Working in the oil and gas industry isn’t for everyone. It can be demanding, tough, and require long hours, it also often takes place in remote locations. However, it can also be a rewarding and enjoyable career, with the potential for a high income and exciting work.
Let’s explore six benefits as well as some disadvantages of working in oil and gas industry that people wish they had known before getting hired.
Competitive Salaries
Most people are aware that the oil and gas industry pays well. It is one of the highest-paid industries out there. There are many opportunities to increase your earnings over time, especially if you grow a career.
Technical positions like pipeline operators, drilling engineers, and field engineers are in high demand, so the salaries for these roles are also high. Unlink other industries; as the cost of oil rises, so do the workers’ salaries.
Competitive Health Benefits
Oil and gas companies employ a wide range of employees, and the healthcare needs differ. Because of this, the industry needs to offer competitive health benefits that look after people who work in demanding roles.
For this reason, many gas and oil companies will offer tailored health and medical benefits to match roles. Junior employees, for instance, may receive lower and more appropriate health benefits than someone in a more senior role.
With so many companies in other industries reducing healthcare benefits to try and reduce costs, those in the oil and gas industry use benefit packages to attract and retain more employees.
Opportunities to Advance
The oil and gas industry offers many exciting career opportunities and the chance to grow a long career. You can begin with a high-school diploma in an entry-level role and then work to the top.
Even though highly experienced roles will always be in demand in this industry, there will always be people leaving to retire, leaving companies looking to fill roles.
These companies like to recruit students and high school graduates and give them quality training to develop a career.
If you love to excel and are committed to learn, many oil and gas companies are willing to invest in your career growth.
Ongoing Learning and Training
Providing ongoing training and learning to employees is beneficial not only for employees but also for companies. Ensuring employees are trained and learning new skills improves overall performance and increases productivity.
This is an essential part of career advancement and retention for oil and gas industry workers. Companies are keen to hold onto employees they invested in, which will help them along their career path.
This means that if you start a career in an entry-level position, you can begin to advance through the ranks.
It also means that employees are up-to-date with the latest safety standards and health information, reducing the risk of injury and accidents while on the job.
Travel Opportunities
The oil and gas industry spans the world, meaning it can travel between projects to numerous countries.
Also, some oil jobs mean you must work on land, rigs on the water, or offshore jobs.
Not only does this provide you with a diverse working environment, but it also means you can avoid burnout from being in the same routine every day.
If you are not interested in jet setting while working for the oil and gas industry, you can stay on-site or within one region.
Either way, the option is there for you to benefit from travel opportunities and see new places worldwide.
Work-Life Balance
One part of working in the oil and gas industry that stands out is the long hours workers need and the lengthy time away from home.
The oil and gas companies recognize the commitment and struggle that comes with this, so they offer flexible working conditions and recreational time off.
Not only does this help employees avoid burnout and stress, but it also increases employee happiness, satisfaction, and productivity.
As you can see, many great reasons exist to pursue a career in the oil and gas industry. However, it is also essential to think about the potential downsides, as you would with any other industry.
6 Disadvantages I Wish I Knew Before Getting Hired
It’s a good idea to look at some disadvantages of working in the oil and gas industry that people wish they had known before getting hired.
Stress and Disappointment
Some of the oil and gas industry roles can lead to stress.
One of the main reasons for this is the long hours; you will sometimes be expected to work night shifts and irregular hours as the drills need to be active and manned 24/7. Working long hours under harsh and demanding standards and staying away from family and friends can make the role challenging.
Additionally, pipeline operators may face pressure if they are faced with the need to protect the local environment.
Dangerous Working Conditions
Most oil and gas industry jobs are considered hazardous, especially if you are working in a technical role. You can be exposed to toxic gases, chemicals, or fires. You must also ensure that you are always fully aware of your surroundings. Mistakes can lead to dangerous consequences.
The roles are physically demanding and can lead to injuries such as muscle strains, severe fatigue, fractures, and burns commonly caused by machinery failures, falls, chemical exposure, and even explosions.
The responsibility of minimizing and eliminating the danger involved in this job lies with the RTSC.
Work in Extreme Weather Conditions
No matter what the weather is, offshore installation never stops. An offshore rig worker has to continue their role and routine, even the physically demanding roles, whether it is raining, snowing, or torrid weather.
If you can’t deal with extreme weather conditions, you may need to reconsider your choice to work in this industry and find another line of work.
Long Working Hours
The work that is on an oil rig is limitless. Therefore, most employees must work continuously for 12 hours straight for 7-28 days, depending on their rotation. Overtime is also sometimes necessary for emergencies or projects.
Working in the oil and gas industry isn’t for the weak; the roles include excruciating labor, which is only achievable if you are a motivated individual who is fully aware and happy with the working hours.
Extended Leave from Home
If you find being away from your loved ones challenging for extended periods, you will struggle to work in the oil and gas industry, especially on an oil rig.
You will usually be expected to stay away from home for 7-28 days, sometimes more if you sign on for an extra rotation or the demand is there. If you can’t do this, this industry is probably not for you.
That being said, if you can find work on a land-based rig you can spend more time at home. However, the pay is significantly lower than if you were to work on an off-shore one.
Lack of Stability
Oil and gas offers a competitive salary and has excellent job prospects, meaning a stable work environment. A shortage of workers means that currently skilled people are in demand.
However, the need for a concrete location can undermine its stability. You may need to move frequently to gain access to the best opportunities. This gives some people a sense of uncertainty and makes them feel like they can’t put down roots. This may be even worse if you have a family and must move them often to ensure you pursue the best opportunities and follow the highest-paying roles.
Conclusion
The oil and gas industry is a great place to work if you seek high-paid roles, exciting work, and the chance to travel the world. However, it is also essential to be fully aware of the disadvantages to working in the oil and gas industry before you move into a career in this field.
The challenging hours, extended time away from home, and dangerous working conditions are all critical factors to consider. With that said, if you are looking for a challenging role that keeps you on your toes and provides you with many benefits, a career in the oil and gas industry can be an exciting and rewarding career to start.
