Entering the Petroleum Industry in the 21st Century

Hi everyone. Being in a hotel room for 235+ days has its disadvantages for certain, but it has allowed me to collate some thoughts to put in print.

So, I've been in the oil & gas industry since 1993. I started out as a rigger for a cased hole electric wireline company on land. Even at the young age of 18 I learned so much, so fast. In those first 3 years, I moved to another State, worked in a different area, and saw some new ways of doing things.

During those days it wasn't uncommon to work some really crazy hours and be up when you should be sleeping, but work didn't allow such things. We were busy and if you wanted to stay working, you had to run with it.

Over the years, Ive worked myself through, cased hole wireline, frac and stimulation, radioactive tracers and completion evaluation, horizontal well intervention with coiled tubing and tractors, and subsea light well intervention.

In these years, I have seen the globe (onshore artic land/desert and offshore from shallow to ultra deepwater locations) and this business has shaped me, no doubt. I undoubtebly would not be the person I am today without the things I have experienced due to this industry. Many pros and also many cons.

I was fortunate to make it through downturns in the early and late 90's and in the 00's before 2015 hit. The industry has become more volatile over the years where it used to be more stable. In the past there were longer times between the serious peaks and valleys.

If you are thinking of entering this industry I suggest to take a long hard look at the history of this business. I am not trying to deter anyone from entering as this has supported me and my family for my lifetime (well during those layoff times it didn't), but consider what you are ready to put yourself through and how long it can be viable.

If you still think you have what it takes to be available 24/7/365 in whatever the weather conditions where you work dictate, you have a strong work ethic, different cultures interest you, come and join us. Just know what you are getting into.