The oil sands is hyped up to be the promise land with a massive pay cheque.
Factor in the location, the shift work, and the dangers on the job and it's not really that great.
Is being able to brag about your 100k a year really worth all that?
How many guys say "oh I am just going to do this for a year or two to bank some cash" then move on to do something they actually enjoy? Or get stuck there and really end up hating it, but stuck there? It was mentioned a couple times you can kiss a family life good bye. Is that worth the money? Are you really going to be further ahead in banking that cash then starting into that long term job two years later? Perhaps if you are starting your own business and it's seed capital maybe.
I had a wicked job in the auto industry back in Ontario ticking ever so close to that coveted 100k. I traded the job for a lifestyle I found more appealing. I'd suggest to anyone that thinks a huge pay cheque is going to bring them some great happiness do some soul searching and really think about it.
Is what you make of it and what priorities you have. I have a degree, worked In marketing, had a sweet gig working from home akin Vancouver. Gave it up to travel for a bit and came back to a non existent economy. So I went back up north ( had been up before to pay for my Uni). Now I'm at the tail end of my Apprenticehip (if I pass my test next week I'm done). The huge paychecks have afforded me a lot. Bought a nice, modest place in kelowna. Had a kid this year and have spent more quality time raising him than I would say 90% of dads can say.
That said, I don't fall into the same category as most and what most here consider the stereotype. I drive a ten year old Honda crv, I don't believe in financing of consumer goods, and I made a deal with my wife that if ever one day either of us are done with this I'm out. When I'm on a job I fly home regularly, no questions.
100k/yr ? Sure if you work half of it. I had a good paying job in Vancouver with great benefits but my life revolved around that job. Now I make more in 3 months work and haven't changed my lifestyle or spending habits. As far as seed capital goes, You would be amazed how many people use it as a means to that. That's part of our plan actually.
I got into this as a backup. Now I'm seeing insane opportunity. My two year goal right now is to land a job doing 14-14, flights home, banking $150 to start. The funny thing is its completly achievable, I may even be selling myself short.
Not all workers in Fort Mac are shift workers. I work Mon- Fri like most of Canada and make relatively good money. I could work shift work but like to have a life.Fort Mac has changed my career for the better, way better. When I started in Fort Mac I was a Journeyman parts person and within 2 years with hard work I was an Account Manager for a major client, would never get that opportunity anywhere else. This place is great for moving your career path forward. I will gain as much experience I can and then transfer out but not anytime soon. I came with a 5 year plan but have now no immediate plans to leave. I like it here and there is almost everything here that one needs, except mountains. Most people that bitch and whine about this place either live in camp or would bitch and whine wherever they live.
You hit it on the head. What fort Mac provides at nowhere else can is opportunity and advancement. A person with experience that would get them an entry level admin job in Vancouver can show some intelligence and be manager of a department in no time.
When we lived up there my wife ended up getting a job managing the billing for a millin dollar job.
No,it's all newfies…..and heathen.
It might come as a surprise to you,but all of our BC loggers are busy as hell right now,have been for the past 7 years and will be for the foreseeable future. If they aren't working,it ain't because there's no work.
In fact, we need 2000 more loggers in the central interior right now.
It's not all newfies. It's all Capers.