Working in the Canadian oil sands: 6 figures in 6 months!
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TravellingSoldier · 2014-05-04 22:21:00 · #2526
Hey guys,
As some of you might know, I'm currently an electrician in Alberta. I'm finding the field isn't for me. I don't know if a trade is right for me, although I like the money and seasonal working aspect of the camps (currently in the patch near ft. mac building a rig). I don't have a whole lot of mechanical aptitude and I like to be the leader of my groups usually. Thought about crane or heavy equipment operating... maybe even working on a pipeline. I don't know where to start looking.
I'm not going to quit my job until I find something else, but if anyone has a recommendation for me, please let me know. (Not looking to have a blast, but something more laid back and "fun" is what I'm looking for).
Thanks so much in advance!!
P.S - please don't tell me to read the thread, I've read it in it's entirety. Just looking for some opinions from real world experience
As some of you might know, I'm currently an electrician in Alberta. I'm finding the field isn't for me. I don't know if a trade is right for me, although I like the money and seasonal working aspect of the camps (currently in the patch near ft. mac building a rig). I don't have a whole lot of mechanical aptitude and I like to be the leader of my groups usually. Thought about crane or heavy equipment operating... maybe even working on a pipeline. I don't know where to start looking.
I'm not going to quit my job until I find something else, but if anyone has a recommendation for me, please let me know. (Not looking to have a blast, but something more laid back and "fun" is what I'm looking for).
Thanks so much in advance!!
P.S - please don't tell me to read the thread, I've read it in it's entirety. Just looking for some opinions from real world experience
I have a couple friends doing this: they both work in Alberta, and sometimes take up other similar high paying jobs in northern Ontario and Manitoba.
From what they've told me here are the pros:
- very good money, my one buddy made $117k CDN over a ten month period (much of which did not even include working weeks)
- very safe working environment relative to other labor intensive work sites (for example workers aren't allowed climbing over a certain height without safety harnesses, you can't lift anything too heavy without help, you get the idea)
- you live rent free, eat free buffet meals three times a day so pretty much all the money you make, you pocket
-trips back home are paid for
And here are the cons:
- no women for hundreds of miles for weeks at a time, it's basically like jail
- it's very cold
- not much to do in your off time except hit the internet, read, and fuck around with a bunch of dudes
- sleeping and living quarters are very cramped
- if you get caught using drugs, you're kicked out (zero tolerance policy)
- speaking of drugs, this type of work has led both of my friends to heavily rely on alcohol and cocaine, which is a double whammy because they get tested for drugs every time they go back to work so if they test positive, they can't work (apparently, they have worked out ways to successfully cleanse their systems before getting drug tested)
- the work is highly regulated, but it's still physical labor so it's very exhausting and taxes your body
- the three buffet meals a day make you gain a lot of weight unless you're really careful, problem is there's not much to do but eat plus the heavy work makes you hungry
- my one friend works in Alberta a lot, but he seems to be losing his mind; my other friend is getting out of it - the other week he just completed his testing for his real estate license. His willingness to go from making so much money to so little I think speaks volumes to the difficult nature of this work
They pay the big bucks for a reason, it takes quite a strong will (either that, or insanity/drug addiction) to put up with some of these extreme negatives long-term
From what they've told me here are the pros:
- very good money, my one buddy made $117k CDN over a ten month period (much of which did not even include working weeks)
- very safe working environment relative to other labor intensive work sites (for example workers aren't allowed climbing over a certain height without safety harnesses, you can't lift anything too heavy without help, you get the idea)
- you live rent free, eat free buffet meals three times a day so pretty much all the money you make, you pocket
-trips back home are paid for
And here are the cons:
- no women for hundreds of miles for weeks at a time, it's basically like jail
- it's very cold
- not much to do in your off time except hit the internet, read, and fuck around with a bunch of dudes
- sleeping and living quarters are very cramped
- if you get caught using drugs, you're kicked out (zero tolerance policy)
- speaking of drugs, this type of work has led both of my friends to heavily rely on alcohol and cocaine, which is a double whammy because they get tested for drugs every time they go back to work so if they test positive, they can't work (apparently, they have worked out ways to successfully cleanse their systems before getting drug tested)
- the work is highly regulated, but it's still physical labor so it's very exhausting and taxes your body
- the three buffet meals a day make you gain a lot of weight unless you're really careful, problem is there's not much to do but eat plus the heavy work makes you hungry
- my one friend works in Alberta a lot, but he seems to be losing his mind; my other friend is getting out of it - the other week he just completed his testing for his real estate license. His willingness to go from making so much money to so little I think speaks volumes to the difficult nature of this work
They pay the big bucks for a reason, it takes quite a strong will (either that, or insanity/drug addiction) to put up with some of these extreme negatives long-term
Tresdus · 2014-05-04 23:41:00 · #2528
- no women for hundreds of miles for weeks at a time, it's basically like jail
True, but the most you work is 24 days and working 12 hour days you wouldn't have time for them anyway.
- it's very cold
You get used to it.
- not much to do in your off time except hit the internet, read, and fuck around with a bunch of dudes
Again you're working 12 hour days, unless you are sleeping 4 hours a day which is unhealthy you don't need much to do. Hit the gym and it's time to go to bed.
- sleeping and living quarters are very cramped
Who cares. I pay 600$/month for a 10sqm room. And all you do in your room is sleep anyway.
- if you get caught using drugs, you're kicked out (zero tolerance policy)
Don't do drugs then.
- speaking of drugs, this type of work has led both of my friends to heavily rely on alcohol and cocaine, which is a double whammy because they get tested for drugs every time they go back to work so if they test positive, they can't work (apparently, they have worked out ways to successfully cleanse their systems before getting drug tested)
Weak minds. Plain and simple.
- the work is highly regulated, but it's still physical labor so it's very exhausting and taxes your body
True, but there's ways to keep your body healthy.
- the three buffet meals a day make you gain a lot of weight unless you're really careful, problem is there's not much to do but eat plus the heavy work makes you hungry
Again, weak minds. No one forces you to eat. All you have to do is not put food in your mouth.
- my one friend works in Alberta a lot, but he seems to be losing his mind; my other friend is getting out of it - the other week he just completed his testing for his real estate license. His willingness to go from making so much money to so little I think speaks volumes to the difficult nature of this work
The work just isn't made for some people. I love working here, I like my job, been the best decision of my life.
True, but the most you work is 24 days and working 12 hour days you wouldn't have time for them anyway.
- it's very cold
You get used to it.
- not much to do in your off time except hit the internet, read, and fuck around with a bunch of dudes
Again you're working 12 hour days, unless you are sleeping 4 hours a day which is unhealthy you don't need much to do. Hit the gym and it's time to go to bed.
- sleeping and living quarters are very cramped
Who cares. I pay 600$/month for a 10sqm room. And all you do in your room is sleep anyway.
- if you get caught using drugs, you're kicked out (zero tolerance policy)
Don't do drugs then.
- speaking of drugs, this type of work has led both of my friends to heavily rely on alcohol and cocaine, which is a double whammy because they get tested for drugs every time they go back to work so if they test positive, they can't work (apparently, they have worked out ways to successfully cleanse their systems before getting drug tested)
Weak minds. Plain and simple.
- the work is highly regulated, but it's still physical labor so it's very exhausting and taxes your body
True, but there's ways to keep your body healthy.
- the three buffet meals a day make you gain a lot of weight unless you're really careful, problem is there's not much to do but eat plus the heavy work makes you hungry
Again, weak minds. No one forces you to eat. All you have to do is not put food in your mouth.
- my one friend works in Alberta a lot, but he seems to be losing his mind; my other friend is getting out of it - the other week he just completed his testing for his real estate license. His willingness to go from making so much money to so little I think speaks volumes to the difficult nature of this work
The work just isn't made for some people. I love working here, I like my job, been the best decision of my life.
slowokan · 2014-05-05 03:20:00 · #2529
Many thanks to scotian and everyone else for contributing to the thread.
I read all pages one by one for the last week. Lots of valuable info. Thanks a lot everyone for sharing their experiences and knowledge.
A friend of mine advised me to follow this thread, so I am here.
I am a 33 years old Turkish, who is about to immigrate to Canada. Just waiting for my application to be finalized.
I’ve been working on tanker vessels as a 3rd Assistant Engineer for the last 5 years. Our work hours are 12 hours a day, 7 days a week, non-stop for 4 months. Sometimes when we are at open sea, we work half on Sundays. But it rarely happens, most of the time we are transiting some canal or we are at port, which means full day work even on Sundays. So working for long hours is not a big deal for me. I am already used to it. We take 2.5 month vacation after each contract. Right now I am on vacation.
My education is Mechanical Engineering, a 4 year program.
After reading whole thread, I am interested in MWD or maybe Mud Engineering. I’ve also read the MWD thread, “Atlantic” opened.
I have Ontario A-Z tractor-trailer driver’s license, which I got during my stay in Canada in 2007 and 2008. Of course it is expired now. I will renew it when I get to Canada, thinking to apply for a Class 1. It will be expired less than 3 years, when I get there. As I know, less than 3 years expiry is ok, just to take knowledge test and renew the license, no need for a road test again.
For now, I don’t ask any questions, as I am thinking to move there in 2015, after having some more contracts on tankers of my current employer.
I’ve just wanted to say hello to oil & gas guys here…
I read all pages one by one for the last week. Lots of valuable info. Thanks a lot everyone for sharing their experiences and knowledge.
A friend of mine advised me to follow this thread, so I am here.
I am a 33 years old Turkish, who is about to immigrate to Canada. Just waiting for my application to be finalized.
I’ve been working on tanker vessels as a 3rd Assistant Engineer for the last 5 years. Our work hours are 12 hours a day, 7 days a week, non-stop for 4 months. Sometimes when we are at open sea, we work half on Sundays. But it rarely happens, most of the time we are transiting some canal or we are at port, which means full day work even on Sundays. So working for long hours is not a big deal for me. I am already used to it. We take 2.5 month vacation after each contract. Right now I am on vacation.
My education is Mechanical Engineering, a 4 year program.
After reading whole thread, I am interested in MWD or maybe Mud Engineering. I’ve also read the MWD thread, “Atlantic” opened.
I have Ontario A-Z tractor-trailer driver’s license, which I got during my stay in Canada in 2007 and 2008. Of course it is expired now. I will renew it when I get to Canada, thinking to apply for a Class 1. It will be expired less than 3 years, when I get there. As I know, less than 3 years expiry is ok, just to take knowledge test and renew the license, no need for a road test again.
For now, I don’t ask any questions, as I am thinking to move there in 2015, after having some more contracts on tankers of my current employer.
I’ve just wanted to say hello to oil & gas guys here…
Vacancier Permanent · 2014-05-05 20:59:00 · #2530
Traveling Soldier,
Check my post in the previous post about safety watch. They are on a hiring spree now. Great company and with great opportunities for advancements.
Check my post in the previous post about safety watch. They are on a hiring spree now. Great company and with great opportunities for advancements.
komatiite · 2014-05-05 21:10:00 · #2531
(05-04-2014 10:21 PM)TravellingSoldier Wrote: Hey guys,
As some of you might know, I'm currently an electrician in Alberta. I'm finding the field isn't for me. I don't know if a trade is right for me, although I like the money and seasonal working aspect of the camps (currently in the patch near ft. mac building a rig). I don't have a whole lot of mechanical aptitude and I like to be the leader of my groups usually. Thought about crane or heavy equipment operating... maybe even working on a pipeline. I don't know where to start looking.
I'm not going to quit my job until I find something else, but if anyone has a recommendation for me, please let me know. (Not looking to have a blast, but something more laid back and "fun" is what I'm looking for).
Thanks so much in advance!!
P.S - please don't tell me to read the thread, I've read it in it's entirety. Just looking for some opinions from real world experience
Aren't you like 19? If you truly are interested in the industry, I would suggest going to school, especially if you are not feeling the trades. Do you think you have the math aptitude for engineering? If you like being the leader of your group then there is no better way to get to that point- engineers run the show in the patch!
TravellingSoldier · 2014-05-05 22:04:00 · #2532
(05-05-2014 09:10 PM)komatiite Wrote:(05-04-2014 10:21 PM)TravellingSoldier Wrote: Hey guys,
As some of you might know, I'm currently an electrician in Alberta. I'm finding the field isn't for me. I don't know if a trade is right for me, although I like the money and seasonal working aspect of the camps (currently in the patch near ft. mac building a rig). I don't have a whole lot of mechanical aptitude and I like to be the leader of my groups usually. Thought about crane or heavy equipment operating... maybe even working on a pipeline. I don't know where to start looking.
I'm not going to quit my job until I find something else, but if anyone has a recommendation for me, please let me know. (Not looking to have a blast, but something more laid back and "fun" is what I'm looking for).
Thanks so much in advance!!
P.S - please don't tell me to read the thread, I've read it in it's entirety. Just looking for some opinions from real world experience
Aren't you like 19? If you truly are interested in the industry, I would suggest going to school, especially if you are not feeling the trades. Do you think you have the math aptitude for engineering? If you like being the leader of your group then there is no better way to get to that point- engineers run the show in the patch!
Okay I'll clarify. Yes, I'm 18... but I hate school. Very intelligent guy but I hate institutionalized establishments and never do very well in school.
I'm looking for something semi-entry level. Willing to take courses, doesn't really matter what job. Just looking for something with a little more freedom, with the possibility of leadership roles. I like to stick to myself and tackle my tasks at my own pace without anyone breathing down my neck.
I know it's a lot to ask for and since safety is so big now, it's hard to do the solo work without a lot of supervision... but I'm just looking for some recommendations. This is for the time being, seasonal work. I want something so I can work 3-6 months of the year and practice languages, take courses abroad the rest.
Thanks guys
Laurifer · 2014-05-06 12:56:00 · #2533
Question for you guys, do you know if I can have drug test/physical results taken for a company's hiring process forwarded to a different company? They are both oil field.
I had just gotten home from a drug test and physical when I got a call from a different company(that happens to be across the street from my house) and interviewed with them. But I don't want to do another physical and piss test all over again if i don't have to.
I was hired by the first company but I now have an almost certain spot at the second company that pays more. So I'll kindly decline the former's offer and go with the latter company.
I had just gotten home from a drug test and physical when I got a call from a different company(that happens to be across the street from my house) and interviewed with them. But I don't want to do another physical and piss test all over again if i don't have to.
I was hired by the first company but I now have an almost certain spot at the second company that pays more. So I'll kindly decline the former's offer and go with the latter company.
Laurifer · 2014-05-06 13:04:00 · #2534
(05-05-2014 10:04 PM)TravellingSoldier Wrote:(05-05-2014 09:10 PM)komatiite Wrote:(05-04-2014 10:21 PM)TravellingSoldier Wrote: Hey guys,
As some of you might know, I'm currently an electrician in Alberta. I'm finding the field isn't for me. I don't know if a trade is right for me, although I like the money and seasonal working aspect of the camps (currently in the patch near ft. mac building a rig). I don't have a whole lot of mechanical aptitude and I like to be the leader of my groups usually. Thought about crane or heavy equipment operating... maybe even working on a pipeline. I don't know where to start looking.
I'm not going to quit my job until I find something else, but if anyone has a recommendation for me, please let me know. (Not looking to have a blast, but something more laid back and "fun" is what I'm looking for).
Thanks so much in advance!!
P.S - please don't tell me to read the thread, I've read it in it's entirety. Just looking for some opinions from real world experience
Aren't you like 19? If you truly are interested in the industry, I would suggest going to school, especially if you are not feeling the trades. Do you think you have the math aptitude for engineering? If you like being the leader of your group then there is no better way to get to that point- engineers run the show in the patch!
Okay I'll clarify. Yes, I'm 18... but I hate school. Very intelligent guy but I hate institutionalized establishments and never do very well in school.
I'm looking for something semi-entry level. Willing to take courses, doesn't really matter what job. Just looking for something with a little more freedom, with the possibility of leadership roles. I like to stick to myself and tackle my tasks at my own pace without anyone breathing down my neck.
I know it's a lot to ask for and since safety is so big now, it's hard to do the solo work without a lot of supervision... but I'm just looking for some recommendations. This is for the time being, seasonal work. I want something so I can work 3-6 months of the year and practice languages, take courses abroad the rest.
Thanks guys
If you're up for it, you could look into oil field hauling. At 18 though, you'd likely start out swamping (you help a driver tie down and secure shit that needs to be hauled to rig sites and the like), and in due time most companies will teach you how to operate a 1 ton + trailer (just a six wheel pick up.) Then you'd be on the road by yourself delivering shit to rig sites and are home at the end of the day (usually.) They're are technical aspects to it that you would be taught. Eventually they will even pay for you to get higher level licences like class 3 and 1 where you'll be making $50+ an hour.
komatiite · 2014-05-06 16:53:00 · #2535
(05-06-2014 12:56 PM)Laurifer Wrote: Question for you guys, do you know if I can have drug test/physical results taken for a company's hiring process forwarded to a different company? They are both oil field.
I had just gotten home from a drug test and physical when I got a call from a different company(that happens to be across the street from my house) and interviewed with them. But I don't want to do another physical and piss test all over again if i don't have to.
I was hired by the first company but I now have an almost certain spot at the second company that pays more. So I'll kindly decline the former's offer and go with the latter company.
Some drug test places give you a card to signify you are clean and if the next company uses that same drug test company then you MAY be able to transfer it... but realistically you will probably have to piss again.
christpuncher · 2014-05-06 18:09:00 · #2536
Laurifer, you're about to work at an oil sands mine... Better get used to retarded procedures that you have to repeat over and over again wasting your time for no fucking reason!
Congrats on the job though man!
Congrats on the job though man!
donnie514 · 2014-05-06 21:15:00 · #2537
Does anybody know if you are working on the Service Rigs they test you for drugs after you have been on vacation?
Ive been down South and plan on going back too work in June and wondering if they will test me my first day back?
Ive been down South and plan on going back too work in June and wondering if they will test me my first day back?
Laurifer · 2014-05-07 09:51:00 · #2538
Thanks for the replies guys! I suppose if this company sends me to the same drug testing place they may be able to expedite the process, if not, oh well. I won't be at an oil sands mine but my job could likely take me there on occasion, I'll more than likely be going back and forth to rig sites hauling all kinds of shit.
@donnie I'm no expert but I think they might, I think this sort of thing is common during hiring season but for summer perhaps not. Don't know how much of a help I've been lol, but you have a month to piss clean!
@donnie I'm no expert but I think they might, I think this sort of thing is common during hiring season but for summer perhaps not. Don't know how much of a help I've been lol, but you have a month to piss clean!
(05-06-2014 09:15 PM)donnie514 Wrote: Does anybody know if you are working on the Service Rigs they test you for drugs after you have been on vacation?
Ive been down South and plan on going back too work in June and wondering if they will test me my first day back?
It depends on several factors.
Most of the time the company that hires you, tests you when they hire you and then do random tests throughout the season.
A lot of the time it depends if they like you as well. Sometimes you will get a heads up if someone is looking out for you. On the other hand if you piss off the wrong person, you could be tested several times.
Dr. Howard · 2014-05-08 10:26:00 · #2540
Some relevant news http://www.cnn.com/2014/05/08/world/cana...ar-attack/ before any of you lose your minds here are some of the bear attack trends from a former forestry worker and safety committee member (me) dealing with people getting chewed up on a yearly basis.
1. In spring bears are as hungry as they are going to be all year
2. Women are their primary targets (though not exclusively) either due to smaller stature or a rumor about being on the rag
3. Having a dog with you will attract more bears, though likely deter the ones that show up or at least the dog ends up being eaten instead of you
4. A bear that is not making any noise and walking towards or flanking you is sizing you up for a meal and closing ground before charging. Make it reconsider that option like a crazy caveman.
5. A bear that is making noise, standing its ground, grunting etc. is defending, back away while making noise.
Playing dead is only advised in 1 of 4 bear situations, picking the wrong one could have you laying there while a black bear dines on your ass cheeks while you are fully conscious. Yell, shake trees like a chimpanzee, throw rocks and sticks, climb a tree, carry a gun (there are ways to do this in Canada) or invest in bear bangers (bear spray is lame, you will likely shoot yourself with it first)
Treat a bear encounter like you would with a giant aggressive dog, scare it, don't run unless you want to trigger its pursuit instincts and if its on you use whatever you can on its eyes, nose or mouth...by mouth, there have been incidents where people have jammed their arms or fists down a bears throat in order to choke it.
1. In spring bears are as hungry as they are going to be all year
2. Women are their primary targets (though not exclusively) either due to smaller stature or a rumor about being on the rag
3. Having a dog with you will attract more bears, though likely deter the ones that show up or at least the dog ends up being eaten instead of you
4. A bear that is not making any noise and walking towards or flanking you is sizing you up for a meal and closing ground before charging. Make it reconsider that option like a crazy caveman.
5. A bear that is making noise, standing its ground, grunting etc. is defending, back away while making noise.
Playing dead is only advised in 1 of 4 bear situations, picking the wrong one could have you laying there while a black bear dines on your ass cheeks while you are fully conscious. Yell, shake trees like a chimpanzee, throw rocks and sticks, climb a tree, carry a gun (there are ways to do this in Canada) or invest in bear bangers (bear spray is lame, you will likely shoot yourself with it first)
Treat a bear encounter like you would with a giant aggressive dog, scare it, don't run unless you want to trigger its pursuit instincts and if its on you use whatever you can on its eyes, nose or mouth...by mouth, there have been incidents where people have jammed their arms or fists down a bears throat in order to choke it.
(05-04-2014 11:41 PM)Tresdus Wrote: - no women for hundreds of miles for weeks at a time, it's basically like jail
True, but the most you work is 24 days and working 12 hour days you wouldn't have time for them anyway.
- it's very cold
You get used to it.
- not much to do in your off time except hit the internet, read, and fuck around with a bunch of dudes
Again you're working 12 hour days, unless you are sleeping 4 hours a day which is unhealthy you don't need much to do. Hit the gym and it's time to go to bed.
- sleeping and living quarters are very cramped
Who cares. I pay 600$/month for a 10sqm room. And all you do in your room is sleep anyway.
- if you get caught using drugs, you're kicked out (zero tolerance policy)
Don't do drugs then.
- speaking of drugs, this type of work has led both of my friends to heavily rely on alcohol and cocaine, which is a double whammy because they get tested for drugs every time they go back to work so if they test positive, they can't work (apparently, they have worked out ways to successfully cleanse their systems before getting drug tested)
Weak minds. Plain and simple.
- the work is highly regulated, but it's still physical labor so it's very exhausting and taxes your body
True, but there's ways to keep your body healthy.
- the three buffet meals a day make you gain a lot of weight unless you're really careful, problem is there's not much to do but eat plus the heavy work makes you hungry
Again, weak minds. No one forces you to eat. All you have to do is not put food in your mouth.
- my one friend works in Alberta a lot, but he seems to be losing his mind; my other friend is getting out of it - the other week he just completed his testing for his real estate license. His willingness to go from making so much money to so little I think speaks volumes to the difficult nature of this work
The work just isn't made for some people. I love working here, I like my job, been the best decision of my life.
Tresdus,
the way my friends explained work out west is basically:
1. no women
2. very cold
3. no privacy - living with 20 guys in cots right next to you is very different even from living in a small apartment lol
4. The high rates of alcohol and drug use aren't relegated to what you call "weak minds." Rather, the vast majority of workers in this type of job are addicted to something, just because of the nature of the work and environment in which workers find themselves in.
After taxes, you're making maybe $20k more than guys in other professions who are actually happy and get to enjoy life's little joys such as meeting women once in a while. If you're ok with living with men all the time and sacrificing the best years of your life without meeting women just so you can make an extra 30 or 40k, then feel free. You sound very happy with your job right now, but you're the only person I've ever met who has actually been "happy" with working these jobs. There's guys who rave about the money, but none of them do this job for very long and that's for very good reason.
The work pays a lot, and is a revolving door in terms of employees coming and going. It's like this for a reason.
Tresdus · 2014-05-08 19:01:00 · #2542
I don't plan on doing this job for ever. But even if I do it for 5 years I make enough money to invest it in other places and "retire" from a normal working live.
Just got my gun license. Pretty easy and it's legal to own a gun then.
(05-08-2014 10:26 AM)Dr. Howard Wrote: carry a gun (there are ways to do this in Canada)
Just got my gun license. Pretty easy and it's legal to own a gun then.
Laurifer · 2014-05-08 22:55:00 · #2543
(05-08-2014 07:01 PM)Tresdus Wrote: Just got my gun license. Pretty easy and it's legal to own a gun then.
Congrats! Been to any gun stores in Edmonton yet? Try Mill Arms in China Town or P&D Enterprises on 115 st in Somali Town. Only guys I know of in town that carry more modern stuff.
Also, Canadian Tire in Leduc and Cabela's in Southwest Edmonton off the Anthony Henday have quite an impressive arsenal.
scotian · 2014-05-08 23:45:00 · #2544
(05-08-2014 06:21 PM)SU27 Wrote:(05-04-2014 11:41 PM)Tresdus Wrote: - no women for hundreds of miles for weeks at a time, it's basically like jail
True, but the most you work is 24 days and working 12 hour days you wouldn't have time for them anyway.
- it's very cold
You get used to it.
- not much to do in your off time except hit the internet, read, and fuck around with a bunch of dudes
Again you're working 12 hour days, unless you are sleeping 4 hours a day which is unhealthy you don't need much to do. Hit the gym and it's time to go to bed.
- sleeping and living quarters are very cramped
Who cares. I pay 600$/month for a 10sqm room. And all you do in your room is sleep anyway.
- if you get caught using drugs, you're kicked out (zero tolerance policy)
Don't do drugs then.
- speaking of drugs, this type of work has led both of my friends to heavily rely on alcohol and cocaine, which is a double whammy because they get tested for drugs every time they go back to work so if they test positive, they can't work (apparently, they have worked out ways to successfully cleanse their systems before getting drug tested)
Weak minds. Plain and simple.
- the work is highly regulated, but it's still physical labor so it's very exhausting and taxes your body
True, but there's ways to keep your body healthy.
- the three buffet meals a day make you gain a lot of weight unless you're really careful, problem is there's not much to do but eat plus the heavy work makes you hungry
Again, weak minds. No one forces you to eat. All you have to do is not put food in your mouth.
- my one friend works in Alberta a lot, but he seems to be losing his mind; my other friend is getting out of it - the other week he just completed his testing for his real estate license. His willingness to go from making so much money to so little I think speaks volumes to the difficult nature of this work
The work just isn't made for some people. I love working here, I like my job, been the best decision of my life.
Tresdus,
the way my friends explained work out west is basically:
1. no women
2. very cold
3. no privacy - living with 20 guys in cots right next to you is very different even from living in a small apartment lol
4. The high rates of alcohol and drug use aren't relegated to what you call "weak minds." Rather, the vast majority of workers in this type of job are addicted to something, just because of the nature of the work and environment in which workers find themselves in.
After taxes, you're making maybe $20k more than guys in other professions who are actually happy and get to enjoy life's little joys such as meeting women once in a while. If you're ok with living with men all the time and sacrificing the best years of your life without meeting women just so you can make an extra 30 or 40k, then feel free. You sound very happy with your job right now, but you're the only person I've ever met who has actually been "happy" with working these jobs. There's guys who rave about the money, but none of them do this job for very long and that's for very good reason.
The work pays a lot, and is a revolving door in terms of employees coming and going. It's like this for a reason.
SU27, that has got to be one of the most retarded things ever wrote on this thread and I don't know who the bigger fuckwit is; your friend for feeding you such nonsense or yourself for believing his bullshit. Your buddy sounds like the typical fly-by-nighter who moved out west without a plan to make some easy cash and took the first oil gig he was offered, then realized he couldn't hack it with the rough necks and moved back east with his tail between his legs and told everyone who would listen that Alberta sucks. I'm willing to bet dollars to donuts that you're from somewhere in Ontario, likely southern, as you guys haven't been moving out west en masse for years as us east coasters have and you haven't seen for your own eyes the way the oil biz positively affects so many young guys. That and only a fucking Upper Canadian could have such a god damned arrogant attitude to us peasants who don't hail from "the centre of the universe" and toil with our hands.
I'll admit that it isn't a glamorous lifestyle and yes the work conditions can be tough at times, but its a lot better than the garbage that your friend has told you and despite whatever preconceived notions you have of what Alberta is all about, a lot of us like it and plan on staying here long term and making a career out of it.
Again, this has got to be one of the most ignorant posts I've ever read on the internet, hopefully no one on here believes this shit and I'll break down your points to show how utterly ill informed you are:
1. no women: Yes, out of the 3 million+ residents in Alberta, all are men. Obviously while working on site, its majority male, just as it is at most male dominated industries that men all over the world work in. Of course, you probably work in a female dominated environment and are used to working around women all day, but believe me, a lot of us men actually prefer to work around other guys. As Tresdus has pointed out, we do actually have days off and go to cities such as Edmonton or Calgary (or farther), which have plenty. You can also get laid in camp (which I have) or if you live in Fort McMurray (which I do), there's enough girls here to chase.
2. very cold: I'll give you that, it was +8 today and there were flurries in the morning, which is why I fuck off to tropical paradises every winter for 4+ months at a time.
3. no privacy - living with 20 guys in cots right next to you is very different even from living in a small apartment lol: This is hilarious, have any of you had to sleep in a room with 20 guys in cots? Myself, I just moved in with my best friend from back home who owns a three level 2000 square foot house in Fort McMurray that was built last year, it set him back a lot but the place is great and looks like any late model house built anywhere in Canada in the past five years: big screen TVs, three bathrooms, new furniture, the fucking works, he even has a nice little gym set up down stairs with free weights, benches and a punching bag. My friend is working 7/7 shift so 50% of the time, I live alone. I pay $1000/month to live here.
4. The high rates of alcohol and drug use aren't relegated to what you call "weak minds." Rather, the vast majority of workers in this type of job are addicted to something, just because of the nature of the work and environment in which workers find themselves in.: This is probably the biggest lie I've ever heard, the vast majority, are you serious, care to share your sources? Oh ya, your dickhead buddy probably told you that one too. Yes, there are drugs in the oil patch, just like everywhere else but most of the guys who do them did them before they got into the oil biz and no one puts a gun to your head and makes you take them, I agree with Tresdus, weak minds. I for one have never seen anyone doing drugs on site besides a guy smoking a reefer in a parking lot once. Do you have any idea how much security is on an oil sands sites? We do drug tests for pre-employment, post-incident or if there's reasonable suspicion. Yes guys do drugs, but they don't last.
After taxes, you're making maybe $20k more than guys in other professions who are actually happy and get to enjoy life's little joys such as meeting women once in a while. If you're ok with living with men all the time and sacrificing the best years of your life without meeting women just so you can make an extra 30 or 40k, then feel free. You sound very happy with your job right now, but you're the only person I've ever met who has actually been "happy" with working these jobs. There's guys who rave about the money, but none of them do this job for very long and that's for very good reason.: Holy shit, your head is so far up your ass, you have to fart to breathe bud. We make A LOT more than 20K a year than other people in the same jobs across Canada and across the world, its no secret that welders in Alberta can make $250,000 a year where a similar welder in say Vancouver or Toronto would be lucky to pull in half that, this is common knowledge among the guys in this thread, one of the reasons a lot of them are going into it.
I don't think I have to explain it much to most of the people on this thread who have moved to Alberta after reading this thread, many of whom have met me in person, but I'll break down my situation for any doubters/haters out there:
-I began working in Fort McMurray earlier this week after spending four months in South America and three weeks back home on the east coast.
-My company paid my flight here and set me up in a brand new 2014 truck with a gas card, insurance, etc. I can use this truck as a personal vehicle and take it to Edmonton on my days off, gas paid, no problem. I haven't owned a vehicle in three years and always ride on the company's dime while I'm in Alberta.
-Living in a nice place as out lined above and the company pays me $145/day, tax free to do so, its called a "Living Out Allowance" (LOA)
-I'll be working about 12 hours a day and that includes travel to and from site, I'm working three weeks on and one week off and will drive to Edmonton/Calgary on my days off, or maybe fly down south for a week, we'll see.
-After taxes, I'm netting about $5500 a week and that doesn't include the $800 a week that I'll put in my pension (which has about $100K in it after working in the union over the past five years).
-As per usual, I will work until it gets cold, so that's about six months, in which time I should clear about 100K, less my monthly costs of about $2000, I'm sure I'll figure out something to do with the remaining 78K.
I only work about 5-6 months each year as most of the guys on here know, I spend the rest of my time traveling around the world doing what our fellow RVF guys do best: partying and chasing women. You can look up the data sheets I've dropped on Colombia, the Philipines, Thailand, Jamaica, Mexico, etc to see for yourself.
My lifestyle is easily achievable for anyone who wants to move out to Alberta to work hard, which is what most of the guys on here have done and are doing. The conditions I listed above and the money I make are in no way unusual, I work with lots of guys who make way more money, of course, it took me a few years to get to where I am, but really, anyone can do it.
So ya, us poor oil trash rotting away out west in such poor conditions, unhappy, depressed, never getting laid and addicted to booze and crack. Thanks so much for your concern bud and do us all a favor, stay back east and keep telling all of your friends how much it sucks out here, more money for us to make!
Chaos · 2014-05-09 00:55:00 · #2545
Ok guys, I've been following this thread for a long time and I'm checking it out from time to time.
There is one question I can't find an answer of, so feel free to slap me in the face if I'm wrong.
I've been thinking for some time to make a move to Canada, BUT...
As a Finnish passport holder it's impossible to get a Canadian working visa without any invitation from a company in advance,. For most EU countries it's possible, but for some unknown reason not for us.
But I'm allowed to be in Canada for 6 months without a visa. (As tourist)
The question is, is it possible to get a working visa in Canada with my boots on the ground?
Have anyone else done it? How can I deal with this?
There is one question I can't find an answer of, so feel free to slap me in the face if I'm wrong.
I've been thinking for some time to make a move to Canada, BUT...
As a Finnish passport holder it's impossible to get a Canadian working visa without any invitation from a company in advance,. For most EU countries it's possible, but for some unknown reason not for us.
But I'm allowed to be in Canada for 6 months without a visa. (As tourist)
The question is, is it possible to get a working visa in Canada with my boots on the ground?
Have anyone else done it? How can I deal with this?
Dr. Howard · 2014-05-09 03:34:00 · #2546
(05-09-2014 12:55 AM)Chaos Wrote: Ok guys, I've been following this thread for a long time and I'm checking it out from time to time.
There is one question I can't find an answer of, so feel free to slap me in the face if I'm wrong.
I've been thinking for some time to make a move to Canada, BUT...
As a Finnish passport holder it's impossible to get a Canadian working visa without any invitation from a company in advance,. For most EU countries it's possible, but for some unknown reason not for us.
But I'm allowed to be in Canada for 6 months without a visa. (As tourist)
The question is, is it possible to get a working visa in Canada with my boots on the ground?
Have anyone else done it? How can I deal with this?
Chaos, I don't have any direct leads but start digging around for people associated with this http://www.finlandianeighbourhood.com/readhistory.html Thunder bay has finnish loggers that barely speak english and exchange students. They likely have contacts or members who know exactly how a Finn gets into Canada.
Dr. Howard · 2014-05-09 03:37:00 · #2547
(05-08-2014 07:01 PM)Tresdus Wrote: I don't plan on doing this job for ever. But even if I do it for 5 years I make enough money to invest it in other places and "retire" from a normal working live.
(05-08-2014 10:26 AM)Dr. Howard Wrote: carry a gun (there are ways to do this in Canada)
Just got my gun license. Pretty easy and it's legal to own a gun then.
I should have been more specific. I meant hand gun carry, there is some sort of process where geologists and foresters could carry a holstered hand gun while doing fieldwork. Having a long gun in your truck isn't a bad idea though.
donnie514 · 2014-05-09 11:57:00 · #2548
(05-08-2014 11:45 PM)scotian Wrote: Again, this has got to be one of the most ignorant posts I've ever read on the internet, hopefully no one on here believes this shit and I'll break down your points to show how utterly ill informed you are:
You just pimped slapped that lil bitch.
Made my morning, I should forward that post to my friends back east who think the same way!
scotian. The only guys who think like that are pussies who know deep down they couldn't hack the work and hours. Its the male 
Tresdus · 2014-05-09 18:56:00 · #2550
Outstanding post scotian.
Just one thing to add and to confirm. Hell yes I'd never want to work with women again. It's so relaxing working with men only (we have 1 women in our company but she is really cool). No bullshit, no political correctness. I don't even want to post the shit we talk about at work because it's so NSFW. I would never go back to working in a white collar office type environment where you have to watch every word you say or otherwise you'll get fired.
@Laurifer Sorry, I haven't actually got my license yet, I just passed the exams and need to send the application out. But I won't buy a gun because I just rent a room and that feels a bit weird having guns in someone elses house.
Just one thing to add and to confirm. Hell yes I'd never want to work with women again. It's so relaxing working with men only (we have 1 women in our company but she is really cool). No bullshit, no political correctness. I don't even want to post the shit we talk about at work because it's so NSFW. I would never go back to working in a white collar office type environment where you have to watch every word you say or otherwise you'll get fired.
@Laurifer Sorry, I haven't actually got my license yet, I just passed the exams and need to send the application out. But I won't buy a gun because I just rent a room and that feels a bit weird having guns in someone elses house.