You can also get a pink one from mark's work warehouse if you're feeling adventurous.

Awesome post guys! Loved your fully detailed post Irishman! Tons of great tips you've provided! 5k every 2 weeks is awesome and this is in the beginning! just wow! I'm stocked and can't wait to be there!

Scotian,
Are you going to be in E town this weekend? would be awesome to meet you too there on saturday night along with Irishman. Btw, love your posts about what to bring as that's very timely since i'm in the process of packing right now. In terms of warm jacket, working boots, would you suggest I buy them in Toronto before flying or once I'm in Edmonton?

DD,
Awesome to see your updates as well. Are you going to be in town on saturday night? If yes, join us for some drinks man!

My only questions left are:

Do you get an on suite bathroom in your room in the camp? Can you get a private room, I hate living with other people.

My experience on my 2nd rotation:

I'm working out of province.

The job is not a camp job, all accommodations are arranged by us (the workers). They give us a living allowance which is more than enough, and if wise choices are made, it can easily push my salary over $100,000. It's tax free.

When I first arrived I was living in a motel, but it ran quite expensive, I was still making money off the LOA, but having to eat out every day eventually got tedious. There is only so much Subway and Tim Hortons a man can stomach.

Met a good guy out here who I can relate to who is also a green hand like myself (term used for newbies with little experience in an industrial environment). If you're a big city dude, most of the cats up here are country boys may be culturally alien to your experiences. Beer bellies, dirt bikes, and stories that begin with "I was so drunk once...", and so on. Nothing wrong with the lifestyle, but it is alien and if you've grown up in a big city or travelled the world you won't have much to discuss other than women and sports at the beginning.

Me and my buddy ended up renting a little place by a beach/lake, with kitchen, 2 bedrooms, and a large bushy yard.

It's about an 40 minutes drive to the site, so waking up at 5 am is an unfortunate reality.

If you've worked in an office before. Forget everything about the way things are done. There is no weekly perfomance meetings, no HR to keep idiots at bay, and you'll need to move fast, all the time. I'm still working on this.

So far I'm still working on learning this new environment. Waking up at 5 is heavy if you're used to 8 solid hours of sleep. Many of my colleages drink after work till late, go out to bars, or visit adjecent towns to party. Sometimes the safety meeting in the morning smells like a brewery. I avoid all of that and try to get a good night sleep. If you're willing to go out to bars, you can get laid here and will get your pussy fix.

Since I'm early birding, I'm on a dry spell, in addition to involuntarily joining the Roosh Forum non-fap challenge (no time to beat off when you're working such long hours).

Finally, my body, and lower back are aching like fuck, first physical job in my life, and it shows. But as time passes, muscles in new places are strengthened and it becomes progressively easier. Be prepared to ache.

Watching your bank account grow is fucking amazing and is a major motivating factor.

I'll keep throwing updated posts.

Now I have 7 days to Edmonton to snatch a lizard or two.

(10-04-2012 11:24 PM)Vacancier Permanent Wrote:  Awesome post guys! Loved your fully detailed post Irishman! Tons of great tips you've provided! 5k every 2 weeks is awesome and this is in the beginning! just wow! I'm stocked and can't wait to be there!

Scotian,
Are you going to be in E town this weekend? would be awesome to meet you too there on saturday night along with Irishman. Btw, love your posts about what to bring as that's very timely since i'm in the process of packing right now. In terms of warm jacket, working boots, would you suggest I buy them in Toronto before flying or once I'm in Edmonton?

DD,
Awesome to see your updates as well. Are you going to be in town on saturday night? If yes, join us for some drinks man!

Yup, definitely let's down a few at the local bar this saturday.

Scotian, Irishman, DjembaDjemba

Fucking great!

bags are packed and my flight is booked for next Tuesday.

Im landing in Calgary and setting up shop there at first. I've been networking and im told that the trade i want, you have to be at least indentured (registered apprentice) to be allowed in the sands.

All good. I can live without - 45C weather for now.

Plus, my best buddy is already in Calgary and i go there at least once a year to visit. I know his friends and have a network to start at. Plus, hes a natural having slayed over 100 birds before he was 23. It'll begood to hunt with him now that i know a few things. And learn off him.

So my experience will be different, but i will eventually end up in the sands. Make no mistake. I want that money

Be well

Awesome Zeus! Keep us updated on how it goes in Calgary. All th best man. It's amazing to see more and more guys from here realizing the incredible opportunity in Alberta and seizing it. What are the rest of you guys waiting for?

Been swamped and haven't checked in for a while.

Glad to see a few others taking the plunge and it really seems to be working out well for them. I can guarantee that, if you work hard, you'll be noticed and move up fast. My company hired a guy less than 2 months ago as a green laborer--we gave him a raise already and are sponsoring his apprenticeship now. We do this for guys who seem loyal and those who seem to shine.

Also, I've seen a lot of posts suggesting that the trades are better than going to university.....I just want to bring a little light to that...here are the facts as I see them. Please don't take this as bragging--I simply don't want guys thinking university is a waste.

Guys twice my age make half my wage--albeit a good wage for them nonetheless. While other guys are begging for overtime, I work as much as it takes to stay ahead and do a great job and then I go home. I basically make my own hours. I can decide to be outside when Its comfortable for me (rarely when it's 40 below) while other guys are shivering. I drive a pickup where others ride the bus to site--I stay in an executive camp while others complain about their neighbors and shower fungus. Im MUCH less likely to be severely injured on the job and my job won't ruin my body by the age of 50. My career ceiling is much higher--MOST of our clients, competition and suppliers are run by engineers. Every one of the executive managers for my company has an engineering background. My position is about where a construction professional WITHOUT an engineering degree will likely cap out their career. And I'm under 30.

This isn't the case everywhere--but much of Alberta is DESPERATE for engineers.

University isn't for everyone.. You can make fantastic coin here without it. But an engineering degree makes a huge difference here--at least in the oilfield construction industry.

I've had the opportunity of seeing the production/drilling side of the business as well and I can't recommend it. Sure, the coin is unbelievable as a rig consultant ($1500+/day) but it takes t least a decade of experience to get to that level..ive seen one guy who was younger but his brother, the petroleum engineer in charge of the drilling program, hired him. you'll make crazy cash even getting there--but the lifestyle isn't worth it. As a consultant, you're a contractor who will live on the Wellsite for months without break. As a contractor, labour laws don't apply and you can be forced to work 60 day stints. I've yet to meet one consultant, rig manager, or even driller than hasn't been sucked into spending a huge chunk of their money on booze, drugs, disgusting bush-hookers, and divorces. One of the drillers I met was close to 50--and paid 3 women alimony and two kids child support. He created a world where, although he pulled down 180k a year, he was always broke and rented a one bedroom condo in red deer when he wasn't working.

Petroleum engineers visit the drilling programs to see how the rigs are progressing-- but they are usually in the bush no more than 2 days. They also pull down 200k+.

It's late and I'm tired so I hope this post doesn't come across as condescending--I really just don't want guys considering university to give up the greatest 4 year experience of their life to make what seems like, right now, some crazy amount of money.

Hey guys.

Hey Ecksie, awesome post man. I wanted to ask you a question. I told a good friend of mine about job situation in Alberta. He's going to university for engineering and has finished his first year and now he's working as a security guard full time in Toronto making $10/hr to save up money for the next year. He had a very bad experience with student loan funding where twice they took up to two months to issue him funding and he had to borrow money from friends and credit cards to pay for rent and food. He decided to take a year off, work full time and then head back to school.

Now my question is: Are there companies that will hire him as a junior engineer or something because he has finished the first year? If so, would it be better for him to move to Alberta and apply in person or just email resumes?

He'll have to wait till the first of November to sign up so he asked me to ask around on this forum. If I can help him land a job I'm pretty sure he'll help me out in the long term too lol .


My update so far:

I moved to Regina, Saskatchewan from Toronto, Ontario. The plan was to go to Alberta but it turned out I knew somebody who had been living in Regina for a while already.

Given that I had $900 on me, I decided to come to Regina and find work here and then move to Alberta. After $300 spent on the plane ticket you're not left with much. Living in Regina is saving me rent money. I was told not to worry about rent until I land a full time job.

I have applied to a few places but haven't heard back. I've been here for a week and I'm taking it one step at a time. I don't have access to a car right now so I am totally reliant on public transit which likes to take its time. I also don't really have a skill. I wasted enough time working retail and other lousy dead end jobs. So I'm not rushing into things and weighing my options because I want to learn a real skill.

I met a lot of dudes at the H2S Alive class and they all told me that Estevan, Saskatchewan has a lot of work also. Somewhat similar situation as Alberta. Literally companies begging people to go work for them but most of them are non-camp jobs. Still I met a more people who told me to head to Alberta once I have some funds.

Anyway, I have seen A LOT more jobs advertized here in Regina, Saskatchewan in less than one week than I had seen in Toronto in last 2 years.

If you can, make the move guys. Come out west.

(10-05-2012 11:38 PM)Ecksie Wrote:  Been swamped and haven't checked in for a while.

Glad to see a few others taking the plunge and it really seems to be working out well for them. I can guarantee that, if you work hard, you'll be noticed and move up fast. My company hired a guy less than 2 months ago as a green laborer--we gave him a raise already and are sponsoring his apprenticeship now. We do this for guys who seem loyal and those who seem to shine.

Also, I've seen a lot of posts suggesting that the trades are better than going to university.....I just want to bring a little light to that...here are the facts as I see them. Please don't take this as bragging--I simply don't want guys thinking university is a waste.

Guys twice my age make half my wage--albeit a good wage for them nonetheless. While other guys are begging for overtime, I work as much as it takes to stay ahead and do a great job and then I go home. I basically make my own hours. I can decide to be outside when Its comfortable for me (rarely when it's 40 below) while other guys are shivering. I drive a pickup where others ride the bus to site--I stay in an executive camp while others complain about their neighbors and shower fungus. Im MUCH less likely to be severely injured on the job and my job won't ruin my body by the age of 50. My career ceiling is much higher--MOST of our clients, competition and suppliers are run by engineers. Every one of the executive managers for my company has an engineering background. My position is about where a construction professional WITHOUT an engineering degree will likely cap out their career. And I'm under 30.

This isn't the case everywhere--but much of Alberta is DESPERATE for engineers.

University isn't for everyone.. You can make fantastic coin here without it. But an engineering degree makes a huge difference here--at least in the oilfield construction industry.

I've had the opportunity of seeing the production/drilling side of the business as well and I can't recommend it. Sure, the coin is unbelievable as a rig consultant ($1500+/day) but it takes t least a decade of experience to get to that level..ive seen one guy who was younger but his brother, the petroleum engineer in charge of the drilling program, hired him. you'll make crazy cash even getting there--but the lifestyle isn't worth it. As a consultant, you're a contractor who will live on the Wellsite for months without break. As a contractor, labour laws don't apply and you can be forced to work 60 day stints. I've yet to meet one consultant, rig manager, or even driller than hasn't been sucked into spending a huge chunk of their money on booze, drugs, disgusting bush-hookers, and divorces. One of the drillers I met was close to 50--and paid 3 women alimony and two kids child support. He created a world where, although he pulled down 180k a year, he was always broke and rented a one bedroom condo in red deer when he wasn't working.

Petroleum engineers visit the drilling programs to see how the rigs are progressing-- but they are usually in the bush no more than 2 days. They also pull down 200k+.

It's late and I'm tired so I hope this post doesn't come across as condescending--I really just don't want guys considering university to give up the greatest 4 year experience of their life to make what seems like, right now, some crazy amount of money.

Interesting take, glad to see a lot of differing opinons on the subject.

What you would recommend for someone who would be switching careers (non-oil/gas related)? Your advice for getting a degree seems to be aimed towards the younger cats, what about those of us who are several years post-grad (with a worthless B.A degree) and looking to make the swtich to the oil/gas industry, head back to school or dive in? I'd like to hear some opinions from some of the more experienced members as well.

23 Billion,

I had a dozen or so friends my first year of university that wanted to do exactly what your friend wants to do. Only 1 of them made it back into school--although it was 2 years later. The problem is he has been in university for 6 years since he "restarted" and hasn't finished yet. The problem, as I see it, is that most people spend money once they start making money. He took a year off to "save" and by the end of the first year, he had a new truck payment, MORE credit card debt and lots of other toys keeping him from quitting his job. Every time I see him, he tells me that he wishes he would have just stuck it out the first time he was in school.

If your friend is dedicated, he can work while in school. But university HAS to come first over any job he may get. I worked part time with a construction company and as a research assistant during college making no more than $10/hr at any given time. I landed a sweet job as a club bartender that allowed me to meet a lot of great people and even paid close to $20/hr after tips. It was an awesome job but I quit after a few weeks because I was sleeping through my 8am classes. I say, if he's truly dedicated to university, rack up those loans and pay them off after university when he's making $30+/hr as opposed to trying to 'save' right now at $10/hr.

Having said that, if he's not REALLY sold on university, there's nothing wrong with moving out here and finding a trade. It's a fantastic opportunity and I'm really glad it's working out for so many. But don't believe that a university degree in engineering isn't valuable.

The bad news, in your buddies case, is that a single year doesn't usually mean much. The reality is that the first year of engineering serves to weed out most of those who won't make it so the 3rd and 4th year failure rate is very low. He could certainly move here and pick up a job--but his one year won't help him. If any way possible, tell him to stick it out for a second year and then, next february when all the companies here begin searching for their summer students, apply and work as much as he can. He would likely make as much in 3 months as an intern in Fort McMurray as he would all year at $10/hr. The best part of it is that, after he graduates, he will have a lot more opportunities due to his internships.

Another thing is this--if oil dips again, engineers are usually some of the last to be laid off.

(10-06-2012 01:14 AM)Pacesetter20 Wrote:  What you would recommend for someone who would be switching careers (non-oil/gas related)? Your advice for getting a degree seems to be aimed towards the younger cats, what about those of us who are several years post-grad (with a worthless B.A degree) and looking to make the swtich to the oil/gas industry, head back to school or dive in? I'd like to hear some opinions from some of the more experienced members as well.

Pace, if you're dedicated to a career change, an engineering degree is the way to go. You'll notice I havent said any university degree throughout this thread because, unfortunately, many who rack up massive student loan debt for a B.A. are not really any better off for it. Maybe a PhD would help?

If you're just looking for a job & lifestyle change, Alberta is flush with opportunity.

(10-04-2012 11:24 PM)Vacancier Permanent Wrote:  Awesome post guys! Loved your fully detailed post Irishman! Tons of great tips you've provided! 5k every 2 weeks is awesome and this is in the beginning! just wow! I'm stocked and can't wait to be there!

Scotian,
Are you going to be in E town this weekend? would be awesome to meet you too there on saturday night along with Irishman. Btw, love your posts about what to bring as that's very timely since i'm in the process of packing right now. In terms of warm jacket, working boots, would you suggest I buy them in Toronto before flying or once I'm in Edmonton?

DD,
Awesome to see your updates as well. Are you going to be in town on saturday night? If yes, join us for some drinks man!

I'm supposed to be finished by Thursday but I know my company will ask me to stay the weekend because one of my coworkers was fired the other day because he got a DUI in a company truck (and spent the night in jail, his 2nd DUI in 3 years!). I'll let you know when I'm headed back to Etown.

(10-05-2012 09:09 AM)BadWolf Wrote:  My only questions left are:

Do you get an on suite bathroom in your room in the camp? Can you get a private room, I hate living with other people.

Some do, most don't. In the three years that I've been staying in camps I only had my own bathroom once, sometimes you'll get a "Jack and Jill" bathroom where you share with one other guy, those aren't too bad.

I'm currently staying at a camp where my wing has 3 full bathrooms (stand-up shower, sink, shitter) and another bathroom with 4 showers, 4 urinals and 4 sinks, 39 other men use these facilities. Some days when I go to shower in the morning, there's fucking boogers and phlegm all over the shower from guy's blasting snot rockets and hacking up their lungs while in the shower, fucking disgusting! That's why I wear sandals and blast the shit out of the shower with clorox spray then run the hot water before I get in it.

(10-05-2012 01:41 PM)Zeus Wrote:  Scotian, Irishman, DjembaDjemba

Fucking great!

bags are packed and my flight is booked for next Tuesday.

Im landing in Calgary and setting up shop there at first. I've been networking and im told that the trade i want, you have to be at least indentured (registered apprentice) to be allowed in the sands.

All good. I can live without - 45C weather for now.

Plus, my best buddy is already in Calgary and i go there at least once a year to visit. I know his friends and have a network to start at. Plus, hes a natural having slayed over 100 birds before he was 23. It'll begood to hunt with him now that i know a few things. And learn off him.

So my experience will be different, but i will eventually end up in the sands. Make no mistake. I want that money

Be well

Good to hear Zeus, but don't worry it gets really cold in Calgary too, just hope that there will be some Chinooks this winter (warm air passing over the mountains that raises the temps during the winter months).

You're doing the exact same thing I did when I decided to take a trade, I mvoed in with a buddy in Calgary and went to SAIT and actually had a decent life there, Calgary is BY FAR the best city to live in Alberta. I then lived in Etown for a couple of years, in total, I spent three years living in down south before I ever ended up in the oil sands.

Ecksie, once again great posts and thanks for your continued contributions to this thread, I'm glad to have someone from the engineering side on here to balance out the riff raff trades side that I represent.

Guys if I could do it over I definitely would have done an undergrad degree in engineering, instead I took the easy route and did a BA which did nothing for me, at least I had the sense to go to trade school the year after I graduated and didn't have too much in student loans to worry about.

Ecksie, what are your thoughts on the two-engineering programs at schools such as NAIT and SAIT which lead to the CET (Certified Engineering Technologist) designation?

I know that SAIT offers two such diplomas in mechanical engineering and welding engineering, both have online options for the first year. I'm seriously considering doing one of these in the next few years, if it'll help take my career to the next level, and one year at school isn't too bad. Another good thing about these diplomas is that you have the option to go back to a proper university for another two year and get the full engineering degree.

So the time has come, I'm flying later today to Edmonton. I'm stocked yet anxious at the same time. I can't wait to get going, find a good gig and start banking like the rest of you guys in AB. Looking forward to a new and enriching chapter of my life about to start tonight.

Glad to see talks about engineering options. I also saw a 2 year Petroleum Engineering programme at NAIT and SAIT and i'm curious about that. Is that a good programme to take or is it not really worth it? Thoughts guys?

See you guys in Etown! Let's rock guys!!!!

(10-06-2012 11:37 AM)Vacancier Permanent Wrote:  So the time has come, I'm flying later today to Edmonton. I'm stocked yet anxious at the same time. I can't wait to get going, find a good gig and start banking like the rest of you guys in AB. Looking forward to a new and enriching chapter of my life about to start tonight.

Glad to see talks about engineering options. I also saw a 2 year Petroleum Engineering programme at NAIT and SAIT and i'm curious about that. Is that a good programme to take or is it not really worth it? Thoughts guys?

See you guys in Etown! Let's rock guys!!!!

Good luck VP, have fun on Whyte Ave tonight!

Thanks Scotian! Will be downing a few with the boys and then when you come to town, we'll be downing a few more.

(10-06-2012 09:49 AM)scotian Wrote:  Ecksie, once again great posts and thanks for your continued contributions to this thread, I'm glad to have someone from the engineering side on here to balance out the riff raff trades side that I represent.

Guys if I could do it over I definitely would have done an undergrad degree in engineering, instead I took the easy route and did a BA which did nothing for me, at least I had the sense to go to trade school the year after I graduated and didn't have too much in student loans to worry about.

Ecksie, what are your thoughts on the two-engineering programs at schools such as NAIT and SAIT which lead to the CET (Certified Engineering Technologist) designation?

I know that SAIT offers two such diplomas in mechanical engineering and welding engineering, both have online options for the first year. I'm seriously considering doing one of these in the next few years, if it'll help take my career to the next level, and one year at school isn't too bad. Another good thing about these diplomas is that you have the option to go back to a proper university for another two year and get the full engineering degree.

I'm with Scotian on this as well. I'm doing a B.A. Even with an Honours degree, there's not much I can do after graduation. My options are basically work as a bank teller/CSR or maybe flipping burgers till I save up for a M.A. Most of my buddies are going to graduate school or laws school and will all likely be in a lot of student debt by the time they graduate. More debt and more time writing essays? No thank you.

As someone who argued earlier against going to college, I don't think university is a waste. Engineering or anything to do with construction/maintenance is definitely in demand in most countries. I've 2 cousins with engineering degrees that immigrated to Australia and are doing pretty well. But as a humanities student, I am somewhat indignant when my professors or magazines tell me that we will all find a job when we graduate. Sure a job, but what kind of job? Even an unpaid internship these days are overflowing with overqualified candidates with an M.A or P.H.D. There are very few tenures going around these days, I think my university has 1 new tenure at max per year. Even lawyers these days are not making junior partners; an increasing number working contract and only making 50k a year.

If not because of the 3 year post graduate work permit I may apply as a university graduate, I would drop out and go to trade school right this moment and down a few beer with you guys.

(10-06-2012 09:27 AM)scotian Wrote:  

(10-05-2012 09:09 AM)BadWolf Wrote:  My only questions left are:

Do you get an on suite bathroom in your room in the camp? Can you get a private room, I hate living with other people.

Some do, most don't. In the three years that I've been staying in camps I only had my own bathroom once, sometimes you'll get a "Jack and Jill" bathroom where you share with one other guy, those aren't too bad.

I'm currently staying at a camp where my wing has 3 full bathrooms (stand-up shower, sink, shitter) and another bathroom with 4 showers, 4 urinals and 4 sinks, 39 other men use these facilities. Some days when I go to shower in the morning, there's fucking boogers and phlegm all over the shower from guy's blasting snot rockets and hacking up their lungs while in the shower, fucking disgusting! That's why I wear sandals and blast the shit out of the shower with clorox spray then run the hot water before I get in it.

Sounds like university residence all over again. Lol..

(10-06-2012 02:18 PM)catalyst Wrote:  

(10-06-2012 09:49 AM)scotian Wrote:  Ecksie, once again great posts and thanks for your continued contributions to this thread, I'm glad to have someone from the engineering side on here to balance out the riff raff trades side that I represent.

Guys if I could do it over I definitely would have done an undergrad degree in engineering, instead I took the easy route and did a BA which did nothing for me, at least I had the sense to go to trade school the year after I graduated and didn't have too much in student loans to worry about.

Ecksie, what are your thoughts on the two-engineering programs at schools such as NAIT and SAIT which lead to the CET (Certified Engineering Technologist) designation?

I know that SAIT offers two such diplomas in mechanical engineering and welding engineering, both have online options for the first year. I'm seriously considering doing one of these in the next few years, if it'll help take my career to the next level, and one year at school isn't too bad. Another good thing about these diplomas is that you have the option to go back to a proper university for another two year and get the full engineering degree.

I'm with Scotian on this as well. I'm doing a B.A. Even with an Honours degree, there's not much I can do after graduation. My options are basically work as a bank teller/CSR or maybe flipping burgers till I save up for a M.A. Most of my buddies are going to graduate school or laws school and will all likely be in a lot of student debt by the time they graduate. More debt and more time writing essays? No thank you.

As someone who argued earlier against going to college, I don't think university is a waste. Engineering or anything to do with construction/maintenance is definitely in demand in most countries. I've 2 cousins with engineering degrees that immigrated to Australia and are doing pretty well. But as a humanities student, I am somewhat indignant when my professors or magazines tell me that we will all find a job when we graduate. Sure a job, but what kind of job? Even an unpaid internship these days are overflowing with overqualified candidates with an M.A or P.H.D. There are very few tenures going around these days, I think my university has 1 new tenure at max per year. Even lawyers these days are not making junior partners; an increasing number working contract and only making 50k a year.

If not because of the 3 year post graduate work permit I may apply as a university graduate, I would drop out and go to trade school right this moment and down a few beer with you guys.

Reminds me of when I was taking my pre-employment trade course at SAIT back in 07', we had to do a three day math course in the first couple of weeks and our instructor was this young guy who had a masters degree in mathematics from the University of Calgary.

He complained that he couldn't find a job (this was during the "big boom" of 04-08') because he was overqualified for many of the positions he applied to and all he could get were these short stints teaching math at community colleges. Someone suggested that he take our three month course and he basically scoffed at it with this constipated look on his face.

At the end of the course there were several recruiters there to take our resumes, out of the 22 students, we all had jobs right away, not sure what happened to the math instructor, probably did a Phd.

Haha. Probably still stuck with no tenure. I've never seen a young-ish Mathematics professor, most of them are in their late 40-50s. But I have to say its not getting better. I am seeing an increasing number of classmates who are in university doing a second bachelor degree (not referring to a professional bachelors degree such as education or law) due to a lack of job prospects. It's not a good sign.

(10-06-2012 02:44 PM)catalyst Wrote:  Haha. Probably still stuck with no tenure. I've never seen a young-ish Mathematics professor, most of them are in their late 40-50s. But I have to say its not getting better. I am seeing an increasing number of classmates who are in university doing a second bachelor degree (not referring to a professional bachelors degree such as education or law) due to a lack of job prospects. It's not a good sign.

Its crazy, every other day I read headlines in Canadian newspapers that read "Major labour shortage looming in Alberta and Saskatchewan" then on page two "dismal job prospects for university grads" and of course "university grads unable to pay off massive student loans".

It makes me want to bang my head against the wall, teachers and guidance counselors brainwash high school students into going to university, not matter what subject, so we have an abundance of BA grads with degrees in gender studies and basket weaving who flip burgers and work in retail. The trades are completely ignored and we're forced to look abroad for labour.

Its too bad so many young Canadians are such pussies, they'll whine and complain about how bad the job prospects are back east but don't have the balls to get on a plane and move out west and get their hands dirty.

Even if you don't want to work up north and live in a camp, there's plenty of work in the office towers of downtown Calgary and Edmonton for anyone willing to make the move.

If I was Prime Minister, I would make all those shitheads who can't pay off their government student loans get on an airplane and move to Hellberta for a few months to pay them off, same for all the welfare cheats and pogey scammers!

Time for song!

This is a song about a guy who moved out west to work in the oil patch, by the late, great Canadian (Nova Scotian where all the best singers are from)folk singer Stan Rogers:





Lyrics, grab a drink and sing along boys!

I often take these night shift walks when the foreman's not around.
I turn my back on the cooling stacks and make for open ground.
Far out beyond the tank farm fence where the gas flare makes no sound,
I forget the stink and I always think back to that Eastern town.

I remember back six years ago, this Western life I chose.
And every day, the news would say some factory's going to close.
Well, I could have stayed to take the Dole, but I'm not one of those.
I take nothing free, and that makes me an idiot, I suppose.

So I bid farewell to the Eastern town I never more will see;
But work I must so I eat this dust and breathe refinery.
Oh I miss the green and the woods and streams and I don't like cowboy clothes;
But I like being free and that makes me an idiot I suppose.

So come all you fine young fellows who've been beaten to the ground.
This western life's no paaradise, but it's better than lying down.
Oh, the streets aren't clean, and there's nothing green, and the hills are dirty brown,
But the government Dole will rot your soul back there in your home town.

So bid farewell to the Eastern town you never more will see.
There's self-respect and a steady cheque in this refinery.
You will miss the green and the woods and streams and the dust will fill your nose.
But you'll be free, and just like me, an idiot, I suppose.