Is it worth it, all things considered, to work on an offshore oil rig? Money and time off wise particularly.?

Question

You get 183 days of the year off if you are on a 2/2 rotation but standard office workers get about 134 if you include holidays and weekends so I am not sure how much better it is. Also whats the career progression like and initial wages? I am an Arts graduate so not Chemical/Engineering background.

Answer 1

i know of a few people who love their work on the rigs because of the rotation of shifts and the money is very well paid once your qualified in something on the rigs. lets just say you would get double the holidays and double the money working offshore

Answer 2

There are distinct benefits to working offshore in terms of time off and income, however you have to weigh that against the drawbacks.

You're getting the time off because you're very isolated while at work. Even getting along well with the people you work with doesn't make up for the fact that for (approximately) six months of the year they're the only people you'll see.

The high incomes are there due to the combination of expertise that you have (or will have after working on a rig for a while) and the dangers of working on an offshore platform. Remember, if you fall off in a storm there isn't a rescue option available.

You're being compensated for what you're doing, but you have to be prepared for the realities. You will be alone. You will be in danger. You will have difficulties having and maintaining relationships.

Good luck whatever your decision.