subject: 6 Disadvantages Of Offshore Oil Rig Jobs [print this page] An offshore oil rig job is totally different from an on land job because of the nature of the work done and the hazards involved. There are many issues that need to be carefully considered before one takes up employment with a rig and you must be mentally prepared to be away from home and family for long periods of time. The six main disadvantages of working in offshore oil rigs are:
*Working in oil rigs is completely opposite to comfortable on land white collar jobs as these involve long working hours and hard physical labor. These jobs, therefore, are not for the weak or physically incapacitated.
*You will be away from family for weeks together, often working in the most unpleasant weather in some very remote locations which are far from civilization.
*The rig is usually connected to land by helicopter and flying in these aircraft may be very hazardous and uncomfortable for many workers. Living conditions, moreover, may not always be absolutely comfortable due to the rig's location and food may be a problem for a few.
*There is little room for entertainment during off hours and all you could have to keep you amused are DVD movies, satellite television or plain PC games. Socializing with colleagues is the only other way out and this too, can get a little tiresome after some time.
*Offshore oil rigs are potentially hazardous areas to work in and accidents do happen. Even though all possible safety measures are adopted and strictly adhered to, a worker is perpetually exposed to the risk of a fall from a height and have a permanent injury for life.
*Disagreements or conflict between colleagues at offshore rigs is common and these may lead to an uncomfortable work environment for many. Moreover, long separation from families is seen to cause strain and tension in young families which are trying to settle down in life. Many oil rig workers have had untimely divorces or separations because of the periods spent away from home.
It is already established that despite the high pay and benefits, life on an offshore oil rig can very demanding and tough. This is certainly not a job for the fainthearted or the physically weak. Extremely cold or hot climatic conditions may have to be endured for years together which may eventually take its toll on a worker's health and lead to acute or even life threatening problems later on.
