I went to the one in Jasper and they told me wait times were 3+ hours. lolnope.

For blood test I just went to a walk in clinic and told them what I wanted, the doctor only did half of it (still got most of the important stuff) so you gotta push for it. They don't actually take your blood at the clinic you have to go to a lab.

This for all the guys still reading this thread in between fap sessions, still wondering if they should make the move or just stay in there moms house and play video games.

In November 2014 I made the move to Alberta with a couple of thousand and a Mazda 3 and its all thanks to the contributors of this thread for giving me the push I needed.

At first I couldn't land an oil job, so I took up a laborer job with a small contracting company in Edmonton, all while I tried to get that juicy job that the "Working In The Oil Sands" thread promised.

Almost two months in I finally got a shot to work with the Savanna Energy on the service rigs. My first hitch out I'm excited as fuck. My first few days were a blast. From using a wrench for the first time in my life to learning that the sledgehammer won't break when hammering. By far the most fun I had was driving during the rig move when you feel like your riding off to some sort of war with your crew.

Then I got paid. At first I was happy but then I started to calculate how much money I can make if I was working as a roughneck on a drilling rig. Before I had a chance to quit, Savanna laid me off as quickly as they hired me.

No problem, though as I got hired as a pipe-layers assistant with one of the biggest construction companies in Western Canada. This job was smooth sailing from day one. Smoking joints, sleeping hours at a time and my favorite activity which was chilling with the foreman as he drove around giving shit to people while having a constant stream of fresh Tim Horton products at all times. Fun aside however I learned a lot while working with a bunch of pretty cool dudes. Fast forward a few months later I was promised a raise that was delayed two cheques in a row (They finally gave after I quit on my last cheque.

Its all good because I get a call from Nabors Drilling as I'm smoking a joint while operating the compactor and they want me to come in tomorrow for a drug test and physical. Its all good I buy the flush kit, pass the test and then i land a fly in/fly out gig a few days later. My new crew is the definition of rig pigs. Every hitch I worked with them at least one rig-hand got ran off by the crew or just plain quit. Between rig moves I flew to Mexico and Peru (read datasheets) then in November I quit the rigs and flew on a one way ticket to Philippines determined to make a solid plan of action for when I return.

Now I'm back in Edmonton at age 23, started a business here in the city that is going to take off in April and now on my way to do what I do best.

My point for the guys still wondering if they should make the move since oil is down. My simple answer would be a definite yes. Alberta is still there for the taking for whoever wants it no matter what the news or lazy people tell them.

Even though being a righand was a cool in theory in reality its a job that I really hated and was miserable while I was working. However bad it was it made me grow a pair, and I know that if I can work on a big dirty triple and impress an old school drilling crew, I can do anything I want.

Winter is nearly over but the threat of frost bite is still a problem. This situation can lead to a dilemma. Wear a balaclava which inevitably leads to fogging up your safety glasses making it impossible to see. Or take off your safety glasses and risk getting fired for not complying to safety standards.

Onset of frost bite at only -27 (not including wind chill)


Update: Got hired in early Feb with a company subcontracting for Suncor to finish up a tank farm as a general labourer. It was by far the least labour intensive job I've had as a general labourer in construction but paid the most. In my experience to my surprise so far industrial general labour construction work has been far less physically demanding than residential or commercial construction work.

Stayed at the executive Beaver River lodge 50 km north of fort mac and it was higher quality than the hotels i've stayed at for work. My own suite with my own shitter and shower, sound proof engineered walls, nice gym and great food.


Outstanding buffet

Prime Rib


BBQ Beef Ribs


New York Steak and Trout


Butter Chicken and Pork Chops


Steak, Mussels and Pork Loin


This was the second job i've been layed off of within 3 months, but I agree there is still some opportunity in the city but finding a half decent paying job is very competitive right now. Just before I landed this last gig, earlier this month, as a last resort for some emergency funds I showed up to a few temp agencies during the opening hour for same day general labour work (labour ready, TLC, workforce) and they were all packed to the gills, plenty left disappointed I bet with no work, returning to hungry mouths left unfed, luckily I have no dependents or my life would be a fucking mess right now, but I also left with no work.

The shit has hit the fan.

Anyone else been laid off this winter? Excited for the spring shutdown season hopefully there will be some pickup.

Any land surveyors up there? I''m boutta start an apprenticeship program down here in California. After a few years I'd be lookin' to get up there into the great white north for some good money.

Just met up with Dejan today who is a cool guy. He just arrived a few days ago and has a lot of Electrical experience. He should do well. Also just spotted that post by donnie514 above which is pretty cool story - nice work man.

I am off Saturday if anyone wants to meet up before then.

(02-26-2015 08:10 PM)Kdog Wrote:  Anyone else been laid off this winter? Excited for the spring shutdown season hopefully there will be some pickup.

Yup... The layoffs started mid Jan. About 20% of the guys off the bat, then 1-2 across all depts each week after. My number was up ~3 weeks ago. Since then there has been more, and as of yesterday I heard they just passed the 50% mark (for our group of about 15). I think we were targeted purely for our experience. While that's a great thing to have when it's busy, when it isn't all the top brass see is a bloated salary from 5-20 years of merit increases, and people who've been around long enough that they won't as readily put up with the BS that a fresh from school 22 yo will.

Honestly though after 7+ years it's as much a relief as anything. This industry can set you up financially and provide great opportunities, and it can be hard to leave on your own. At the same time, it's almost impossible to have a normal life, hobbies, or relationships outside the industry. Especially if you can't get up and leave for the better part of the year like many here do. I've slowly gained 30 lbs since 2006. Each attempt to start working out again got derailed when you're off in the middle of nowhere for weeks on end eating out of gas stations and sleeping crazy hours in a pickup. Almost every serious long timer I've met is divorced, overweight, doesn't have much going for them aside from money, and isn't quite right. I definitely saw hints of myself going down that path.

Anyways, short term plan is to wind down all my AB/work/tax financial stuff here while starting to get back into shape, liquidate stuff, move car back to NS, then hit the road. Get more into trekking/diving in SE Asia and Africa. Maybe some serious language courses, maybe a masters in a year or so maybe buy a van and tour all over North America like Atlantic was planning a while back. Hit up all the national parks on the continent. Or maybe same thing but in Australia. I'm still at the most preliminary stage, but am excited for what the future holds.

Just one HUGE THANX to Atlantic for finding time to meet with me and also for lending me some of his work gear. He is a great young guy.

JOB POSTING (pm me for more info)

in town, construction, 20+ an hour (depending on experience/if you're driving a truck/trailer). Super chill/easy aside from being dirty and having occasional broken up days or slow weeks. I've been averaging around 40h a week and once it picks up with the weather there will be tons more work.

Requirements:

- don't be a fuckup or a whiny bitch. no show/no call or shitty excuse = auto fire, take breaks when you need but dont spend all day fucking around.
- have some kind of knowledge of power tools/mechanics/other shit (will train though its not that hard)
- PPE, CSTS (first aid would would be beneficial)
- looking for something longer term. at least stick it out through the summer and you can make some pretty good coin until oil picks up.
- 25+ years old with a clean drivers abstract. and can drive a pickup+trailer (not necessary but this will put you to the top of the list)

Thats pretty much it. Every once and a while theres a slow few days but they'll find work for you (around their house/shop) if you really need it.

^ Maybe get in touch with Dejan. He has just arrived and would fit most of those requirements. Good post WesternCancer

Wha gwan,

I have not posted in a while as I have been working like a Mexican, which means I work from 10 to 10 and 10 again. Did anyone get that Big Sean reference? Anyway, it seems likely that my rig will be racking up after our current hole, might end up going back for half a hitch to finish it, might not, tis' the nature of the beast.

I've been working more or less straight since October (had a long break at Christmas) up North on a drilling rig as a leasehand and a short hitch as a roughneck. I've had a few laughs and learned many things. Honest to God I don't think it's a difficult job, physically yes it can be strenuous, especially during rig move but like everything you get used to it.

To reiterate what's been said many times on the thread, the bar is set very low. If you have a good work ethic, are proficient with tools and can figure things out on your own they'll love you up North. You get so many monkey's up here it's shocking, the leasehand on the other crew for example got skidded for being a useless bollix. Something went wrong with a pump one night and he was asked to close a valve, to which he responded 'which way do I turn it?'.

Christ, if you don't know which way to turn a valve, then you have no business being up here, but on the other hand if your not retarded then you'll probably do well for yourself. Although obviously with the current economic situation the chances of you getting a job are minuscule. But like all things in life it will eventually bounce back, boom follows recession follows boom and round and round it goes.

I suppose the key is to be a student of history and learn something from this and past situations. The fat times are not the time to spend money, the time to spend money is in the lean times when desperate cunts are looking to sell all their worldly possessions. It's a buyer's market out there right now for anyone is looking for a truck, tools, property etc.

I had an interesting conversation with a forum member recently who, going against the grain of what most people are saying, discussed how he was feeling a little burnt out and looking forward to a break. Whereas I'm sure most people on the thread would like to have the problem of too much work, that is until you have too much work. Just food for thought.

Either way I have enjoyed it, I am enjoying it. I worked several nights at -40 while moving the rig, which means all the power is off, which means all the heaters are off. After a few nights of that I now have a much deeper understanding of Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which if you are unfamiliar with here's an illustration, also I would suggest you read more.



It's a representation of the needs of every human to be happy in hierarchical order, meaning the base of the pyramid is the most important and the tip least important. Example, you won't give a fuck about conquering your fear of approaching women if your starving to death. Pretty obvious right?

Now what does this have to do with anything. Being colder than you have ever been in life will put everything in perspective. I didn't care about being tired, hungry, thirsty, horny etc. I didn't care about my past discretion's, horrible failures or great victories. I didn't care about birds, friends or even family. All I cared about in those moments was being warm.

And I found it gave me great clarity, now back in Edmonton on days off if any thoughts of boredom, frustration, nervousness run through my head. I think 'shut the fuck up faggot' you could be so cold that your fingers barely move and your wrists feel like they've been hit with a hammer. If your not freezing your dick off or dying of thirst or hunger then life is pretty fucking great.

So, I recommend it to all of you, put yourself in a situation where your so cold you consider suicide because at least in hell you'll be warm. You'll be all the better for it.

If anyone wants to meet up for a social interaction, give us a shout. And allow me to be abundantly clear it does have to involve alcohol. The last time I went drinking in Edmonton, the night followed it's likely pattern of whiskey more whiskey, chop, a Scottish bird with loose morals and culminated in her boyfriend and two pals kicking in my front door with the intention of giving me a beating.

Good luck

^^^Lol at the dude who couldn't shut the valve off, so long sucker!
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I love this thread.

Also I'll ad that you lazy Brits and North American folk are riding a high wage gravy train in my eyes. Come to Florida and try to make that kind of jack.

Point is don't make fun of Florida any more or we will come to canada and steal all your easy jobs.

(03-13-2015 08:35 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  Point is don't make fun of Florida any more or we will come to canada and steal all your easy jobs.

You say that now.

Wait till you are outside for a 12 hr shift and it's -30 C.

(03-13-2015 08:39 PM)Darius Wrote:  

(03-13-2015 08:35 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  Point is don't make fun of Florida any more or we will come to canada and steal all your easy jobs.

You say that now.

Wait till you are outside for a 12 hr shift and it's -30 C.

You see then that I don't have to ever. So who's smart?

(03-13-2015 08:56 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  

(03-13-2015 08:39 PM)Darius Wrote:  

(03-13-2015 08:35 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  Point is don't make fun of Florida any more or we will come to canada and steal all your easy jobs.

You say that now.

Wait till you are outside for a 12 hr shift and it's -30 C.

You see then that I don't have to ever. So who's smart?

So your threat to come steal our jobs was all bluster.

(03-13-2015 09:26 PM)Darius Wrote:  

(03-13-2015 08:56 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  

(03-13-2015 08:39 PM)Darius Wrote:  

(03-13-2015 08:35 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  Point is don't make fun of Florida any more or we will come to canada and steal all your easy jobs.

You say that now.

Wait till you are outside for a 12 hr shift and it's -30 C.

You see then that I don't have to ever. So who's smart?

So your threat to come steal our jobs was all bluster.

I'll send people.

El Mech, the Floridians would have to be able to find Canada on a map in order to come up and steal all of our jobs!

(03-14-2015 01:12 AM)scotian Wrote:  El Mech, the Floridians would have to be able to find Canada on a map in order to come up and steal all of our jobs!

Yeah I was kidding. My AC in my house blew up yesterday... I have about 5 friends that do ac and a pile of cash in my pocket guess who's going to be changing it today?

You can't get people here to anything. I text them they want to talk about boats and bikes.

(03-13-2015 08:11 PM)scotian Wrote:  ^^^Lol at the dude who couldn't shut the valve off, so long sucker!

It was priceless lad, everything in the world (with the exception of propane) works on that system, but yet he was screaming back 'which way'. I had quite a few lost in translation moments myself starting out. A lot of the names over here for hand tools are different in Ireland. For instance, I was asked to grab a 'cresent wrench', to which I replied 'what the fuck is a cresent wrench'. Buddy takes me to the tool room picks it up and says 'what kind of leasehand doesn't know what a cresent wrench is?' I pointed at it and said 'that's an adjustable spanner'. Then you have Newf's calling them thumb wrench's. I've had to take the word spanner out of my vocabulary.

Rig vernacular cracks me up, we have weird terms for everything. 'Stab the pipe', 'dope the pipe', 'strap the pipe', 'bird bath', 'dog house', 'fuck stick'. On the subject of Newf's, how have I gone my whole life not knowing that there's an island of people that sound like they're from Cork. I work with a few of them and everything they say cracks me up........bhoy. Working up North most people assume I am a Newf even other Newf's. Most ask me if I'm from the South Shore, I need to visit this place.

It's funny that Newf's seem to perceived the same as Irish people as well; backward, hard working and a bit stupid.

(03-13-2015 08:33 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  lazy Brits

Correct me if I'm wrong but no British gentlemen made the move, if so show yourselves.

(03-13-2015 08:33 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  Point is don't make fun of Florida

My goodness, where to begin:

Florida, where I discovered that Latino's don't all like each other, especially Cuban's. Many of whom will tell you they can trace they're lineage back to Spain giving you the impression that they don't want to be considered Latin and are in fact white. This might help explain why so many Cuban's are republican

Florida, where the production and distribution of Meth is considered a legitimate family business

Florida, where people think it's reasonable to own a pet crocodile and release said crocodile into the swamp when it gets too big

Florida, where people also do this with Phyton's

Florida, where people move when they think Louisiana isn't quite humid enough

Florida, where old Jewish people go to die and young Latino's go to rob them

Florida, where you'll meet many upstanding American's such as that lad who a ate a homeless gentleman's face

Florida, where the only decent to come out of there was a documentary (Cocaine Cowboy's) that points out how fucked up of a place it is

Florida, I could go on but I feel as though I'm 'punching down' as SJW's are famous for saying

(03-14-2015 01:43 PM)Seanchaí Wrote:  

(03-13-2015 08:33 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  lazy Brits

Correct me if I'm wrong but no British gentlemen made the move, if so show yourselves.

(03-13-2015 08:33 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  Point is don't make fun of Florida

My goodness, where to begin:

Florida, where I discovered that Latino's don't all like each other, especially Cuban's. Many of whom will tell you they can trace they're lineage back to Spain giving you the impression that they don't want to be considered Latin and are in fact white. This might help explain why so many Cuban's are republican

Florida, where the production and distribution of Meth is considered a legitimate family business

Florida, where people think it's reasonable to own a pet crocodile and release said crocodile into the swamp when it gets too big

Florida, where people also do this with Phyton's

Florida, where people move when they think Louisiana isn't quite humid enough

Florida, where old Jewish people go to die and young Latino's go to rob them

Florida, where you'll meet many upstanding American's such as that lad who a ate a homeless gentleman's face

Florida, where the only decent to come out of there was a documentary (Cocaine Cowboy's) that points out how fucked up of a place it is

Florida, I could go on but I feel as though I'm 'punching down' as SJW's are famous for saying

I would still pick Florida if I had the choice over Alberta ANY day.


If anyone is good at mechanical and DIY projects and wants some extra cash let me know send me a PM and Im sure we can work something out.

-install Inlet and hook up electrical wiring to a 12 foot trailer unit. Going to need around 6 electrical outlets for the trailer.

-Silence a 9000watt conventional generator. Im thinking to buy an atv muffler stick it on the gen and have it going through the roof of the trailer. Also make a soundproof box that can cover gen.

for more details just PM. Cash job.

Also for the boys looking for more stable work. My buddy is going to need some construction guys starting up this April. He can pay competitively as far as City wages go.

Seanchaí Wrote:A lot of the names over here for hand tools are different in Ireland. For instance, I was asked to grab a 'cresent wrench', to which I replied 'what the fuck is a cresent wrench'. Buddy takes me to the tool room picks it up and says 'what kind of leasehand doesn't know what a cresent wrench is?' I pointed at it and said 'that's an adjustable spanner'. Then you have Newf's calling them thumb wrench's. I've had to take the word spanner out of my vocabulary.

Fun trivia - in Australia the adjustable spanner is called a 'shifter'.

what about IT related work