Is Williston any different from what I have heard? (Minot: appointed, how much)

[mnsdsf]

Sorry, given the nature of what is going on there, I am sure this is a very common topic, but I'm going to ask all the same as I am very seriously looking at doing this.
Like many, I've heard of the oil boom there. Are the opportunities still as they have been shown on TV and what I have previously heard from relatives living in ND?
Is it still possible to come up there and get a job paying 60,000-100,000/year? I am finishing up a job that will end about the end of July. That way, I'd be able to go up there with a little bit of money and maybe live in Minot briefly or something. However, if I'm going to do this, I want to make sure that indeed this type of work is possible. I understand that housing would be a huge issue, but I'll see what I can work out. If the jobs are indeed what people have said, my brother is going to come with me and we'll get it all sorted out...hopefully
Anyway, I do not have any problem with the cold. As my username might imply, I grew up in the upper midwest. I know what the cold is like here, and I've always just understood it to be a part of life.

What I am kind of wondering about though, what is the time nature of the work? For the pay, I am perfectly willing to work 18hrs a day or whatever, but is there any time off? I would like to have one day just to make food (I try to eat healthy) for the week, workout, go to Church, that sorta thing. How much sleep do workers there get?

If I can think of any other questions, I'll ask later. Anyway, I'd greatly appreciate your imput.

[Lokahi117]

The jobs you describe as far as pay is concerned usually require previous relevant experience and intelligence. Also they didn't want anyone with background issues at all. So there its work there but they are not looking for just any regular employees, they want the great employees all companies want. A lot of guys were really disappointed to find that they were not willing to hire most of the guys who came there, a lot if them didn't have money to get back home.

[Roloff1976]

There are still many entry level oil field jobs, but you have to work 40-60 hours a week to make the money. You definately will not get off the train, walk up to job service and get handed a 100,000 $ a year job for showing up. You are best to go through a staffing service or go on line and apply. I know people who came up in person (came from Minnesota and Idaho) but were told to apply on line, and were eventually called for phone interviews and then brought in for personal interviews. It all depends on the company and type of job.

[itsMeFred]

There are still many entry level oil field jobs, but you have to work 40-60 hours a week to make the money.

Personally, I would put that as closer to 80-120hrs per week...

[Ann in Oriental]

Read my post- Son just left for Williston- and then re-think your position. If you are a person that goes to church (you said in your post) then the guys at the man-camps might do you serious bodily harm. A very bad bunch in general, though I'm sure there ARE some decent ones.

[Jefferyz]

Ill have to read that

[steel7]

Originally Posted by itsMeFred

Personally, I would put that as closer to 80-120hrs per week...

Thats crazy hrs plus lets not forget the govt gets a nice chunk of your check. I hope its worth it.

[itsMeFred]

True. But as my dad always said, Thank God I'm paying taxes, because that means I'm makin' money!