A little history: I have been doing what I do in an industry that I love since was 17 (I have a weird birthday and yes I did graduate high school). How did I get into it? I had an advantage over others: I went to work for family. Some might say I had an "in" and couldn't get fired, while that might be partially true you will just have to take my word that I was yelled at plenty, I didn't do things right all the time and yes I could have very easily been fired. I was very fortunate that I was taught by the best, I didn't have to go to an operating school. I don't even think that they were around when I started, at least I never heard of them. I learned the old way through trial and error and lots of coaching.
I think the number 1 rule to getting and keeping a job anywhere is to be a listener...that's important. A little more listening and a lot less talking. The talkers are usually just that: All talk. Your boss is usually a boss for a reason, it pays to absorb what others have to say and you can't do that by listening to what "you" have to say.
Number 2 rule...You have to pay your dues, it's cliche but true. You will rarely be put on the Cadillac of the fleet, you may not even get on a machine at all. I started out as general labour, I hand bombed fuel into machines, installed culverts, cleaned tracks on equipment I didn't dirty and did a myriad of other menial chores, but I stayed and didn't quit. Paying your dues also means going to places and work sites that others felt they did not have to do. The best years of my life were spent in bush camps, I treasure that time I spent there.
Rule number 3...take your work seriously, like your job depended on it. If you drink and party you need to be able to make an appearance at work the next morning and do your job sober. If you have trouble getting up in the morning you better have a good alarm clock or else find a pussy job in town that will put up with that sort of thing, you are paid very well and the company will expect the job to be done. So many kids these days are not used to actually working for a living...it's not called super happy fun time, it's called work for a reason. Your social life or lack there of is not the concern of the employer, if that is your sole concern then say hello to the rest of your life because it will be just like yesterday... when you took my order at the drive thru.
Number 4 rule...Show a little respect. In this line of work people who have done much better in life than you so far, are trusting you with a half million dollar piece of equipment that they have invested their life in. Take care of it. Think of the next guy that has to operate it. I'm sure he finds your garbage and lack of basic maintenance and housecleaning a real treat. I'm sure that if he or she has a chance they will call you out on it. I am also sure that if it gets back to the owner you will probably not be asked to work again.
Rule number 5... be where the work is. This oilfield life is an itinerant one. The work will not be down the block, it's not even in the city where you live...that's gravy if you can get it, no, you will likely not get that at all. You get the shit job in the shit places and you will like it. because it is what it is. Be where the work is or at least where the same work culture exists. So many have called me wanting a job but they expect to commute from the left coast or the sunny south. It gets old fast. Get used to bugs and short summers quickly followed by a long cold winter because that's what you have to do if you... Wannawork?
