finishing up training and should aririve end of Aug (Williston: find a job, to buy)

[WireDawwg]

I got my class A 2 weeks ago in my 5th week of heavy equipment school ill have four weeks left and I will be heading to Nd . Im going to keep the forum posted in my progress I'm really excited and hope I can also pass on valuable information . Wish me luck


Wiredawg

[WireDawwg]

One question to add a friend of mine wants to go with me I have no problem with it but I told him he would be better off taking his car but he doesn't have a reliable one. I told him I don't care I'm just worried how is going to get around if we work diff place schedule eat. Any advice for him or I

[Old Man River]

The area and its opportunities is very spread out and you are best off if you are mobile and flexible. His lack of a vehicle will seriously impair his ability to find good work. It's not a place to come to on a wing and a prayer. Especially with winter right around the corner. You seem to have some it right by planning and augmenting your marketability through specific training. There are a pot of jobs here, but the truth is, they are not all good jobs. The less preparation and training you have, the more likely you are to be abused or taken advantage of. There are many pirates here looking to make a quick buck off the backs of the weak and uninformed. Beware.

[WireDawwg]

Really appreciate the info and the sobering outlook. I'm a new driver so Im really trying listening to the experience workers. I'm kind of weary of bringing my friend with out at least him having his class a I been on his case about it but I dont know if he's in school yet........ Moving on are their any specifics old man river or anyone else about any practices or phrases used In job posting or interviews ect that should raise red flags with these jokers also any certain jobs or position I should steer clear of.

[Old Man River]

With no experience brother your gonna probably start out at a job that may not be ideal but just remember that every ounce of experience you can gain, and every day you spend working in the Oil Fields adds to your résumé and marketability. My first job out here was a Frac water hauler for a small owner with one truck. It was hard to make money because the larger companies have soaked up so much of the trucking work here. But, after 30 days driving for him more doors opened up and I moved onto driving propane and operating a Frac hearing truck. After 60 days of that, I was able to get myself hired onto a workover rig as a roughneck at a very good pay rate. It's impossible to know where you'll end up or what you want to do without coming here and walking through the maze. It's a very complex and difficult industry and I just want to warn you that it is a real roller coaster ride. Especially at first. Put on your best suit of armor and never give up. Keep your eyes and ears open and make as many contacts as you can. The good news is this. Almost everyone out here has been in your situation at one point and most are eager to help. Don't be afraid to ask. Also, winter is coming and many folks will throw in the towel and that will create more opportunities. If you do find yourself in a bad job, don't get stuck there. Don't be afraid to move on. Everyone I know out here has used job changes to advance themselves. It's the nature of the beast. Everyone is always looking for a better opportunity and they should be. Trust me, you will find a job with your CDL. It will likely be a little more " fly by night" at first than you'd like but just get your foot in the door and take it from there. Water truck driving will be your easiest entry into oilfield driving. It's also the most shady. They will hire you promising a lot if hours and pay and you may find yourself sitting by the phone waiting for the all to drive. That's not a given. You also may get lucky and be driving a lot. Just depends on how it all shakes out for you.

[fourwinds]

Originally Posted by WireDawwg

One question to add a friend of mine wants to go with me I have no problem with it but I told him he would be better off taking his car but he doesn't have a reliable one. I told him I don't care I'm just worried how is going to get around if we work diff place schedule eat. Any advice for him or I

He would have to settle for a fast food job or working at Walmart situation. Those aren't necessarily bad, as with the right sleeping accommodations (near his job) he could work until he saves up to buy a car. He could also go to Williston State (a Jr college) and study for some oil industry position.