To oil, or not to oil? Help!

[youfiad]

So, my life is coming to its inevetable start... I am graduating in May, taking a three month vacation in Europe, coming back home and going to hopefully work, work, work, work. Now, I live in Minnesota, the land of, well, not too much. So, as many of you know, North Dakota has recently been having an oil bloom that is paying people thousands of dollars a week to work. Now, my question to you all is whether or not you guys think that this would be a good thing to do for a few months? Does anybody have any personal experiences to share?

The reason I ask is because I've always looked forward to having some financial freedom, and I feel that this could be my short term option for having some academic freedom. And since more college graduates end up being unemployed than they do finding a nice, financially secure job, this is starting to sound like my only option...

I love you all . Be gentle!

[borg69unimatrix]

I have cousins in North Dakota.

They said (last year) that there were a TON of jobs there, but the growth rate was so big, so fast, and that flooding they had there aren't any places to live once you get there.

I don't know if that's changed or not.

[G-Lexington]

If it were a temporary job, then I don't see any reason not to give it a try.

Lex

[youfiad]

I have cousins in North Dakota.

They said (last year) that there were a TON of jobs there, but the growth rate was so big, so fast, and that flooding they had there aren't any places to live once you get there.

I don't know if that's changed or not.

Ohh, I'm already aware of the lack of housing. There are temporary living arrangements that are more like dorm rooms than anything, but I'm not a very demanding person in those aspects. I tend to be more reserved anyway, so I would have no problem being stuck in a small room with internet and a computer on my free time. I can do research and talking with people

[BENDERBOY]

Well, lets not mention that i thought this was a thread about you oiling yourself up.

It's only a few months, so why not.

[xbuzzerx]

Ohh, I'm already aware of the lack of housing. There are temporary living arrangements that are more like dorm rooms than anything, but I'm not a very demanding person in those aspects. I tend to be more reserved anyway, so I would have no problem being stuck in a small room with internet and a computer on my free time. I can do research and talking with people

I'd say go for it then. Why the heck not? Especially with pay like that if you just want part time work, it sounds good.

Crowded dorm style living arrangements make for meeting a lot of people too. Eyebrow wiggle.

[looseliam]

I'm with Bender on oiling you up... but I digress...

When you come back from Europe, give it a shot. You've nothing to lose. I think it'd be a great experience all around.

As you grow older you'll find the things you regret the most are the things you didn't do.

[FPNY]

if you don't think of it as your career, and know that you don't want to make it your career, then do it. You need something to do anyway, just always remember to work on what you think you want your career to be. I don't think there could be anything worse than winding up forced into a job that is not your first choice...

[kevin23]

Gentle as I can be, but three months in Europe after graduation sounds like you have much more financial freedom than most.

[youfiad]

Gentle as I can be, but three months in Europe after graduation sounds like you have much more financial freedom than most.

Well, it entirely helps that I get free room and board. Otherwise, I wouldn't be going at all.

[Harke the Boeotarch]

Go get that job.

[Hard-up1]

I suspect Youfiad is spending time in Europe after his graduation in the inexpensive hostel mode, no?

Youfiad, jump on the chance to get ahead, even in the oil boom. Remember that your plan may be only for a few months, but could easily stretch into a few years. That still should be the jumpstart you wish for, even at the cost of a couple of years.

Find some cute guys, in Europe, in Dakota, wherever. All the best to you.

[youfiad]

I suspect Youfiad is spending time in Europe after his graduation in the inexpensive hostel mode, no?

Youfiad, jump on the chance to get ahead, even in the oil boom. Remember that your plan may be only for a few months, but could easily stretch into a few years. That still should be the jumpstart you wish for, even at the cost of a couple of years.

Find some cute guys, in Europe, in Dakota, wherever. All the best to you.

I'm spending my time in Europe with my ex, at his place. I know many Europeans so that I really wouldn't have to even stay in a hostel. But yes, if it comes to it, hostel type of a guy.

[Hard-up1]

I'm spending my time in Europe with my ex, at his place. I know many Europeans so that I really wouldn't have to even stay in a hostel. But yes, if it comes to it, hostel type of a guy.

I love hearing both of those options. We hope you are able to post as you travel. We can enjoy vicariously quite a bit, kinda like Vince's travels in Australia.

Wish I'd known of hostels when I finished college, although I didn't have any money at all, so probably could not have enjoyed that privilege, although I love to meet people and dislike formal tours except in museums.




Oh, and if you get oiled up, we want pics of that, too.

[youfiad]

I will most definately be posting while abroad. Don't you worry about that.

I've been thinking about doing a pic on amateur section. It would be strictly PG shirtless, but, you know. There would be no oil, however.

[Hard-up1]

I will most definately be posting while abroad. Don't you worry about that.

I've been thinking about doing a pic on amateur section. It would be strictly PG shirtless, but, you know. There would be no oil, however.

Perhaps not before our resident Photoshoppers fixed up the pics, but . . .

By all means, do post. We love your pics almost as much as your mind. Almost.

[youfiad]

Well if they want to add a tan an oil to the pics, tell them to be my guest!! It's just more work than I'm willing to do haha.

[refujiunderground]

the real question is can you handle the oil life? naw sike. the real question is seriously this time is what do you want to do after college. my guess is that you don't know. don't waste too much time thinking because the years go by quick after you leave school. it's no joke.

[xbuzzerx]

the real question is can you handle the oil life? naw sike. the real question is seriously this time is what do you want to do after college. my guess is that you don't know. don't waste too much time thinking because the years go by quick after you leave school. it's no joke.

Sike. That's awesome. I'm so nostalgic for the 90's now. Where's Huntneo.

[youfiad]

the real question is can you handle the oil life? naw sike. the real question is seriously this time is what do you want to do after college. my guess is that you don't know. don't waste too much time thinking because the years go by quick after you leave school. it's no joke.

Well, ideally I would like to enjoy life a little bit and make some money. Some concepts that have been fairly foreign in my life thus far.

[blackbeltninja]

A couple of months - why not?

-d-

[borg69unimatrix]

Well, ideally I would like to enjoy life a little bit and make some money. Some concepts that have been fairly foreign in my life thus far.

Refuji needs a job too... maybe you could take him with you?

[bankside]

We've had that oil boom for 25 years in Alberta. At least in our oil patch, they pay ridiculously well, but you can't just turn up and expect a job for a few months. People have screwed themselves financially trying that here. Know where you're going to work in advance and for how long, will make a big difference as to the success of this plan.

[youfiad]

We've had that oil boom for 25 years in Alberta. At least in our oil patch, they pay ridiculously well, but you can't just turn up and expect a job for a few months. People have screwed themselves financially trying that here. Know where you're going to work in advance and for how long, will make a big difference as to the success of this plan.

Well, for what I know, you have to go to North Dakota to talk to a recruiter in order to get a job. There is nothing on the internet from what I've found doing a bit of research. :-/

What do you mean about screwing themselves financially?

[borg69unimatrix]

One the surface, it sounds great. Like the old Gold Rush - Just show up, and make a butt load of money.

But the realities of it are what would scare me with the job conditions, housing, price of housing, weather conditions, details I wouldn't think about like labor contractors, possible unions, transportation, ...

I'm sure a lot of people have sold everything and moved there hoping to make it big, only to realize that like the Gold Rush of history, very few people actually prospered or broke even from what they put into it.

[youfiad]

One the surface, it sounds great. Like the old Gold Rush - Just show up, and make a butt load of money.

But the realities of it are what would scare me with the job conditions, housing, price of housing, weather conditions, details I wouldn't think about like labor contractors, possible unions, transportation, ...

I'm sure a lot of people have sold everything and moved there hoping to make it big, only to realize that like the Gold Rush of history, very few people actually prospered or broke even from what they put into it.

That's why I think I'm a prime candidate. Working conditions have improved a ton since the age of the gold-rush, I have no family, no house, no responsibilities, so if it didn't work out, the only thing I am out is about 2-3 months. But I'm thinking the payoff could be worth it in the end. Mostly, I was hoping to gain insights from people who have personal stories to share.

[borg69unimatrix]

I assume you've read this: ?

http://www.city-data.com/forum/north...akota-oil.html

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/201...esearch-first/

[bankside]

Well, for what I know, you have to go to North Dakota to talk to a recruiter in order to get a job. There is nothing on the internet from what I've found doing a bit of research. :-/

What do you mean about screwing themselves financially?

People drive to Fort Mcmurray hearing about $200 000 salaries for construction work and roughnecking and they figure even if that's the best case scenario they'll at least be making 150. Turns out you need certification, safety ratings, a job offer and the ability to pass drug screening in a city where there is nothing much to do but work, and spend your 200 000 paycheque doing lines of cocaine off of stripper tits. People get nailed by a couple of miscalculations.

[oakpope]

If North Dakota is not too far from your home, may I suggest making a few trips there to judge the situation by yourself ? See if getting a job and a room would be possible.

For your Europe's trip, I wish I had spare room, but alas none. Nevertheless I would gladly share drinks/meal with you if you go to Paris

PS : I read somewhere there could be health issue in those kind of jobs, be sure to not land a risky job, we kind of like you here

[youfiad]

People drive to Fort Mcmurray hearing about $200 000 salaries for construction work and roughnecking and they figure even if that's the best case scenario they'll at least be making 150. Turns out you need certification, safety ratings, a job offer and the ability to pass drug screening in a city where there is nothing much to do but work, and spend your 200 000 paycheque doing lines of cocaine off of stripper tits. People get nailed by a couple of miscalculations.

Lol, well I've never done drugs, I don't smoke, I hardly drink, I know that there isn't a need for certification to work on a rig, would be happy making even a modest 8000$/month (which I've heard you make much more). And I don't think I need to worry about doing lines of coke off strippers' tits, unless they are from a hunky man! :-D

[youfiad]

If North Dakota is not too far from your home, may I suggest making a few trips there to judge the situation by yourself ? See if getting a job and a room would be possible.

For your Europe's trip, I wish I had spare room, but alas none. Nevertheless I would gladly share drinks/meal with you if you go to Paris

PS : I read somewhere there could be health issue in those kind of jobs, be sure to not land a risky job, we kind of like you here

I'm sure I'm going to be spending the majority of my time in Paris, actually. That's where my ex and his family live -- well in the suburbs.

[Ganoderma]

If it were a temporary job, then I don't see any reason not to give it a try.Lex

^^^^^ This, and its a great way to get more work experience and you can mention such kind of work experience on your CV. Welcome to Europe (though you have already spend quite alot of time in Europe).

[cgymike]

People drive to Fort Mcmurray hearing about $200 000 salaries for construction work and roughnecking and they figure even if that's the best case scenario they'll at least be making 150. Turns out you need certification, safety ratings, a job offer and the ability to pass drug screening in a city where there is nothing much to do but work, and spend your 200 000 paycheque doing lines of cocaine off of stripper tits. People get nailed by a couple of miscalculations.

Sounds about right...but he's not Canadian is he? No sure how he can get in up here but the pay would be better than in the states for the lowest rungs I would think. Your story reminds me of the copper boom in Butte. Those boys could make over 200K and blow it all in a year or less. Drugs and gaming plus of course the local women...

[xbuzzerx]

Lol, well I've never done drugs, I don't smoke, I hardly drink, I know that there isn't a need for certification to work on a rig, would be happy making even a modest 8000$/month (which I've heard you make much more). And I don't think I need to worry about doing lines of coke off strippers' tits, unless they are from a hunky man! :-D

Someone here should totally volunteer for this job.

[borg69unimatrix]

Someone here should totally volunteer for this job.

You do the job, I'll hold the camera.

[xbuzzerx]

You do the job, I'll hold the camera.

This is the "Gold Rush" part though where we spend all of Youfiad's oil earnings on the coke, which then get snorted, and he breaks even. Poor fella.

[borg69unimatrix]

Huh... And I thought the "Gold Rush" part was getting to film it while you and Youfiad were doing it.

[bankside]

Lol, well I've never done drugs, I don't smoke, I hardly drink, I know that there isn't a need for certification to work on a rig, would be happy making even a modest 8000$/month (which I've heard you make much more). And I don't think I need to worry about doing lines of coke off strippers' tits, unless they are from a hunky man! :-D

Okay as long as you've got it sorted before you get there.

[Harke the Boeotarch]

a modest 8000$/month (which I've heard you make much more).

Reality called. She said she wanted her youfiad back.

[bankside]

Reality called. She said she wanted her youfiad back.

19 year olds can earn that much in the oil patch here, if they have a job before they go. But the requisite pick-up truck that goes with that lifestyle is expensive. And the cocaine-titted strippers.