The oil and gas industry comes with a lot of perks. It also comes with significant risks and disadvantages. It definitely requires an acquired taste, but for some, it’s the best possible scenario for them. If you’re considering a job in the oil and gas business, here are some indicators you’ll love it.
1. You know your stuff.
Oil drilling and refining is a complex process that requires extensive knowledge and precision to succeed. This is one of the most profitable and precious careers in the industry, and you can’t afford to make mistakes.
Those interested in entering the oil business should have a background involving engineering, pump works, geological management, politics, and more. If the intensive processes that revolve around drilling excite you, you’re probably in the right industry.
2. You don’t mind being away from home.
On rare occasions, those who work in the oil business are able to live near the site with a reasonable commute. More often, however, they’re usually away from home. If you choose to work on an oil rig you’ll likely be living more than half the year on an oil rig or at a distant drilling site.
Most of the time, you’ll have contact with your families, but sometimes, you might go several days or weeks without making contact. If you don’t have a family or that doesn’t bother you, you won’t mind the distance.
The biggest perk is that you get to travel the world. Oil sites are located around the globe, and you’ll likely get to see many of them if you stick with the industry long enough.
3. You like making a lot of money.
This is perhaps the biggest draw to the oil industry. The salary for all in the operation is usually very generous. If you’re in management or a chief engineer, you’re looking at a significant paycheck and bonus!
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly earnings for all employees is nearly $50 per hour with a starting wage of nearly $30 per hour.
4. You don’t mind a little risk.
Unfortunately, the oil and gas industry isn’t the safest. According to the same Bureau of Labor Statistics information, about 8 people die each year in the oil and gas industry. If there’s an explosion, like the infamous Deepwater Horizon catastrophe, the death toll rises significantly.
Your risks of being injured or permanently disabled are also shockingly high. Most people come out on top, but a few become victims of life-altering injuries.
All in all, the oil and gas industry could provide a highly fulfilling career for you. It’s all about using your strengths and interests to make the most out of your career.
