In part 1 of the article, I discussed the advantages of working on an oil rig. The advantages at a glance: good pay, excellent food and holidays in one piece.
Of course, there is not only sunshine on an oil or gas platform. So don’t beat about the bush.
Absolute don’ts on the oil rig
In addition to the freedom of movement, there are also bans on the oil rig for safety reasons, which apply to everyone without exception. Alcohol and drug consumption are strictly prohibited. Wild party nights and hangovers in the early morning? No way. All party desires must be postponed to the holiday period. You are on an oil rig to work, not to celebrate.
What about chain smokers? Due to high safety regulations, smoking is only permitted in certain zones. Seriously, you don’t want to be responsible for the explosion of an oil rig because you enjoyed smoking a cigarette in the forbidden area, do you?
Well.
Disadvantages of living on an oil rig
Privacy? Those who cannot do without it should rather not work offshore. Life on an oil rig is very cramped. You share your room with a stranger who may have different rest or sleep times than you or, in the worst case, snores extremely loud. Here, one can only recommend earplugs.
As in normal everyday life, some people you like more, others less. If you get along less well with someone, there are fewer ways to avoid the person on the oil or gas platform. Sooner or later you’ll be forced to cross your path, whether in the canteen or on your way to work. Eyes closed and right through? Due to the cramped situation, the potential for conflict is of course greater. It is more difficult for sensitive people to maintain private freedom. The boundaries of privacy become blurred. Sharing a room with a work colleague is certainly not everyone’s cup of tea.
Love chaos on the oil rig?
Since women have been on the rise in STEM occupations for some years now, more and more women can be found on the oil rig. What if you have more in common than a purely collegial relationship? And above all: How do you avoid yourself when the love of life has turned out to be a farce?
As in other areas of work formerly dominated by men, such as the army, this is a situation that can happen. According to a Statista survey from 2018, 26.3% of Austrians surveyed think that you can get to know a potential partner at work, especially if you are over 30 years old.
But the opposite case can also occur: Does love suffer from a long-distance relationship? According to a survey conducted by Parship in 2014, the most important prerequisite for a lasting love relationship is that you can always talk to your partner.
Thanks to modern communication technologies such as WhatsApp or Skype, it is possible to communicate with your loved ones even in the most remote places. 2nd place follows: “That you allow yourself enough freedom”. Miles away there should be enough free space for self-development. The oil rig does not become a relationship killer.
We at Yokogawa are always looking for new talents. Our jobs are ranging from (maintenance) engineers to commercial professions. Take a look at our job offers!
