Going overseas to work question.....

[jbjennings]

Well guys,
I've got an opportunity that may appear in a few months to go overseas to work for an oil company. My question, as you folks seem to be pretty wise, is should I take it if it presents itself.
The positives:
1. I would be making over 3 times what I'm making now and a large part would be tax-free.
2. I'd be able to pay off my house and stack up a large sum in the bank in just a few years. --and I know my own weaknesses, & truly believe I wouldn't have a problem doing that. I wouldn't just start spending that much more when I'm making more.
3. I could get my current job back anytime since there is a shortage of qualified folks in my particular area.
4. College for kids.
5. Me and dad could go to Colorado and Canada hunting and fishing. (something we've always wanted to do) before he gets too old--he's 67 now.
6. The wife wants me to and she's trustworthy as far as "Jody" goes.
7. I'd like a chance to change jobs and a chance for advancement that I don't really have in my own jobs.
8. More old boat motors..

The negatives:
1. I'd be gone a month and home a month. I can't stand to even let my children go spend the night at their grandmothers every couple of months because I miss them and just like to have them at home. I've got 2 kids and one on the way.
2. My wife is bad about "running and gunning" in the car with her mom instead of staying home and taking care of the kids and keeping a schedule so they'll get plenty of sleep, a good meal, etc. when I'm not around to keep an eye on her.
3. She won't have me to annoy her about cooking supper, cleaning the house, etc. for a month, and then I'll come home and she has to do these things and I'm worried she'll get out of the habit when I'm gone and not look forward to me coming home.
4. We make enough money to get by now and are very happy like things are.
5. I worry that I won't be home in case something bad happens.

So, I wonder if I should go for something that might be even better, or don't mess with a good thing.
What do you think?
JBJ

 

[Kenneth Brown]

Re: Going overseas to work question.....

I can't tell ya what to do but will offer my opinions. I have a freind of mine who is a mechanic. He worked for various oilfield/equipment companies as such. He then decided to work for hisself as a mobile mechanic. He made decent money at it but it wasn't steady. He now works for a pipeline company and makes VERY good money for an East Texas redneck. The problem is that he travels to where theres work. His wife doesn't work and they "homeschool" (I don't buy that crap one bit) there kids. The first couple of months he loved it. They bought a travel trailer and the whole family moves around with him. He's been doing it a little over a year now and is tired of it, real tired of it. The family seems to still like it but not him. He's now a manager for them and has offered me a job many times. I have most of the tools needed, could use my parents older camper, and be ready to go in 2 days and $1000 in what I don't have. I'd make that back in about 3 days. It sounds great but I'll stay where I'm at. I don't make a whole lot (about $38,000 a year) but I'm home with my kids every night. I have also been offered a position in the mid east due to my law enforcement background. That one was hard to pass up. I'd be making over $200,000 a year. Too many people are doing that and dying for blood money for me to go. I'm a simple person. I can pay my bills, eat a meal, and provide enough oppertunities for my kids to keep them somewhat happy. For me the decision is clear, I'd stay where I'm at. Good luck with your decision.




I need to clarify "blood money". I in no way mean anything remotely political with this statement. Most (and not all) of the private security force are simply mercenaries. I can't allow myself to go that way.

 

[wildmaninal]

Re: Going overseas to work question.....

What What? JBJennings here in Dock side chat?

Personally I wouldn't do it JB, that's just me though. You have kids for one thing. My father drove truck for most of my childhood, he missed allot. This opportunity would be worse then driving truck. It would be better suited for someone single and with no kids or someone that has kids that are grown. Life is to short, enjoy what you can here in the good ole USA.

 

[Nandy]

Re: Going overseas to work question.....

If i were in your shoes (almost am, except for the new job) I would go. If it is like you said. You can get your job back anytime, then no problem. The moment things are getting out of hand you can quit your overseas job and come back home to your old job. I really dont see the problem. Good luck with your decision.

 

[achris]

Re: Going overseas to work question.....

I've been a ROV Pilot (underwater robots) for 17 years... I had a few girlfriends who started to moan about me being away. I started doing some training to get back into my old career (computers), but I just saw all these robots driving into work every day, and I couldn't do it. I have the best office window in the world. I have 6 months (roughly) at home to do what I like, fishing, boating, diving, skiing... and I have way more money to do those with. I paid off my house in 4 years!! Have a decent amount in the bank and it's going to grow even more as I'm now on a 4 weeks on/2 weeks off roster for the rest of the year.

I can't tell you what you should do, all I can do is relate my experiences. I've traveled all over the world and worked with and met some fantastic people along the way.

The other side of it is that I do miss out on things like Christmas, birthdays and the like, but I wouldn't trade it for the world... (lotto perhaps)

Chris...........

 

[Kenneth Brown]

Re: Going overseas to work question.....

One of the problems for Adam (my freind) is the money. He too can leave at any time he wants as everything he has is paid for with the exception of his truck. The hard part is to go from making $700 a day to $125-$150. It is good to see you getting both sides opinions.

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Going overseas to work question.....

Every month you miss of your kids growing up you will never get back. there will always be time once they are grown to make money.

Thats how I have prioritized my career. Not saying it is for you, but that is how i look at it. Now that my daughter is 14, I can see how short of a time I have with them. In four years she will be well on her way to the rest of her life. four years passes very quickly. Even though I have a 13, 11 , and 8 y/o behind her, I still place a very high value on the time I have them all together.

 

[mudmagnet63]

Re: Going overseas to work question.....

Hey JB I feel your pain man I have a similar decision on my plate right now. Mine is not overseas though but i would be gone 200 - 250 nites per year But usually within a 200 mi range of home. Still youngins at home that I would miss terrible. I'm paid pretty well right now but would easily tripple what i make. I still havent sent my resume even though the job is wating!!!

Good Luck

MUD

 

[thefairlaneman]

Re: Going overseas to work question.....

Sounds good as long as you arent going to where they catch americans and chops off their heads.

 

[mudmagnet63]

Re: Going overseas to work question.....

What type oil field and where jb I have lots of friends that have gone overseas

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Going overseas to work question.....

Well, now that I've started really considering it hard because the time to make the decision is coming in 4 or 5 months, I'm really getting nervous. The job is on the dark continent, not exactly "love America" land but safety should not be a problem. I am big-time worried about missing out on my kids. However, my money is tight enough now that when I spend 2 or 3 hundred dollars a month on old boat motors which is about all I do spend amount to anything as far as wasteful spending, I can't do much else than fish---on the lake behind my house. Gas is so expensive that I find myself leery of going anywhere with my 6yr. old son like camping and such in a year or two (or now). Also, my best friend my age is a doctor and has moved away and I rarely see him. My dad and I are sure 'nuff best friends and do pretty much everything together on a daily basis. He has always been a working man and paid most all of my college although I gave him all my checks I made working offshore in the gulf during the summers during college in order to help. I've always dreamed of taking him to Colorado, Alaska, Canada, etc. and going hunting and fishing and "paying him back", if that's possible. This would make that happen. I could also do some neat stuff with my son and not get myself in a bind moneywise, besides paying off all my bills and actually owning my house instead of the bank owning it. I only have -10 yrs. to pay on it so I could work just 4 or maybe 5 years and have it payed for and a good deal of savings, and take a few trips at the same time. As I said before, getting the same job I have here now is not the slightest problem when I returned. And I would make enough money at the job I have now without that darned house note. So basically, I really want to go. My wife and her mother are also best buds so she will be fine while I'm gone for the month, as she will attest.
Danged hard decision.....
JBJ

 

[mudmagnet63]

Re: Going overseas to work question.....

Have you sent out any feelers for the same job here in the states

 

[aspeck]

Re: Going overseas to work question.....

Hmmm, oil fields in dark continent - Nigeria perhaps? Don't do it if it is there ... Nigeria is not a fun place to be, most of the extra money you recieve will go to bribes everytime you take a vehicle into town - police checks are everywhere. I have been to Nigeria in the past and that is one place I have no desire to be again. If this is where you are going, PM me and we can discuss this further.

As you know I spend a fair amount of time in Africa, and it is no fun being away from family. I am not here because of money (I don't get paid for what I am doing and end of spending my own money to help out when I am here) but because I see needs where I can help - teaching and training. Personally I would not do what I am doing if it were for a paycheck. I could not justify being away from my family for money. But that is just me.

I am on the other side of the Atlantic right now and am looking forward to being home on Tuesday...

 

[SgtMaj]

Re: Going overseas to work question.....

I really think it depends on where it is. What is the risk-level there? Is the extra pay based on hazards, or is it skill-related?

If there's not a high level of risk where you might go, then go for it, pay off the house, bank some good money, then quit and spend lots of quality time with the family.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Going overseas to work question.....

Hmmm, oil fields in dark continent - Nigeria perhaps? Don't do it if it is there ... Nigeria is not a fun place to be, most of the extra money you recieve will go to bribes everytime you take a vehicle into town - police checks are everywhere. I have been to Nigeria in the past and that is one place I have no desire to be again. If this is where you are going, PM me and we can discuss this further.

As you know I spend a fair amount of time in Africa, and it is no fun being away from family. I am not here because of money (I don't get paid for what I am doing and end of spending my own money to help out when I am here) but because I see needs where I can help - teaching and training. Personally I would not do what I am doing if it were for a paycheck. I could not justify being away from my family for money. But that is just me.

I am on the other side of the Atlantic right now and am looking forward to being home on Tuesday...

I consider Art a VERY reliable and respected authority on this. Read his words TWICE!!!!!

 

[JB]

Re: Going overseas to work question.....

A lot of good input here, jbj.

Their are very good reasons those jobs pay so well. You have to give up a lot and you have to take on new burdens and risks.

It is an opportunity to accumulate wealth quickly. With wealth comes increases in options of what to do with your life.

Hard decision. Your family needs to be in on the decision because they, too will have to give up a lot and take on new burdens and risks. Start discussing it with them now.

Best of luck in making the right decision for you and your family. Most of all, don't look back.

 

[kenimpzoom]

Re: Going overseas to work question.....

I currently work for an oil company and I have worked 28 and 28 offshore in SouthEast Asia. I quit the 28 and 28 cause it was just too stressfull on the wife and I wanted to start a family. I trully reccomend this 28 and 28 job to single people or people with grown up kids. I wouldnt do it with kids at home.

About the tax free-it isnt tax free unless you spend 11 months/yr out of the USA. Trust me this is 100% true and dont let anyone else tell you otherwise. Also be ware if the compnay says you wont be paying US taxes, then you might be paying taxes in the country you are working in, and those can be expensive too.

Be sure to get everything you want including pay, taxes, vacation, percs, insurance, etc in WRITING. All oil companies will screw you over in a second if it isnt in writing. Trust me, this is a must and if the company hesitates, walk away.

If it is in Nigeria, there is no way at all I would ever work there for all the money in the world. It is very dangerous and a total hellhole. Security is a joke, everyone can be bought off, you never know who to trust, and the police are worse than the crooks.

Good luck in your decision.

Ken

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: Going overseas to work question.....

My BIL has worked in Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Bulgaria, and now Kuwait. According to him, kenimpzoom is correct about the 11 months. You work 10 mo. and 29 days, and the whole year's salary is subject to income tax.

 

[Bass Man Bruce]

Re: Going overseas to work question.....

Our kids are grown and it went fast. Listen closely to the guys who have posted about "family time".
That being said with the internet would you be able to comunicate with your family daily?
One thing about an opportunity like this, if you don't like it you can come back. If you don't go you will never know what might have transpired.
GOOD LUCK on your decision!
(I to would listen carefully to Ken and Art.)

 

[mscher]

Re: Going overseas to work question.....

Frankly, I see the negatives you have listed, far outweighing any of the postitives, for an overseas job. If you were sinlgle, that would be a different story completley, but you are not and that's important, since as a husband and father, you are a lot more than just a money-making-machine.

Money is just money, which for most people (myself included), is never enough, to do what you want to do. You can always make more later, but you only have 1 shot a raising your family now.

I was an OTR truck driver for a year(I drive daily now) and even though I was only out 5 days at a time, the stress on myself, wife and kids, was ridiculous. Had to do it, but would NEVER want to do it again.

There is really a lot more to your situation than just more money.

Vote for you to pass on the new jobe here.

Good luck.