Offshore work - or what else?
Discussion
I know the thread has probably been done before but I'd appreciate some case specific answers!
I'm 35, decent business degree and a 10 year solid (not to say stellar) sales career, and ready for a change. I'm in a position to be able to spend a bit on retraining, but want to know if it's worth it.
The idea of offshore work really appeals to me, but with no experience and at my age is it too late? What tickets should I get, and how much do these cost?
A few motivations, so feel free to tell me I've got it all wrong:
Firstly it's time - at the moment I work long hours and there's no end in sight. I don't mind hard work if it's a project, then when it's done it's over. I know you work long hard hours offshore but the spell off with the ability to spend some real quality time with friends and family and/or travel and do something I enjoy, as opposed to a weekend crammed with shopping and household stuff inbetween recovering from the work week.
Secondly it's the ability to live somewhere I would like, rather than my current line of work which ties me to living in or near a major city.
Last thing is the sheer boredom of a sales role. You put a deal together, make a bunch of presentations, match requirements and close. Collect the money, pass go and start all over again. That was a great buzz when I started, but it's faded now. Managing a team was fun at first, but I'm over that. Moving further up this ladder really doesn't appeal to me much, and nor does starting my own business - money is nice but I'm not so motivated by it anymore.
Otherwise, I'm practically minded, in decent physical shape and not scared of getting my hands dirty. I don't mind starting at the bottom and working my way up, and don't expect to waltz in on mega money from day 1.
Any help and advice greatly appreciated. And I am also open to suggestions for other lines of work that would answer the problems outlined above. I've thought of interim sales work and spoken with a couple of firms who cover that line or work, but to be honest I feel the salesman in me is dying and I've been in this world long enough to know that once that happens you're best off doing something else!
Thanks in advance.
I'm 35, decent business degree and a 10 year solid (not to say stellar) sales career, and ready for a change. I'm in a position to be able to spend a bit on retraining, but want to know if it's worth it.
The idea of offshore work really appeals to me, but with no experience and at my age is it too late? What tickets should I get, and how much do these cost?
A few motivations, so feel free to tell me I've got it all wrong:
Firstly it's time - at the moment I work long hours and there's no end in sight. I don't mind hard work if it's a project, then when it's done it's over. I know you work long hard hours offshore but the spell off with the ability to spend some real quality time with friends and family and/or travel and do something I enjoy, as opposed to a weekend crammed with shopping and household stuff inbetween recovering from the work week.
Secondly it's the ability to live somewhere I would like, rather than my current line of work which ties me to living in or near a major city.
Last thing is the sheer boredom of a sales role. You put a deal together, make a bunch of presentations, match requirements and close. Collect the money, pass go and start all over again. That was a great buzz when I started, but it's faded now. Managing a team was fun at first, but I'm over that. Moving further up this ladder really doesn't appeal to me much, and nor does starting my own business - money is nice but I'm not so motivated by it anymore.
Otherwise, I'm practically minded, in decent physical shape and not scared of getting my hands dirty. I don't mind starting at the bottom and working my way up, and don't expect to waltz in on mega money from day 1.
Any help and advice greatly appreciated. And I am also open to suggestions for other lines of work that would answer the problems outlined above. I've thought of interim sales work and spoken with a couple of firms who cover that line or work, but to be honest I feel the salesman in me is dying and I've been in this world long enough to know that once that happens you're best off doing something else!
Thanks in advance.
Just to clarify a couple of points:
Could afford "some training" - a long way short of training as an airline pilot, but let's set a budget of £5000 for training.
Time - month on month off really appeals to me, but I'd be open to something that allowed for a 6 month contract followed by a month break, or other ideas.
Money not a motivator - I'm not ready to retire, and while stuff like a postie in the Highlands could have it's moments I'd probably get pretty fed up being stuck on minimum wage for life.
Could afford "some training" - a long way short of training as an airline pilot, but let's set a budget of £5000 for training.
Time - month on month off really appeals to me, but I'd be open to something that allowed for a 6 month contract followed by a month break, or other ideas.
Money not a motivator - I'm not ready to retire, and while stuff like a postie in the Highlands could have it's moments I'd probably get pretty fed up being stuck on minimum wage for life.
I see lots of these "I want to work offshore" type threads usually accompanied by the "what do I need" question.
Firstly, to work offshore, in any role, you need the basic offshore survival (the BOSIET cost around a grand) and an offshore medical (UKOOA approved doctor, cost around a ton). That is the end of the advice I can give based on the above.
Saying you want to work offshore is a bit like saying I want to work in engineering or I want to work in Australia. What do you want to do? Clean toilets? There is a job offshore doing just this (steward), cook meals (chef) get dirty in some form (lots of entirely different roles) be office based (your office can be offshore). Do you want to work on platforms, rigs or boats? Different jobs and so different experiences/qualifications needed.
Most people cite the "time off" as the reason for going offshore. Ha! Only about 5% of offshore workers have a roatation (OK it might be a bit higher) most are employed as ad hoc. Even if on a salary, you are expected to do so many days a year, and you have no choice. It is almost impossible to plan your life ahead (if you want to attend a party in November next year, you had better book holidays now) and everything is always in a state of flux. I am currently offshore, came out for 10 - 14 days. I have another week to go which will mean 5 weeks offshore this trip. Will then be home for 12 days before returning.
Yes, the pay is better than average, but not especially so. I have worked offshore for 25 years and in real terms, pay now is less than it was. Keep in mind no work no pay (so holidays are unpaid, time off is unpaid so 14 days pay on a regular rota is actually 28 days pay), 84 hours a week minimum, no pension scheme, no sick pay. It is not all heaven.
Whilst typing this, I had a phone call. Now looks like I will not be needed back in 3 weeks time, as we are making better than expected progress. But, it depends on progress so I might be needed after all. It means I can only plan for the 12 days off as originally planned, but no gaurantee of work/pay despite being on call.
After 25 years hard graft, I have been lucky and got to the top of my chosen profession. Only about 1 in 100 get to my position, but even at the top all the above still applies. Would I do it again, probably. Would I recommend my profession? No. Would I recommend offshore? Depends.
So, think about it. If you like a structured life, offshore is not for you. Remember when you have time off, all your friends and family are at work. Decide if it is for you, and decide what sort of work you want to do, and ask again for advice based on that.
Finally, if it all goes to plan, you will need a major dose of luck to get the first offshore trip. It is far from easy to get the first trip. I am asked regularly to help but as I am in a senior position with a major oil company, I cannot help as it could be seen as favouritism. I know several people who on paper have everything they need to work offshore, including relevant experience, who have been trying for more than 2 years, even offering to do the first trip for free (this does not work btw) and still cannot get offshore. Do not underestimate how hard it can be to get the first trip.
HTH
Firstly, to work offshore, in any role, you need the basic offshore survival (the BOSIET cost around a grand) and an offshore medical (UKOOA approved doctor, cost around a ton). That is the end of the advice I can give based on the above.
Saying you want to work offshore is a bit like saying I want to work in engineering or I want to work in Australia. What do you want to do? Clean toilets? There is a job offshore doing just this (steward), cook meals (chef) get dirty in some form (lots of entirely different roles) be office based (your office can be offshore). Do you want to work on platforms, rigs or boats? Different jobs and so different experiences/qualifications needed.
Most people cite the "time off" as the reason for going offshore. Ha! Only about 5% of offshore workers have a roatation (OK it might be a bit higher) most are employed as ad hoc. Even if on a salary, you are expected to do so many days a year, and you have no choice. It is almost impossible to plan your life ahead (if you want to attend a party in November next year, you had better book holidays now) and everything is always in a state of flux. I am currently offshore, came out for 10 - 14 days. I have another week to go which will mean 5 weeks offshore this trip. Will then be home for 12 days before returning.
Yes, the pay is better than average, but not especially so. I have worked offshore for 25 years and in real terms, pay now is less than it was. Keep in mind no work no pay (so holidays are unpaid, time off is unpaid so 14 days pay on a regular rota is actually 28 days pay), 84 hours a week minimum, no pension scheme, no sick pay. It is not all heaven.
Whilst typing this, I had a phone call. Now looks like I will not be needed back in 3 weeks time, as we are making better than expected progress. But, it depends on progress so I might be needed after all. It means I can only plan for the 12 days off as originally planned, but no gaurantee of work/pay despite being on call.
After 25 years hard graft, I have been lucky and got to the top of my chosen profession. Only about 1 in 100 get to my position, but even at the top all the above still applies. Would I do it again, probably. Would I recommend my profession? No. Would I recommend offshore? Depends.
So, think about it. If you like a structured life, offshore is not for you. Remember when you have time off, all your friends and family are at work. Decide if it is for you, and decide what sort of work you want to do, and ask again for advice based on that.
Finally, if it all goes to plan, you will need a major dose of luck to get the first offshore trip. It is far from easy to get the first trip. I am asked regularly to help but as I am in a senior position with a major oil company, I cannot help as it could be seen as favouritism. I know several people who on paper have everything they need to work offshore, including relevant experience, who have been trying for more than 2 years, even offering to do the first trip for free (this does not work btw) and still cannot get offshore. Do not underestimate how hard it can be to get the first trip.
HTH
Thanks TfatC
Regarding what I want to do, it's more a case of what would I be able to do?
As per the original post I don't have any relevant qualifications or experience at this point, but am willing to start at the bottom, and/or pay for training.
I used to know a guy who worked in logistics but he'd sort of fallen into it from roughnecking and a bunch of other jobs.
I am guessing there isn't much call for salesmen in the middle of the north sea...
Regarding what I want to do, it's more a case of what would I be able to do?
As per the original post I don't have any relevant qualifications or experience at this point, but am willing to start at the bottom, and/or pay for training.
I used to know a guy who worked in logistics but he'd sort of fallen into it from roughnecking and a bunch of other jobs.
I am guessing there isn't much call for salesmen in the middle of the north sea...
If you want to work offshore then you need to go into it with your eyes wide open. You would be very very lucky to get a rotation straight away. I have been working offshore since I was 18. I am 24 now. This year my work pattern has gone as follows; 3 weeks off, 8 weeks away, 3 days off, 1 week away, 3 days off, 9 weeks away, 2 weeks off, 4 weeks away, 2 weeks holiday and I have been away since my holiday. I have had 13 days off since 15th of July. To add, when I have returned home from my trips away, I haven't been able to plan anything, I can get a phone call at any time with a requirement for me to go away the next morning. The only guaranteed time off I get is when I book holidays, and even then, I can only book holidays at certain times and even then, we are often asked to cancel them. I work for a major service company and this is the norm. I get paid a salary and then a day rate. So obviously the more days I do, the more I get paid. On average we are told we will do a minimum of 180 days a year. I have done in excess of 200 days so far this year. Next year I may only do 100 days. It's very unpredictable and impossible to plan for anything in the future.
The offshore industry always sounds like a good number to those not working in it. Your personal and social life is hugely effected by it. If I had a family with kids then I very much doubt I could do what I do now. You also have the addition safety risk to factor in as well.
I suggest you do your research into the different companies which operate in the Industry and the different disciplines, then you will be able to decide where you want to go with it. You can start at the bottom in any job, you just need to decide which job it is. We have loads of trainees start with us with all kinds of backgrounds and ages. Very recently we have had an Ex-journalist who is 41 start as a trainee with us.
The offshore industry always sounds like a good number to those not working in it. Your personal and social life is hugely effected by it. If I had a family with kids then I very much doubt I could do what I do now. You also have the addition safety risk to factor in as well.
I suggest you do your research into the different companies which operate in the Industry and the different disciplines, then you will be able to decide where you want to go with it. You can start at the bottom in any job, you just need to decide which job it is. We have loads of trainees start with us with all kinds of backgrounds and ages. Very recently we have had an Ex-journalist who is 41 start as a trainee with us.
Boredatwork said:
Thanks Easty
What did this ex journalist come in as? Sounds like someone in a similar position to me.
He came in as a Trainee Technician. He paid for his courses himself and basically landed lucky with us. He will earn a decent salary as a Trainee; circa £30k+ if he is kept busy throughout the year. The best time to get in with the service companies is March/April when it is coming into Shutdown season and when the companies are at their busiest. It helps quite a bit to have a bit of a mechanical/technical background, but it isn't impossible to get your foot into the door. In all fairness, in this industry (and most probably most others) it's usually not what you know, but who you know. Best of luck to you.What did this ex journalist come in as? Sounds like someone in a similar position to me.
Ok its not Offshore but its not far off. Why dont you try contract work abroad. Im in Afghan (starting to wind down so not exactly easy to get into) and there is emerging areas of Africa. Rotations are lot more structured, i do 3 months on and 1 month off. Although saying that im doing a long stretch of about 5 months then get month and half off. No horrible helicopters taking me back and forward from work, i do business with emirates. Now like Offshore you cant just rock up so would need some sort of skill to bring to the party. But what you will find is those lower end jobs are now being done by Third Party Nationals which mean a lot lower salary. Some companies are starting to suffer this, especially in the area i work in and are starting to go back to the Ex-pats to fill those slots.
Electricians and plumbers the norm but more in supervising roles.
Forget the drivers/chefs. They are 99% TCN's with only the Managers expats.
In the Fuel world i work in, there are jobs but tend to go with ex-military as its specific to the role and equipment thats used. Again like Offshore its easier if you bring something to the paty.
Forget the drivers/chefs. They are 99% TCN's with only the Managers expats.
In the Fuel world i work in, there are jobs but tend to go with ex-military as its specific to the role and equipment thats used. Again like Offshore its easier if you bring something to the paty.
Have a look at http://www.rigzone.com it should give you some sort of idea of the skill set that company's are currently looking for.
There's always plenty of jobs available on the supply/standby ships too mate. I went the long route to get my engineer OOW with a degree but if you don't mind starting at the bottom you wouldn't find it too much bother getting a job as a deckhand. You'd need basic STCW certs to work on ships, first aid, survival crafts & firefighting. probably cost about £1500 all in. I do 28/28 rotations which works pretty well...
surpryze said:
There's always plenty of jobs available on the supply/standby ships too mate. I went the long route to get my engineer OOW with a degree but if you don't mind starting at the bottom you wouldn't find it too much bother getting a job as a deckhand. You'd need basic STCW certs to work on ships, first aid, survival crafts & firefighting. probably cost about £1500 all in. I do 28/28 rotations which works pretty well...
Sounds interesting, coming from a comms background I assume there will be technical roles on these ships?One thing I am interested in is outside the oil and gas world; the ships that accommodate the wind turbine techs when they are not 'on the job'.
It depends really on the vessel type, I imagine the dive support ships would have some special communications crew on-board but without a good bit of sea time behind you I wouldn't expect you could walk into a job on one of those ships, particularly with peoples lives at stake under the surface.
I can't say much for the wind turbine ships but I reckon if you got in there now you'd have tons of experience by the time they start decommissioning the rigs in 10 years or so and it would probably make for a great career move!
I can't say much for the wind turbine ships but I reckon if you got in there now you'd have tons of experience by the time they start decommissioning the rigs in 10 years or so and it would probably make for a great career move!
ben_h100 said:
surpryze said:
There's always plenty of jobs available on the supply/standby ships too mate. I went the long route to get my engineer OOW with a degree but if you don't mind starting at the bottom you wouldn't find it too much bother getting a job as a deckhand. You'd need basic STCW certs to work on ships, first aid, survival crafts & firefighting. probably cost about £1500 all in. I do 28/28 rotations which works pretty well...
Sounds interesting, coming from a comms background I assume there will be technical roles on these ships?One thing I am interested in is outside the oil and gas world; the ships that accommodate the wind turbine techs when they are not 'on the job'.
) most of it seems to be small fast crewboats ferrying techs in and out daily, as the farms are not very far offshore.surpryze said:
It depends really on the vessel type, I imagine the dive support ships would have some special communications crew on-board but without a good bit of sea time behind you I wouldn't expect you could walk into a job on one of those ships, particularly with peoples lives at stake under the surface.
I doubt there's much call for rad-ops on DSVs, the deck officers and operations staff will do their own gabbing and the hardware will be looked after by ETOs, which is just the modern iteration of the marine electrician; can you do 3 years as a cadet? See this thread for more stuff.Thanks for the responses all.
Unfortunately I don't have the time or resources to do a degree, and at 35 not sure it would pay off anyway (?). What ort of career development (if any?) is possible if you join as a deckhand?
Had a look through the merchant navy thread too which is interesting reading.
Unfortunately I don't have the time or resources to do a degree, and at 35 not sure it would pay off anyway (?). What ort of career development (if any?) is possible if you join as a deckhand?
Had a look through the merchant navy thread too which is interesting reading.
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