new year, new job, new......
Discussion
paolo?
I spent a good few nights tossing and turning in my bed after christmas and decided to offer my thoughts online to you guys, anyone care to hear me out and offer some advice?
it occurred to me that all ive worked up to doing (4 year degree culminating in a job in telecomms) is actually really, really, boring. I hate it and im not happy.
however, rather than be in telecomms in 10 years time rueing the chances that 'might have passed me by' etc ive decided that the buck stops here and its time for change. ive no dependents, no mortgage and my only outgoings are minimal rent and some uni bills.
that said, i know that there ARE some amazing jobs out there, im not pretending i can walk into a role as a f1 tester or guitarist or white hunter (do they still exist?) BUT,i do know that there are mining, rigging, deep sea, ranging, exploration, logging, sampling, reseeding, etc etc jobs around.
a lot arent in this country, but at 25, im confident that i can get a suitable visa, at least for a few months and get busy.
I have worked abroad before and i look back with fondness, it wasnt easy, but at least i felt alive and it was also lucrative!
i know the downsides, no pension, no permanent residence, loneliness etc etc but the call is strong.
there are companies that offer info on fishing in alaska or mine clearance in the middle east but im not stupid enough to believe that those companies will in any way facilitate a real job.
BUT I do know that the jobs DO EXIST! and that often there is demand for workers. there must be someone on here that can give me some hints? How on earth do i go about applying for the more random jobs? would VSO be a good place to start? ive heard they do pay for some roles? im not very good with languages though
will someone save me from standing at a station in the morning wondering what im doing for the rest of my life?
I spent a good few nights tossing and turning in my bed after christmas and decided to offer my thoughts online to you guys, anyone care to hear me out and offer some advice?
it occurred to me that all ive worked up to doing (4 year degree culminating in a job in telecomms) is actually really, really, boring. I hate it and im not happy.
however, rather than be in telecomms in 10 years time rueing the chances that 'might have passed me by' etc ive decided that the buck stops here and its time for change. ive no dependents, no mortgage and my only outgoings are minimal rent and some uni bills.
that said, i know that there ARE some amazing jobs out there, im not pretending i can walk into a role as a f1 tester or guitarist or white hunter (do they still exist?) BUT,i do know that there are mining, rigging, deep sea, ranging, exploration, logging, sampling, reseeding, etc etc jobs around.
a lot arent in this country, but at 25, im confident that i can get a suitable visa, at least for a few months and get busy.
I have worked abroad before and i look back with fondness, it wasnt easy, but at least i felt alive and it was also lucrative!
i know the downsides, no pension, no permanent residence, loneliness etc etc but the call is strong.
there are companies that offer info on fishing in alaska or mine clearance in the middle east but im not stupid enough to believe that those companies will in any way facilitate a real job.
BUT I do know that the jobs DO EXIST! and that often there is demand for workers. there must be someone on here that can give me some hints? How on earth do i go about applying for the more random jobs? would VSO be a good place to start? ive heard they do pay for some roles? im not very good with languages though
will someone save me from standing at a station in the morning wondering what im doing for the rest of my life?
At least you have thought about some ideas on what you can do.. I am not quite brave enough to do that yet but after 7 years in Finance I feel like I am going through the motions... Have you done any searches of Canada, Rockies, countries that have Logging and large tracts of forestry and rivers to negotiate as that could be one area... As for oil rigs, mining there must be unions that have websites and can help? And the best of luck to you!!
cheers for the reply,
in terms of working in this country, the choices are limited. until recently the best idea was working on rigs in the north sea, but that has now changed. even peeps who are qualified in the essential and mega expesive evacuation, fire preparedness etc etc are strugging to find work.
apart from that theres always the idea of an industrial diver. but, while im not afraid of risk, a very short lifespan (circa 3 years) and all sorts of long standing problems with pressure leave me worried. too much risk perhaps? - and theres me considering mine clearance
id dearly love to work in canada as you suggest, but the way of getting in seems to elude me. it seems a guarded secret, yet, were all forever hearing of a lack of jobs! perhaps its like the army, fire service, police etc etc in this county. there are lots of jobs, and loads of indigenous people to fill them, but no budget to employ them
the main problem ive got is that of accessability. for instance, apparently, the best way to become a deep sea offshore fisherman is to turn up at the start of the season in seattle and present myself. but, i wont get into the states on that visa without sponsorship and no one will sponsor me without being there! catch 22! i feel like im going in circles!
are there any real agencies that can offer a workable solution?
he he - also - i dont consider myself a brave man, i just crave change. the catalyst perhaps was the standing at sundridge park station at 7:15 am and looking around. the thought of me standing there in 10, 20, 30 years time like the rest of the guys was too much.
certainly, they enjoy a fair renumeration for their efforts but.... just doesnt set my soul on fire
>> Edited by paolow on Sunday 2nd January 20:27
in terms of working in this country, the choices are limited. until recently the best idea was working on rigs in the north sea, but that has now changed. even peeps who are qualified in the essential and mega expesive evacuation, fire preparedness etc etc are strugging to find work.
apart from that theres always the idea of an industrial diver. but, while im not afraid of risk, a very short lifespan (circa 3 years) and all sorts of long standing problems with pressure leave me worried. too much risk perhaps? - and theres me considering mine clearance
id dearly love to work in canada as you suggest, but the way of getting in seems to elude me. it seems a guarded secret, yet, were all forever hearing of a lack of jobs! perhaps its like the army, fire service, police etc etc in this county. there are lots of jobs, and loads of indigenous people to fill them, but no budget to employ them
the main problem ive got is that of accessability. for instance, apparently, the best way to become a deep sea offshore fisherman is to turn up at the start of the season in seattle and present myself. but, i wont get into the states on that visa without sponsorship and no one will sponsor me without being there! catch 22! i feel like im going in circles!
are there any real agencies that can offer a workable solution?
he he - also - i dont consider myself a brave man, i just crave change. the catalyst perhaps was the standing at sundridge park station at 7:15 am and looking around. the thought of me standing there in 10, 20, 30 years time like the rest of the guys was too much.
certainly, they enjoy a fair renumeration for their efforts but.... just doesnt set my soul on fire
>> Edited by paolow on Sunday 2nd January 20:27
paolow said:
until recently the best idea was working on rigs in the north sea
Depends on what you want to do on the rigs and what your background is. Most of the drilling companies have telecomms in some sense (depends where you are). A lot of the networks, communications etc are via satellite due to the remoteness of the location. There's also the land based operations, you don't have to be offshore to work on the rigs. There's a huge amount of overseas operations and where you go depends how flexible you are. Would you be happy living in Gabon (quite nice) or commuting from the UK to Kuwait or Angola.
If you have/had an engineering or geology degree then that helps to get you into the service industry with wireline, slickline (didn't used to need a degree for that, not sure now), LWD and that sort of stuff.
What about cementing, tool hands, explosive work. The money isn't as lucrative as it was say 15 or 20 years ago but you get to see some places that are a bit off the beaten track.
Is it really what you want? A lot of guys on the rigs don't see much of their families, have been divorced at least once, some have kids by different women in different countries, etc. You say you have no commitments now but what about the future???
I know it sounds like I paint a bad picture but just trying to weigh up the good with the bad.
Andy
Plenty of truckie jobs going begging in Kuwait, my mates gone over there, paid a retainer in advance, weekly and all expenses hotel accom, then does one run into Baghdad in ten days, for which he gets paid extra!! sounds like a ball for a single (teetotal) guy,
Ohh, the bullet proof vest is supplied
Ohh, the bullet proof vest is supplied
paolow said:
im not pretending i can walk into a role as a f1 tester
Probably no vacancies for tester!, but Red Bull racing (Jaguar) were recruiting recently at all levels. As you know, all teams rely on Comms, so it may be worth a try. You could also send a CV to Formula One management at Biggin Hill Airport. This is Mr Ecclestones mob, and working for them will get you around the world. Contact me direct if you want to know more about FOM.
Good Luck anyway.
Steve
shirley temple said:
Plenty of truckie jobs going begging in Kuwait, my mates gone over there, paid a retainer in advance, weekly and all expenses hotel accom, then does one run into Baghdad in ten days, for which he gets paid extra!! sounds like a ball for a single (teetotal) guy,
Ohh, the bullet proof vest is supplied
Not bullet hitting my chest i'd be worried about.
shirley temple said:
Plenty of truckie jobs going begging in Kuwait, my mates gone over there, paid a retainer in advance, weekly and all expenses hotel accom, then does one run into Baghdad in ten days, for which he gets paid extra!! sounds like a ball for a single (teetotal) guy,
Ohh, the bullet proof vest is supplied
And so is the Orange Jumpsuit.
Apparently, any civies that go over to Kuwait to drive heavies are given an Orange Jumpsuit wear as a 'uniform'.
To coin a phrase, F
k that.a bit like this? http://ph.jobstreet.com/jobs/2004/12/default/20/319893.htm
tbh - it does interest me - and how many truckies can there be with degrees? trouble is of course ive never driven anything larger than a couple of tons
stuff like this is what im after though, does anyone know the exchange rate for the wage in the ad?
lol - and towman - i used to work as a courier and delivery driver and yes i have been mugged for my goods somewhat annoying and disappointing at the same time, but i took it as a hazard of the job!
also YHM about FOM - Biggin Hill is about 4-5 miles from my house!
Also, (and i know im working backwards up this post) thanks for the detailed answer andy. The concerns you raise are valid and you are quite right that familial and friendship ties can become strained to say the least. However, i have been through similar before (i worked in the australian goldfields for a while) and nothing fires the imagination quite like seeing some of the world, be it the back of beyond, while saving up a wedge of cash for when i do want to settle.
and yeah - youre right and im kicking myself a little that geology and environmental studies etc are the qualifications to have and i dont even have A levels in them!
you mention some names im not familar with? wireline, slickline, LWD? have you any further information? sorry, i dont mean to ask you to do my homework for me, but if you could point me in the right direction that would be great!
ive searched through the usual channels, petrochemical/exploration companies but they all want specialised qualifications that i dont posess. i suppose what im after is something like offsiding, sampling, reseeding and other semi skilled work, but i also dont mind really where it is. - even if it is in say, columbia, africa, alaska etc. ill go where the money is and the moneys not in spain or wales
I have worked in industry before and have some mechanical aptitude as well as experience with explosives and heavy machinery, but, alas, no REAL qualifications
This thread has given me some useful ideas though, so thanks all for the tips!
also, apologies for the tardiness in my reply - it was time for a sleep after my post last night and yes vixpy, it was another night spent tossing
tbh - it does interest me - and how many truckies can there be with degrees? trouble is of course ive never driven anything larger than a couple of tons
stuff like this is what im after though, does anyone know the exchange rate for the wage in the ad?
lol - and towman - i used to work as a courier and delivery driver and yes i have been mugged for my goods
somewhat annoying and disappointing at the same time, but i took it as a hazard of the job! also YHM about FOM - Biggin Hill is about 4-5 miles from my house!
Also, (and i know im working backwards up this post) thanks for the detailed answer andy. The concerns you raise are valid and you are quite right that familial and friendship ties can become strained to say the least. However, i have been through similar before (i worked in the australian goldfields for a while) and nothing fires the imagination quite like seeing some of the world, be it the back of beyond, while saving up a wedge of cash for when i do want to settle.
and yeah - youre right and im kicking myself a little that geology and environmental studies etc are the qualifications to have and i dont even have A levels in them!
you mention some names im not familar with? wireline, slickline, LWD? have you any further information? sorry, i dont mean to ask you to do my homework for me, but if you could point me in the right direction that would be great!
ive searched through the usual channels, petrochemical/exploration companies but they all want specialised qualifications that i dont posess. i suppose what im after is something like offsiding, sampling, reseeding and other semi skilled work, but i also dont mind really where it is. - even if it is in say, columbia, africa, alaska etc. ill go where the money is and the moneys not in spain or wales
I have worked in industry before and have some mechanical aptitude as well as experience with explosives and heavy machinery, but, alas, no REAL qualifications
This thread has given me some useful ideas though, so thanks all for the tips!
also, apologies for the tardiness in my reply - it was time for a sleep after my post last night and yes vixpy, it was another night spent tossing
Had you considered working for yourself? If there is something which you are passionate about it will become a 'labour of love' - even if the pay's less, at least your destiny is in your own hands. Also, if you work hard for a few years and grow a business, you might well find you can sell it and earn more money on the disposal than you earned while you were growing the business. That's what I did when I was about your age.
ive considered working for myself a number of times, but havent yet found the killer niche that i need. i looked into openening a budget volume booze retailer a little like majestic, but with lager. i was going to call it 'Liverstretcher' but margins are just non existant. there have been other ideas that have come and gone, but no real goers. ive tried writing a book a couple of times but, tbh, im rubbish.
i can understand the huge upsides to owning your own company, the main one being that for once, hard work is rewarded, but, as i say, i need to find that niche
i can understand the huge upsides to owning your own company, the main one being that for once, hard work is rewarded, but, as i say, i need to find that niche
Telecomms is a good field to be in. My nephew who's 29 has been all over the world working for telecom companies such as Nokia, Erikkson, and Siemens He didn't go to university, but started off with a qualifiaction in electronics from the local Technical College.
OK he's had to be a bit of a tax exile, never spending more than 6 months in one country, but he's made some big money en route and now has owns a few properties by way of a pension fund.
I went to stay with him when he was working in Lisbon about 3 years ago. I asked him how come such a young man was earning so much filthy lucre . He said "When the downtown telephone exchange crashes, it costs the company around £8k a minute in lost revenue. I know how fix it."
He's now working in the US where he hopes to settle having bagged himself an all American girlfriend.
If you've got marketable skills in telecomms, you can go anywhere - don't give up on it just yet.
Good luck in your quest
OK he's had to be a bit of a tax exile, never spending more than 6 months in one country, but he's made some big money en route and now has owns a few properties by way of a pension fund.
I went to stay with him when he was working in Lisbon about 3 years ago. I asked him how come such a young man was earning so much filthy lucre . He said "When the downtown telephone exchange crashes, it costs the company around £8k a minute in lost revenue. I know how fix it."
He's now working in the US where he hopes to settle having bagged himself an all American girlfriend.
If you've got marketable skills in telecomms, you can go anywhere - don't give up on it just yet.
Good luck in your quest
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