Oil and gas jobs offer enticing opportunities for career growth and financial stability, often drawing employees away from their homes and families for extended periods. While the lure of travel and added income potential is strong, the toll on personal lives, mental well being, and family dynamics cannot be overlooked. Let’s explore the plight of oilfield employees, examining the multifaceted impact of working away from home and family.
Income potential and benefits of oil and gas jobs
One of the main attractions of oil and gas jobs is the high salary and benefits that they offer, attracting individuals seeking to secure a stable future for their families. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for oil and gas extraction workers was $54,980 in 2020, which is much higher than the national average of $41,950. Oil and gas workers also enjoy perks such as bonuses, overtime pay, health insurance, retirement plans, and paid vacations.
However, the income potential comes at a cost. Oil and gas workers have to work long hours, often 12 hours a day or more, for several weeks or months at a time. They also have to deal with harsh weather conditions, dangerous equipment, and hazardous substances. The work can be physically demanding, mentally exhausting, and emotionally draining. These are all-weather jobs, and often the longest shifts are during the most extreme weather.
Impact on family and kids, especially spouses and partners
Another major drawback of oil and gas jobs is the impact on family and kids. Working away from home for extended periods can strain relationships, especially with spouses and partners. Oilfield spouses often have to take care of everything at home, from household chores to childcare to finances. They may feel lonely, overwhelmed, abandoned, or resentful. They may also worry about their partner’s safety and fidelity.
The regular and prolonged absence of one or both parents can have a profound impact on children. Building strong parent-child relationships is difficult with an absent parent. Children may have feelings of loneliness or abandonment, anxiety, insecurity, or anger. They may have trouble adjusting to school or socializing with peers, or even develop behavioral or emotional problems. Kids miss their parent’s presence, guidance, and support, and may act out in an attempt to get their parents’ attention.
Psychological impact of isolation, stress, and uncertainty
Working away from home can also take a toll on the mental health of oil and gas employees. Isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness, boredom, or depression. Stress is a common feature of an oil and gas worker, resulting from a large variety of causes. Examples include the long hours, heavy workload, and high expectations of the job; conflict with coworkers or supervisors; the uncertainty of oil prices, layoffs, or changes in work locations and schedules.
These psychological factors can affect the well being and performance of employees working remotely. They may have trouble sleeping, eating, or concentrating. They may develop substance abuse or addiction problems. They may suffer from anxiety disorders, mood disorders, or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Living conditions and challenges of staying in hotels or camps
Another aspect of oilfield life that can be challenging is the living conditions. Oilfield employees often have to stay in hotels or camps near their work sites. These accommodations may vary in quality, comfort, and amenities. Some camps and hotels are clean, spacious, and well equipped. Others may be less well maintained. Some camps may have wifi, and offer recreational facilities such as gyms, pools, game rooms, and a 24 hour kitchen. Others may have far more limited options.
The living conditions can affect the satisfaction and morale of oil and gas employees. They may feel comfortable and relaxed in their temporary homes. Or the transient lifestyle may lead to a sense of rootlessness and a lack of belonging, impacting mental well being and leaving them uncomfortable, restless, or unhappy. They may also face issues such as noisy neighbors, privacy and security concerns.
Other important factors to consider before choosing an oil and gas job
Besides the income potential and the impact on family and mental health, there are other important factors to consider before choosing an oil and gas job. These include:
- The skills and qualifications required for the job
- The training and education opportunities available for career advancement
- The safety standards and regulations followed by the employer
- The environmental impact and social responsibility of the industry
- The personal values and goals of the individual
Oil and gas jobs are not for everyone. They require a certain level of commitment, adaptability, and resilience. They also involve a lot of sacrifices and challenges. The financial rewards and career opportunities are hard to beat though, and the experiences give you plenty of stories to tell.
Before deciding to pursue an oil and gas job, it is important to weigh the pros and cons carefully. It’s not just a job, it’s a lifestyle. It is also important to consult with family members, especially partners and children.