Crazy places my job is trying to send me...AGAIN!

[The Assassin]

Well, this time it's even crazier than Nevada....

My job wants me to work in the Gulf of Mexico for the next 6 to 9 months helping dismantle oil rigs that have collapsed due to Hurricane Katrina. I would be living on a huge crew ship for two weeks and then get two weeks off. They would let me fly back to Chicago for that time off or anywhere in the US as long as it's about the same price.

Positives:
1) The work is cool as hell.
2) It would be REALLY good for my career.
3) I would get a BUNCH of time off.
4) I would make some good extra cash.
5) I'd probably get to ride around in a helicopter.
6) I could travel ALOT.
7) It'd get me away from the nightmare of my current work.

Negatives:
1) I'd be working for an oil company (BP)
2) I'd be working 12 hours a day, 7 days a week on a fuckin' boat in the middle of the ocean and can't leave (but the boat is actually supposed to have REALLY nice accommodations).
3) The job will actually take about 3 years so I don't know if they'd try to keep my longer.
4) I would be working through fuckin' hurricane season (but hopefully not in one).

Man, I don't know what to do. Any thoughts?

The Assassin

[mrjohnchimpo]

i think when opportunities like this come up, they should always be done before life beats us down. then when you get old you'll have something to talk about.

[matty]

It sounds like a great experience, except for all the working. And hurricanes. And three years is a really long time--I could see doing it for a year or even two, but three years is a big-time commitment.

On the other hand, think of all the cool shit you'd see over three years on a boat! Dolphins, sharks, sea turtles, mermaids, sea alligators, dugongs. Awesome sunrises, peaceful, starry nights. And you could learn all about boating and open-water fishing, both of which will be super handy when the zombies come. Zombies can't get you in a boat! Unless they're a zombie swim team. Then you're fracked.

[paul]

I know one guy who worked on a crab boat, and two guys that worked on cargo boats in the great lakes.

One thing to consider, is that I think most boats, maybe all, ban alchohol.

Other than that... They said the food was very good, cafeteria style. Everyone has a nice little room. Lots of comraderie. Pretty much, they all describe life on the boat as an adult version of dorm life, minus the liquor.

[mrjohnchimpo]

One thing to consider, is that I think most boats, maybe all, ban alchohol.

that's a major deal breaker.

[The Assassin]

The first thing I actually asked my boss was if I had to quit smoking. Boy, I hope not, at least not yet.

I can deal with no drinkin' for a couple weeks at a time. My liver and wallet would appreciate it!

[poofdogg]

if it was me and i didn't have anything holding me on the mainland....i'd totally do it. its one of those cool ass experiences that can only serve to improve your career. i'd do it!!! as long as they don't back out of it this time. :)

[The Assassin]

Actually, a big issue for this is that I have been considering looking to work for another company after I get my license for which I'm taking the exam in 2 weeks. A little nervous I might be getting myself tied down to this job for quite awhile longer than I planned if I take this assignment.

[Soul Queen]

That sounds pretty cool. Your almost guaranteed to go through a hurricane or tropical storm.

3 years is a major commitment, but I bet it would look pretty cool on a resume.

How do you feel about living in the gulf coast for 3 years?

[The Assassin]

That sounds pretty cool. Your almost guaranteed to go through a hurricane or tropical storm.

3 years is a major commitment, but I bet it would look pretty cool on a resume.

How do you feel about living in the gulf coast for 3 years?

I don't really think I'd have to stay there for 3 years. Pretty much I've been told that I will be committing until the end of the year and then we'll see where it goes from there. I'm pretty sure if I told my company after that time either send me home for good or I'm looking for another job they would keep me in Chicago. Frankly I'm amazed they want me to go because of the workload I currently have and it's going to be a mess to get my job running smoothly without me around. It's mainly because I've been working completely independently for about the last 2 years and no one in the office knows the jobs.