cent and steer clear of these people…
Hi guys,
Your comments are helpful to me. An O&G in London is hiring me for the post of trading manager with schedule of work 28 on/off. This position also requires for 28 days on rigs? Just thinking that working rotation is for drilling workers or engineers?
Congratulations on the new job Hai! The schedule of 28/28 can be onshore or offshore, although it’s far more common offshore. Many roles can do this rotation, the scheduling will be decided based on maximising the efficiency and safety in each local environment.
I’ll be attending a welding/pipe fitters course in Jacksonville, Florida come summertime. I’m 40 years old and I’m looking forward to finally getting the opportunity to learn a trade and work hard. I wouldn’t have it any other way. My question is, how long would it take for me to be qualified to work overseas again?? I was a contractor for KBR after leaving the Army and I love to travel. Also, what are my chances of working in Nigeria?? I love danger. I appreciate the feedback. Thanks.
Hi Courtney, I don’t know about how long it’ll take you to qualify as a welder, but if your main goal is to work overseas and find danger, you could do that tomorrow! The vast majority of people in all industries rarely venture out of their home town or city, except to go on vacation. Anyone willing to relocate should have no problem finding work, that goes double for those prepared to work in higher-risk environments.
Hi Jason, I’m retired military and aged 53. In pretty good shape. If I want to give this a shot am I restricted by age? And I am assuming that there are a variety of jobs on an oil rig… from the physical demand to the admin type?
Just try to get more of an understanding. Obviously at my age with decent pay wage can get me further quicker with life plans. Thanks for your knowledge!
Hi BB, Different counties have visa limitations based on age, although at 53 that shouldn’t be a problem. A lack of experience will go against you, just like it would for anyone. In your situation, the best thing to do would be to monitor job adverts and see what they’re asking for. Employers are usually very clear about minimum requirements, and you can start to see what’s available to you. Also, just like in any industry, remember that you’re up against the other candidates, which is just as important as your own set of skills and experience.
That is a good point that if you like to travel, then it would be good to do offshore drilling. Maybe sometime soon it would be good to go to a rigging company. Then I would be able to travel and work on the rig.
How do you calculate short hitch hourly rates
I found it interesting when you said that offshore drilling is high paying work. My cousin is looking for a job since he got laid off. He has enough experience to work on construction so it might be a good idea to tell him to look for an offshore drilling company.
Something I ran into – was on a dating site and not one but 2 guys were working on offshore rigs – one off Hong Kong other wouldn’t give location – both are having to purchase equipment to complete there assignment but can’t because the are offshore and bank is giving an error code because of this – asking you to do transfer for them
If this was really happening wouldn’t they be able to arrange for a helicopter to take them to land and bring them back – would have to pay for it themselves – be costly – but allow them to move forward
Asking as I think this is a scam – saw that other woman came to this site and want to get the word out to prevent others from being harmed
So, you’re wondering if this scenario sounds likely: An offshore oil rig worker doesn’t have the equipment to do their job. The company can’t or won’t help them, even though without necessary equipment the rig is likely to become unsafe or non-productive. They don’t have any friends or family to ask help from… So they go on a dating site to ask strangers? Please confirm that you’re not sure if this sounds plausible?
I believe I have also met this guy. I have been talking to him almost three years, and sent thousands of dollars to him to get him here. He was very convincing! We made all kinds of plans for our future together….but I finally woke up! Now that I am broke. Yes, I have several pictures. Of course, the affair remained online. He still wants more money, but I’m through !!
Can you send me a picture of this guy?
I can send you a picture
Not sure how to without gng public
But his initials are KP
Hi
I also met a man who said he was on an Oil Rig in Texas. He sent me pictures of himself and daughter and supposedly the daughter would email me sometimes. She said she didnt have a cell phone so we can talk so there was no guarantee she was really the one emailing me. He used hangout from gmail to communicate and wanted me to help him out so he can come marry me since i was the love of his life – so he said. I told him i didnt have that kind of money and he was very upset – he said he would pay me back once he was onshore and he can access bank accounts – he sent me pictures of expenssive cars he had for him and his wife who had passed away from cancer – all within 3 weeks of just chatting. He stopped talking to me bcus i questioned this and tried making me feel like i failed him and his “daughter”z. Can they really not access bank accounts? He told me his term was up in 10/2021 which is over a year – i believed it añl up until he wanted me to get money to pay – when i told him i could only pay $1,000 he wanted me to get more.
He said i had to pay the salary of the person that was gng to cover for him while he was out, is that true???
How much do they really need to get off ?
I also met a man on instagram – told me to move our connection to hangouts since that was his private account.
He was super charming and for 2 weeks made me believe he wanted to desperately come and me to California – he was offshore in Texas and his contract would end October 2021.
He sent me pictures of his daughter and late wife and told me he would take care of me when he was back. He also has his “daughter” emailing me but said she didnt have a cell phone so we can actually talk. Nowadays even toddlers have access to cell phones. Anyway he started to get this idea that we needed to get married since i was “the one” and he wanted me to write an email to his company – and he told me i would need money to pay the salary of the person that would cover for him while he was with me. I only had $1,000 and he asked me to get more – once I told him I felt uncomfortable with the way it was gng he was really upset – called me all sorts of names and made me feel like I destroyed him and his daughter.
He pretty much told me if he wanted a rich woman he could get her. Dont know what that meant but its sad that a proffesion like this one is being used by con artist – This was the first time i met someone online – and believe me that its my last
Good luck everyone
Did you ever talk to him by phone?
The man i met would send me a man’s picture of white guy but when we spoke on phone he had a strong middle eastern accent -i was like WHOA – this ends NOW!
He still had the nerve to call me fake – i blocked him everywhere instagram, gmail, hangouts
He got my address and name and who I bank with not sure how to secure myself from him and his scam but anything i get moving forward I am saving and sending to FBI
Yay you! Send to FBI!
These jerks are all alike!
Don’t give them ANY $.
Julie
This sounds like a guy that just ask me to send him$100000.00 for repairs on the rig. We were talking for about 2 months before he started asking me for money. I sent him around $9000.00 so far. I am cutting off all contact with him!
It sounded like the same man i had meet on facebook chatting on hangout. he’s requesting for my Social Security Number, my Mother’s Maiden name, My income and my credit report. According to him he needed it to get some part of his money from his contract so he could send me some money to pay my bills. I told him, sounded like I am applying for a loan or a credit card for the information hes is asking. He said that is protocol. I told him my personal information is just that personal and for my security I don’t give out to anyone. I called him a scammer and he got mad. His initial SM. He sent me his picture with his daughter but since had taken it off.
the title of this article should be “Have you ever been scammed by someone who works in Oil Rig?” lol
Hi Gelin, I’m fairly sure that the source of this problem has absolutely nothing to do with people working on oil rigs. They’d be too busy, wouldn’t need the money, and their company is responsible for helping them. It’s like the old adage “no-one on the internet knows you’re a dog”.
Wow……the stupidity of women on here is mind boggling……OBVIOUSLY you’re being scammed. Anyone with half a brain would know an oil company would provide workers with whatever they need pertaining to the job. Yes, while out on the rig (if offshore), you have limited access to your funds, and there’s reasons for this, and they make regular transports to shore for supplies, etc., so someone saying they need $600 for a chopper ride to shore is full of it. All I gotta say is if you were stupid enough to fall for an obvious scam, you got what you deserve
Roland,
You didn’t have to be so damn cruel about it. MEN make mistakes too buddy.
Anyone hiring out there?
Thanks for sharing that some oil jobs have rotating shifts of 28 days. That is a lot of time working. But I bet the pay is really good.
Thanks for the heads up. Left to me, i automatically become suspicious as soon as i realise the person i’m talking to is quite a distance away from me. After my experience where fintrack/org assisted in retrieving the money i sent to someone i met on OLD that claimed to work on an oil rig, i came to understand what many people already know, and that is never to send money to anyone you meet online, regardless of their promise to pay it back.
This is so sad. Ive come to realize that the man I thought was SO different from everyone else, really wasnt after all. Met on a Christian dating site, of all places. “Independent Contractor” on a rig. Had already been on there for while when we “met” (started texting, talking) Wasnt willing to let himself go emotionally, until he Skyped with me. Fine, Im all for transparency. We looked as we shouldve to each other, & things took off from there. GHe sometimes would “sneak calls” from a certain, off-limits location where wifi was boosted. Who knows? Had his daughter start emailing me. This had all the ingedients for a love affair; talked about this being his last contract, wanted to get married, have a mother for his daughter, spend the rest of our lives as a family etc. Schemed for himself to get off the rig for an emergency, after they extended his contract. He had me write a request to a select email/dept that deals just with vacation & emergency leaves. After sending them my information & connection to my BF – now they come up with “vacation plans”> WHAT? Not surer what the money is supposed to be earmarked for, but it was $3,880 for 4 weeks; $2,560 for 2 weeks & $1350 for 1 week. Who PAYS to take a vacation? Money was also promised to be refunded to the BF at the end of his vacation from the company. Obviously this is a scam. I am devastated. Didnt send the money, but why why why???
My fiancé worked on an oil rig in Alaska then they were asked to go work in Norway. My fiancé’s contract is up on July 5 2023 but there was an explosion he said. He told me the company is covering it up and doesn’t want anyone to know. We were supposed to be getting married on July 29th now he is saying there was a meeting and the company is stating he has to stay on and work until Christmas this year 2023 because there were 2 workers that were killed. I have had to buy him cards for his phone which I’m not doing anymore. I have told him he and his company are putting themselves ahead of his family. He was hurt in the accident. I only said the extensive wrapping up his chest and leg and the crutches. I’m not so sure I believe him anymore besides what I have told you above he has to pay for his own ticket home to the states and I feel like making him work that long without a break is stupid and unethical especially as he says they are trying to cover things up.