thinking about a job change

tribal_tiger · World Chat Champion Joined: 29 Mar 2005 Karma :

I'm getting really bored in my current job at my local council in the IT department. I'm getting no challenges from it, and I feel that my skills are being wasted, I'm a certified DBA, have a stack of Microsoft qualifications, I've an honours degree and experience working for some of the largest companies going.

I'm currently sitting on the helpdesk waiting for the phone to ring, so i can log the problem for someone else to fix it. Evil or Very Mad

I've been looking round on the job sites and I think I've found something that may interest me, but I can't find much information about it.

A local company is asking for IT technicians with my type of degree to work as technicians "for the mobilisation and operation of seismic equipment"

Anyone on here done anything like this? Know what it's like? What the pay rates are (It doesn't say)?

The only thing I'm not sure about is the amount of time I'll be away from the wife. I'm about to go home and talk it through with her at lunch!
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SlimRick · World Chat Champion Joined: 29 Sep 2008 Karma :

So you'll be driving round in a Land Rover, to some of the most remote areas in the country to pick up and replace seismic monitoring equipment.
The company I used to work for had guys that did similar - not sure of their pay scale but I know that nights away from home weren't uncommon.
Nice job if you enjoy the outdoors and don't mind the weather though!

tribal_tiger · World Chat Champion Joined: 29 Mar 2005 Karma :

Sounds good to me!

It did mention having to travel at short notice, and that it would normally be overseas!

I do like a good Land Rover though!
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Itchy · Super Spammer Joined: 07 Apr 2005 Karma :

Stay with it until at least the end of the year private sector is haemorraghing jobs currently. Public sector jobs are safe(r) that private sector jobs , there are recruitment freezes everywhere.
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tribal_tiger · World Chat Champion Joined: 29 Mar 2005 Karma :

The trouble is at the moment I'm on a fixed term contract with less than a year left on it, and our council is in major problems as they've just found out we owe the department of work and pensions about 9 million that we don't have!

I've really just had enough of my current job, I've nothing to do, and I just feel that all the skills I have are gradually dribbling out my head as I never get to use them.
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Flip · Super Spammer Joined: 28 Feb 2004 Karma :

If you think your job isn't safe than go for it otherwise stay where you are I'd say. Working away from home is crap if you only go home at weekends and your digs are cheap hovels. But if it's good money then that would help I reckon. Laughing

Expect your mobile phone bill to go up. A lot if you do a lot of over nighters. Laughing

LustyLew · World Chat Champion Joined: 19 Apr 2004 Karma :

I'm in the same predicament!

IT sucks balls in financial downturns. I've had to let my assistant go, slash all the budgets and shelve any up coming projects until further notice.

So here I am, a team leader of none clearing paper jams! They wonder why I'm so fed up! Laughing

Still, I have a job, so I wont bitch too much! Will try and get some wheels rolling again and make some changes soon!
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tribal_tiger · World Chat Champion Joined: 29 Mar 2005 Karma :

Got sent some stuff through from the company today. Just info on them and a letter saying that if I was sure I wanted the job, fill out this application form.

The other details in the letter mentioned that I can expect to be away 6 months of the year, and when I'm away I'll be offshore.

Still no mention of salary, and I've honestly got no idea what sort of pay I should expect for this sort of work.
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Neorion · World Chat Champion Joined: 08 Jul 2008 Karma :

Ahh offshore seismic ahhh it all becomes clear <possibly>

I worked offshore and have had a stint in the drilling department but purely from a look over the shoulder type deal, I now work in IT for an oil company and any jobs like that I have ever heard of would be on an exploration vessel looking for oil and gas reservoirs using explosives, ROVs working with geologists and res engineers.

If its that and you don’t get seasick, want to make a ton of money and don’t mind being away oh and you had better be single!

Go for it!

Do you live in Aberdeen? I know we are looking for Desktop engineers not as glamorous as your after but pays more and beats being on a helpdesk! And guys move around internally a lot so a chance of DBA and apps support.

Kev
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tribal_tiger · World Chat Champion Joined: 29 Mar 2005 Karma :

Kwaks · I'm not a fast rider Joined: 28 Jan 2006 Karma :

Most of the drilling (and therefor I would assume exploration to be the same) work on a rotation of 2on/2off, 3/3 or 4/4 depending on the location/company.

That sector of the Oil & Gas industry has recently taken some hits due to recession & cost of oil, however TBH you wouldn't be out of work long in this business.

As for rates of pay, no idea, however the lowest paid employee in the North Sea through the oil companies in the OCA (kind of like an agreement between companies) would be paid around £200 per day. That is what a general assistant would earn so I expect you to be on more in that sort of role.

Drilling gave up there rights to 4 weeks paid holidays to secure a 20-25% pay rise last year, so expect their money to be higher.

I would say don't worry about the money, it will certainly be enough Thumbs Up

And your once a month commute will be paid for you Wink

On the boats, you are looking at a 12 hour day, first person to speak to about it is your wife, its not easy for them left on the beach.
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tribal_tiger · World Chat Champion Joined: 29 Mar 2005 Karma :

JonB · Afraid of Mileage Joined: 03 Jun 2004 Karma :

The wife has a bit on the side methinks. Wink

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Kwaks · I'm not a fast rider Joined: 28 Jan 2006 Karma :

Well I would expect you to at least double your money, along with the fact you are away so often you don't spend as much, plus the possibility of tax free working on the boats you should seriously consider it Thumbs Up

That is assuming you can handle the 40 days Shocked

3 weeks is about all I can manage Laughing

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J0Al1 · World Chat Champion Joined: 25 Nov 2006 Karma :

I used to do support desk for a council. I still work for them, just as a Project engineer now. . . . like your job, its not nearly reqarding enough.

If I were you I would jump at the chance, you can always go back to what you have now quite easily - esp with your over qualifications for th ejob.

I cant really change mine . . single Mum . . many restrictions on me Sad

- but would given half a chance.

Good luck