(07-06-2013 02:44 PM)RossTan Wrote:  

(07-06-2013 02:07 AM)Albertron Wrote:  Just like anything in life, if it is easy to get, it's not worth getting.

Unless it's a single, childless, STD free, naked woman rushing to get into your bed!

Those are a rare find in Edmonton....

Anyone going out on Whyte ave tonight? Gonna be drinking with my aussie and irish friends here from the hostel probably.

(07-06-2013 02:07 AM)Albertron Wrote:  

(07-05-2013 04:50 PM)HoustontoEdmonton Wrote:  I've been applying to places online/faxing resumes and calling people but I'm starting to get a little confused/discouraged as to how I'm gonna be able to get a camp job. I'm working a temp job right now in Edmonton but that's not what I came up here for. (when I told my boss what I'm doing he was like, "Wow you have balls", seems to be the general reaction most people have)

I have another week before I need to check out of my hostel for at least 7 days and money/time are running out. People are telling me to go to Nisku to apply in person, so I'm gonna try to get out there on Monday or Tues. Dont wanna fuck my temp job up though and that's 8 hrs a day during the week. I feel like I'm really close but there's something I'm missing. Need to get in a camp ASAP I don't care if it's general construction labourer or fucking janitor work, as long as I have camp then I can get my foot in the door.

When I first got into Edmonton back in Feb, I had a roommate who was looking for work on the rigs, as was I. For 5 days straight, every single day, him and I went out to as many employers around Edmonton and Nisku as possible. Even to all the employment agencies in the area. Nothing. No replies. We were applying during the beginning of shut-down season so we had some bad timing. In total, I must have visited 15 different drilling companies, 10 different employment agencies and numerous other oil & gas companies, not to mention the hundred's of e-mails I sent out to practically any blue-collar job out there. It wasn't until the end of the 2nd week where I walked into a well-servicing rig company at the right time and basically hired me on the spot.

My point is, even though it may seem like no one is hiring, you HAVE to keep hitting the pavement to find the ones that are hiring. You need to go visit the companies, ask for the manager, and display your intentions for work. Cold approaches are tough to do, but they are necessary. All the RVF boys here that got jobs went through the same ordeal. I remember talking to Habsguy and zeeman about the constant rejection we got from companies and how Habsguy almost went broke before finally landing a proper gig so many weeks later. I even remember when zeeman was whining about getting a parking ticket and getting all nervous and shit because companies weren't responding favourably to him, and if he went another month without work he'd be broke too. But he ended up getting an interview and landed a proper gig too. These guys will probably read this and laugh, hahaha.

Just like anything in life, if it is easy to get, it's not worth getting.

I came to Edmonton a week ago and I am in the process of following this procedure. My only problem is I don't seem to be able to find anyone on the same page as mine to exchange ideas and possibly figure out a pivot point to start. Coming from Nova Scotia to Edmonton was a huge transition and everything is different up in here. I was wondering if you could shed some light regarding how to start hitting these oil rig companies, and more importantly, how to find them!

I have read every single page in this thread and the guys in here were a great motivation because I was extremely reluctant to move, lucky me I landed on this thread one day prior to my flight, it changed my whole perspective. Thanks for this thread

(07-07-2013 04:25 AM)MiddleEastern Wrote:  I came to Edmonton a week ago and I am in the process of following this procedure. My only problem is I don't seem to be able to find anyone on the same page as mine to exchange ideas and possibly figure out a pivot point to start. Coming from Nova Scotia to Edmonton was a huge transition and everything is different up in here. I was wondering if you could shed some light regarding how to start hitting these oil rig companies, and more importantly, how to find them!

I have read every single page in this thread and the guys in here were a great motivation because I was extremely reluctant to move, lucky me I landed on this thread one day prior to my flight, it changed my whole perspective. Thanks for this thread

You have NOT read every single page on this thread! Skimming is NOT reading. Take notes as you read, your question has already been answered. If you're serious about this, laziness is NOT an option in this endeavor.

You have NOT read every single page on this thread! Skimming is NOT reading. Take notes as you read, your question has already been answered. If you're serious about this, laziness is NOT an option in this endeavor.
[/quote]

It is kind of different for me. I graduated from a Canadian university with an engineering degree. Trust me laziness is not in any one's repertoire if they make it here from across the country. I talked to several employment councilors they told me H2S Alive, CSTS, First Aid and CPR will not boost your employment prospects in the oilfield, because companies will make you redo them anyway, specially if you're an engineer. My plan was to take these courses and hit the pavement like other guys, but right now I am pretty much swinging whether to take these courses or not, because they're not cheap!

-

I am interested in hearing about more US citizens (especially guys under 30) making it over to Alberta to work in the oil sands and making a killing financially.

With the insane student loan debt loads this would be an extraordinarily good solution.

-

(07-01-2013 04:55 PM)Irishman Wrote:  If you want to save money and game here I again recommend a side job in town that puts you in contact which as much girls as possible : bookstore/clothes shop/ restaurant etc. Been doing very well lately without hitting a bar in weeks. 2 new girls last week alone. Must be the summer weather or something.

It's because of those low-ass V-necks you wear, showing off that hair-less chest of yours. If I had an Irish accent and busted out those low V-necks, I wouldn't need to go to bars either!!

All kidding aside, not really on the internet too much, so went back several pages and gonna PM the guys that got here, set up some beer time. If I missed ya, PM me. The RVF crew here is starting to get bigger so it's nice to get a few more heads in. The guys that got here have really helped me out with their insights and info they've picked up so I'd like to do the same.

Goes without saying that scotian is the common denominator here and really hooked it up. Speaking of which, when are you back, scotian? Forgot to get you a pint last time we all met up so I'll get you 3 the next time you're in town. I'd get you drunk if I could but I just bought a bike (no homo)

(07-07-2013 01:53 PM)MiddleEastern Wrote:  It is kind of different for me. I graduated from a Canadian university with an engineering degree. Trust me laziness is not in any one's repertoire if they make it here from across the country. I talked to several employment councilors they told me H2S Alive, CSTS, First Aid and CPR will not boost your employment prospects in the oilfield, because companies will make you redo them anyway, specially if you're an engineer. My plan was to take these courses and hit the pavement like other guys, but right now I am pretty much swinging whether to take these courses or not, because they're not cheap!

An engineer, eh? Seriously?

What kind of "engineer?" From which school? The school of "How to Bullsh*t You Have an Engineering Degree So You Won't be Questioned About Being Lazy When it Comes to Reading and Taking Notes?"

And you're taking the advice of a career councilor over the PAGES of information provided to you by people on the ground? Seriously? My initial analysis remains, lazy. Plain lazy.

Read the pages, don't skim, READ and take notes, 'cause obviously, even after all these days, you haven't re-read.

Engineer, yup, and I'm actually Bill Gates. No, seriously? I'm really Bill Gates.

READ take NOTES! 'Cause even engineers posted on this forum thread!

From what I understand about engineering recruitment, you DON'T need to take those safety tickets. Any of the major oil companies would happily pay for them once your enrolled as EIT. Also I'm actually shocked you don't have at least multiple interviews as an oilsands related engineer (I'm assuming your: mech, chem, materials, petroleum) considering the insane demand they have for them. Also reach out to engineers for advice through linkedin or hell try your alumni network that's even better, they'll probably hook you up with a job.

For all you BC residents who work in the Trades. Some awesome happenings in Fort St. John!



"Fort St. John, BC British Columbia’s “Oil and Gas capital” is estimated to have one of the largest natural gas deposits in North America – most of it still largely untapped. With the fairly recent attention being focused on the region as a viable source of shale based natural gas, we will definitely see a boost to the economy as exploration and production in the area increases. - See more at: http://blog.myreinspace.com/2013/06/fort...mnM3p.dpuf"

(07-07-2013 01:53 PM)MiddleEastern Wrote:  You have NOT read every single page on this thread! Skimming is NOT reading. Take notes as you read, your question has already been answered. If you're serious about this, laziness is NOT an option in this endeavor.

It is kind of different for me. I graduated from a Canadian university with an engineering degree. Trust me laziness is not in any one's repertoire if they make it here from across the country. I talked to several employment councilors they told me H2S Alive, CSTS, First Aid and CPR will not boost your employment prospects in the oilfield, because companies will make you redo them anyway, specially if you're an engineer. My plan was to take these courses and hit the pavement like other guys, but right now I am pretty much swinging whether to take these courses or not, because they're not cheap!
[/quote]

Which University in Canada did you attend so I can advise all of my friends not to send their kids there?!!! Which Engineering field is your degree in? Do you have any internship experience?

I am not trying to rain on your parade, but damn! Let this be a lesson to everyone that when you are choosing a University, make sure you research the "ALUMNI AND CAREER SERVICES DEPT" so that you have a solid understanding of what you are getting yourself into. You are paying money to a university because you are "BUYING" into their network so that you can reach out to their alumni for a job!!! This is why people in the states go to Texas A&M, UT Austin, and Colorado School of Mines. These schools can almost guarantee their students job placements upon graduation.

Here is what you can do to try and fix your situation. If I were you and had an Engineering degree, I would apply to Halliburton's "Field Operations Professional" program. This program is a "fast track" program to managment for people who have "any" 4 year college degree, and an engineering degree is a plus. Here is the website:

http://jobs.halliburton.com/

Just type in Field Operations Professional where it states "Enter Search Terms" and then leave all of the other fields blank "except" for "Country" where you will need to enter Canada. I just did this and tons of jobs came back. You should also type in "Entry Level" and that will return you tons of entry level field positions. I would not be too choosey as you need a job. Just apply for everything and make sure you emphasize your engineering degree.

I would also go to websites for Weatherford International, Cameron, Schlumberger, and Baker Hughes. Type in Entry Level and Canada. These service companies are always looking for engineers and people with 4 year degrees. You should also take the advice of another poster on here who suggested that you go to Linkedin.com and create a profile and then search for companies I have mentioned above. Try to reach out to the HR Managers at these companies and tell them that you have an engineering degree and are willing to take any entry level field job they have. You are late to the party and need to just get a job so you can start earning experience.

Just a week now until I fly out for Edmonton startin to seriously panic now

(07-08-2013 12:32 PM)BigIrish Wrote:  Just a week now until I fly out for Edmonton startin to seriously panic now

No need to panic man, you'll be fine, its summer time in Etown, last week it was a blistering 40 degrees there so there's plenty of under dressed young women walking around Whyte Ave. If I was there, I'd meet up with you and show you around but I'm working out of town for the rest of the summer.

There's lots of RVF guys there though, get in touch with them and they'll give you some pointers. Again, just follow the advice and experiences on this thread and you'll do well, don't be too picky at first when it comes to jobs, concentrate on finding a place to live and adjusting to life in Alberta.

Enjoy the summer, there's only about 6 more weeks of it left then you'll be freezing your nuts off.

Its the flying that's getting to me never been on a plane. 40 degrees !!? Its 20 odd degrees here in Ireland at the minute and I canny deal way it atal lol.

Lookin forward to putting some faces to the names of the RVF crew Awh i'll take any job that comes along first so my savings don't get hit too hard!

Where is the closest place to HI hostel that I could do the relevant safety courses H2S etc? csts can be done online so i'll do that while im in the hostel

(07-08-2013 12:07 AM)BusDev Wrote:  

(07-07-2013 01:53 PM)MiddleEastern Wrote:  You have NOT read every single page on this thread! Skimming is NOT reading. Take notes as you read, your question has already been answered. If you're serious about this, laziness is NOT an option in this endeavor.

Here is what you can do to try and fix your situation. If I were you and had an Engineering degree, I would apply to Halliburton's "Field Operations Professional" program. This program is a "fast track" program to managment for people who have "any" 4 year college degree, and an engineering degree is a plus. Here is the website:

http://jobs.halliburton.com/

Just type in Field Operations Professional where it states "Enter Search Terms" and then leave all of the other fields blank "except" for "Country" where you will need to enter Canada. I just did this and tons of jobs came back. You should also type in "Entry Level" and that will return you tons of entry level field positions. I would not be too choosey as you need a job. Just apply for everything and make sure you emphasize your engineering degree.

I would also go to websites for Weatherford International, Cameron, Schlumberger, and Baker Hughes. Type in Entry Level and Canada. These service companies are always looking for engineers and people with 4 year degrees. You should also take the advice of another poster on here who suggested that you go to Linkedin.com and create a profile and then search for companies I have mentioned above. Try to reach out to the HR Managers at these companies and tell them that you have an engineering degree and are willing to take any entry level field job they have. You are late to the party and need to just get a job so you can start earning experience.

Too good not to share:



Take that Monaco!

My Oilsands Burnout...



Its been awhile since I have posted an update but since I have just experienced my first major burnout ever I thought it was time to post an update.

Its been 4 months since I have done any drilling/mwd work and I started to put more time into some side projects back in town to keep me busy and boost my savings.

I stopped drinking, starting working out more, got busy at my new job and did some day game/ casual pick up.

The problem funnily enough is that things have gone too well the last few weeks and I have ended up in bed for the last three days with no sign of recovery just yet.

First I started to get on a serious roll at the restaurant I worked in. I got promoted twice in the space of a few weeks resulting in me being general manager. I was running the place solo and sorting out all the major issues however I seen fit. The owner was loving it and let me have complete control of the place. This meant working a lot of hours.

Then I started a landscape company on the side. I got some decent sized projects and even hired my Irish buddy to work with me. The pay was good so I ended up working 70+ hr weeks between the two jobs every week. I dropped of the social radar cause I had no free time to hang out.

Meanwhile I am still on call for the drilling company so I am still making my basic salary every month.

I cut back on going out at all since I had so much work going on and was feeling plenty social working at the restaurant.

I decided to push it further and do some catering projects and other side hustles. I felt unstoppable. I worked 16hr days nonstop for about 4-5 weeks straight. I think I had only 2 half days where I only worked 8 hrs. One day in particular I worked 4 hours at the restaurant, did a 8 hour hot shot and then catered an event for 6-7 hrs. All without any breaks in between. It was like I was on coke.

The funny thing is that even while I was working like a madman my girl count was going up every week. I went from having 1 girl to a Harlem of 4 in the space of two weeks. I had another 2 girls also wanting some on the side. I was fucking 3 different girls most days for the last 2 weeks. I would have one stay over, fuck another one or two at work and then meet up with another afterwards or between jobs. It started getting out of control with a couple of days of 4 different girls in under 24 hrs. Its probably one of the best runs I have had in years, with some very high quality girls, and I had no intention of slowing it down.

Until earlier this week I crashed and burnt out.

My body gave in. I have had 4 weeks of less then 5 hours sleep a night and its been too much.

I ended up sleeping 36hrs straight, my diets dropped off and I feel dizzy and exhausted. I cant work, can hardly drive and am just sleeping a lot. I have a doctors appointment tomorrow so hopefully I recover soon.

I have ended up cutting back on some of the girls and am planning on cutting down my work hours. Ive finished the side projects and I start a new job next week that hopefully provides the change I need. By the way it took all of twenty minutes on Kijiji to get a job paying 20+ dollars an hour, 58 hrs a week.

I have heard I should be back drilling by the end of this month so hopefully the time away on the rig allows me to recover more.

It is kind of funny because I felt perfect while drilling all winter but I managed to burn out during the summer while back in town. I am kind of looking forward to the winter again as I find the pace a bit slower and the weather actually makes me feel better.

I have started a full RVF recovery program with Zinc, Iron, Coconut Oil, AVC and some other supplements.

Hope everyone is doing well and I will try to hang out with the local RVF members when I am back on my feet!

I still love the Oilsands though!!!

Here in the UK, there's a new TV show on ITV4 about the lives of the guys working in oil camps:

https://www.itv.com/itvplayer/black-gold

I guess the program is original from American TV, but I don't know from which channel.

(07-11-2013 06:52 PM)Irishman Wrote:  My Oilsands Burnout...



Its been awhile since I have posted an update but since I have just experienced my first major burnout ever I thought it was time to post an update.

Its been 4 months since I have done any drilling/mwd work and I started to put more time into some side projects back in town to keep me busy and boost my savings.

I stopped drinking, starting working out more, got busy at my new job and did some day game/ casual pick up.

The problem funnily enough is that things have gone too well the last few weeks and I have ended up in bed for the last three days with no sign of recovery just yet.

First I started to get on a serious roll at the restaurant I worked in. I got promoted twice in the space of a few weeks resulting in me being general manager. I was running the place solo and sorting out all the major issues however I seen fit. The owner was loving it and let me have complete control of the place. This meant working a lot of hours.

Then I started a landscape company on the side. I got some decent sized projects and even hired my Irish buddy to work with me. The pay was good so I ended up working 70+ hr weeks between the two jobs every week. I dropped of the social radar cause I had no free time to hang out.

Meanwhile I am still on call for the drilling company so I am still making my basic salary every month.

I cut back on going out at all since I had so much work going on and was feeling plenty social working at the restaurant.

I decided to push it further and do some catering projects and other side hustles. I felt unstoppable. I worked 16hr days nonstop for about 4-5 weeks straight. I think I had only 2 half days where I only worked 8 hrs. One day in particular I worked 4 hours at the restaurant, did a 8 hour hot shot and then catered an event for 6-7 hrs. All without any breaks in between. It was like I was on coke.

The funny thing is that even while I was working like a madman my girl count was going up every week. I went from having 1 girl to a Harlem of 4 in the space of two weeks. I had another 2 girls also wanting some on the side. I was fucking 3 different girls most days for the last 2 weeks. I would have one stay over, fuck another one or two at work and then meet up with another afterwards or between jobs. It started getting out of control with a couple of days of 4 different girls in under 24 hrs. Its probably one of the best runs I have had in years, with some very high quality girls, and I had no intention of slowing it down.

Until earlier this week I crashed and burnt out.

My body gave in. I have had 4 weeks of less then 5 hours sleep a night and its been too much.

I ended up sleeping 36hrs straight, my diets dropped off and I feel dizzy and exhausted. I cant work, can hardly drive and am just sleeping a lot. I have a doctors appointment tomorrow so hopefully I recover soon.

I have ended up cutting back on some of the girls and am planning on cutting down my work hours. Ive finished the side projects and I start a new job next week that hopefully provides the change I need. By the way it took all of twenty minutes on Kijiji to get a job paying 20+ dollars an hour, 58 hrs a week.

I have heard I should be back drilling by the end of this month so hopefully the time away on the rig allows me to recover more.

It is kind of funny because I felt perfect while drilling all winter but I managed to burn out during the summer while back in town. I am kind of looking forward to the winter again as I find the pace a bit slower and the weather actually makes me feel better.

I have started a full RVF recovery program with Zinc, Iron, Coconut Oil, AVC and some other supplements.

Hope everyone is doing well and I will try to hang out with the local RVF members when I am back on my feet!

I still love the Oilsands though!!!

Holy shit Irishman, you gotta slow down buddy! I hope you're recovered now and back to work but don't push yourself too hard, although I admire your work ethic, if its fucking you up physically, tone it down a bit.

I'll be back in Etown for a couple of days at the end of the month, if you're still around we'll have to grab a few drinks on Whyte.

I'll be flying to Edmonton on July 30th. I think ill be staying closer to Nisku area but hopefully can get a RVF meet up downtown sometime. First plan is staying there for a week. I have a car to use and family to stay with so it is not expensive. I am going there for a family thing but going earlier/staying later to try and get something going for a job somewhere. If I cant make something happen in that week I will drive back out a few weeks later after taking a sabbatical from my current job. I am determined.
Wish me luck boys.

(07-16-2013 03:24 PM)Kdog Wrote:  I'll be flying to Edmonton on July 30th. I think ill be staying closer to Nisku area but hopefully can get a RVF meet up downtown sometime. First plan is staying there for a week. I have a car to use and family to stay with so it is not expensive. I am going there for a family thing but going earlier/staying later to try and get something going for a job somewhere. If I cant make something happen in that week I will drive back out a few weeks later after taking a sabbatical from my current job. I am determined.
Wish me luck boys.

Good luck Kdog, I'll be in Etown then as well, lets meet up.

Just got back from a drive to Lloydminster, Alberta! LOTS of work opportunities there too! It's about 2 hours east of Edmonton and very close to the Saskatchewan Provincial border. They have an industrial area just like Nisku, and "help wanted" signs to match!

(07-17-2013 10:34 PM)RossTan Wrote:  Just got back from a drive to Lloydminster, Alberta! LOTS of work opportunities there too! It's about 2 hours east of Edmonton and very close to the Saskatchewan Provincial border. They have an industrial area just like Nisku, and "help wanted" signs to match!

I am paying them a visit definitely. I have seen a lot of job posts online from LLoydminster

(07-17-2013 10:34 PM)RossTan Wrote:  Just got back from a drive to Lloydminster, Alberta! LOTS of work opportunities there too! It's about 2 hours east of Edmonton and very close to the Saskatchewan Provincial border. They have an industrial area just like Nisku, and "help wanted" signs to match!

I spent a week in Lloyd two years ago working at the big Husky refinery there, its a bit of a shit hole town but there's tons of work there, lots of fabrications shops, rigs and the refinery. Its kind of a funny town because half of it is in Alberta and the other half is in Saskatchewan and the quality of roads is noticeably shittier on the Sask side.

Holy shit Irishman. That is inspirational. I moved up to fort mac a little while ago. I thought I'd be given more overtime but it turns out I'm mostly working a regular 40 hour week. I'm having a severe case of "ahh I make enough money already". I need to step it up with work on the side... thanks for the pep talk.

(07-18-2013 08:28 AM)christpuncher Wrote:  Holy shit Irishman. That is inspirational. I moved up to fort mac six months ago. I thought I'd be given more overtime but it turns out I'm mostly working a regular 40 hour week. I'm having a severe case of "ahh I make enough money already". I need to step it up with work on the side... thanks for the pep talk.

I don't think I could ever be in a place like Fort Mac or the shit hole town I"m currently in (Estevan, Sask) and be working 40 hours a week, there's just too much money to be made in those towns and they're aren't the most enjoyable places to be living. Actually, Estevan is such a dump that I actually miss Fort Mac, something I thought I'd never say!