Career

[Primer]

Good afternoon guys, I'm in need of some help. I'm lost as far as where I should go as far as a career. I've been working in an oilfield shop for about 2 years now and I'm about done. I used to love my job but it seems it's becoming more of a pain (literally). As of now it's hard manual labor and I'd like to steer away from it. A man told me about a year ago that I should look for a job that's inside, heat and a/c are worth it. At the time I didn't mind the heat and hard work, but now I'd like to try and find something else. I would really like to move into a job place that's more secure and something I can do for a while. Right now I can't really afford to go back to school, I've been tossing around the idea of getting a PTECH degree to get into the plants but I'm not sure that's where I wanna be, and I don't wanna drive myself into more debt and not be able to find a job. I've seen many posts on TOS about people trying to get in and it seems to me that it isn't what you know, it's who you know. I'm really wanting a Monday through Friday kind of job, and don't really want to be gone from home and family. I've met most of you before so y'all know how I am. I'm just lost as to where I should go or what I should look into. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated guys.

[Jerkyourcroaker]

Boy....that's a pretty broad question. I don't know your personal situation but if you are young, relatively low overhead (no big debts to service, baby mommas, etc.) you should look at your situation as a wonderful opportunity, not a lament. Think really long and hard about what you want to do, the types of activities that you enjoy and then try to map out a strategy to get you in that position.

A couple of examples:

The son of a guy I work is really good with mechanical stuff. Didn't do well in college and wanted to drop out. He went to a gas compression school at Oklahoma State. (Oklahoma State Institute of Technology) He got a paid internship with a cat dealer and had multiple offers for employment when he got out of school. It did cost money to attend (typical college tuition) but he is set up to go in a million different directions with that technical background aligned with his interests. He can work as tech, start his own service business, on and on and on.

If tuition is out of the question, my company and other companies like it have paid training programs. At our shop in Louisiana, we routinely hire people with limited trade skills, put them in our workforce and then rotate them through a structured training program to fill the craft needs of our business. We have a welding and fitting school. If you are green as grass, you start with us at $12/hr with the opportunity to move up as fast as you can progress through welder and or fitter training. Our top wage is $27/hr. There are other companies with similar programs.

I've been in the oil & gas construction business most of my career, if there is anything I can do to help describe your options, shoot me a PM.

JYC

[Xpress89]

Here being 24 yrs old, got the PTECH Degree right out of high school. Its great money but you will work nights, weekends, holidays, and have manual work at some times and the weather doesnt change your role, you gotta do what you gotta do. So scratch the plant idea out.

[Longhornbubba]

Instrument Tech. plenty of openings and will always be needed.

[trophytroutman]

I've been doing that exact same work for 20 yrs now and I have a hard time walking without being in pain. Great job and I've had enough too. I'm with you on a career change.

[FP10]

You could always come work for me! I need another salesman or two here!

[Baby Tran Cat]

Fastest growing field in the US is medical. There are plenty of jobs that do not require a college degree however do require some education that can be done in up to 2 years. Most salaries are starting in the 40k range and go higher from there. You will always have work as the baby boomers will require more and more healthcare

[SCHU]

Might think of computer aided design (CADD), if you are tech savvy... I think HCC offers a 2 yr course in it. Sit at desk, look at screen and draft flow diagrams, mechanical parts, or anything that has to be manufactured, with a standard mouse and keyboard setup...good $, no rainouts or manual labor, air condition 24/7. You will use the hand/eye coordination to relay the idea on paper in the form of a drawing. Check it out...also chemical/refinery piping design, field work involving actually measuring pipe being replaced and inside hints being revamped. Also field supervision in construction as well...type in "piping design programs" and see what pops up. PM me if you have questions. Down side=little physical exercise...

[FP10]

You will make more than $40k working here...If you get good you can make over $100,000. I have done that the last 5 years. Our average salespeople here made $60k.

[dbarham]

You will make more than $40k working here...If you get good you can make over $100,000. I have done that the last 5 years. Our average salespeople here made $60k.

Maybe im in the wrong biz what kinda hours Jeremy?

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

[H.Maier]

I'm going to un-retire and go to work for Sisco when he makes Captain. How many rods should I bring on the barge and what's the daily menu, Don? Can we leave the barge to fish or is that against the rules?

[Curmudgeon]

Your body will eventually wear out, so using your brainpower is the best long term idea. As far as the specifics, just find something you like to do.
I was a jewelry designer and manufacturer for years, specializing in custom fabrication and stone setting. it was really fun and fulfilling, but eventually my eyes and hands wore out. Now I manage a warehouse and spend most of my time sitting at a desk looking at a computer screen. My hands don't hurt as much and the insurance helped pay for my eye surgery!

[buoy37]

Primer,

You know where I work and what I do. I would be glad to teach you if you are willing to commit.

[TXSHOCKWAVE]

Check out the link. If you want to apply its about 2-3 hours to fill out all the forms and make a profile. Then you have to take the test and pass. Just to be considered. One of the few places that still has a fully funded pension. Not uncommon for guys to retire with 2-5 mil in there savings account. Great benefits and a good company to work for.

https://sjobs.brassring.com/1033/ASP/TG/cim_home.asp?partnerid=6961&siteid=5675

[FP10]

Maybe im in the wrong biz what kinda hours Jeremy?

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

You get one weekday off(either tue or wed) always off Sunday. One day you work 9-6 then the next 11-8 but work all day the last couple days of the month. Store hours are 9AM to 8PM M-F and 9AM to 7 PM on Saturday. Only time you stay later is if you you have a customer. I became a manager Jan 1st and in Feb our store profit over the previous Feb was up over 600%!