An opportunity

There was a visit from a guy in the Business Development Unit in Halliburton Abu Dhabi to Singapore to discuss with us the costs of a three year tender of his customer with Halliburton. He will be here these few days and today he happened to walk into our office and strike a conversation with us after a presentation I had given earlier on.

He asked my colleagues and I about our academic background and then offered me an opportunity to work in the completions oil rig. Being really straightforward he told my other 2 colleagues that they do not have the cut to be one as I looked tough and can take care of myself better, which at that point of time I did not think I am the kind of person he thought. He then told me that if I am interested, raise it up in the PPR to my manager and he will make sure I get it. I will then be an international expat travelling to different oil rigs onshore and offshore, earning really big as he had mentioned. But I was doubtful of my own capabilities, whether or not I will be up to the job is one thing.. but another issue is this is going to be one dangerous field. Oil rig people are not paid highly without a reason, they are betting against their lives. An explosion or something goes wrong with the oil extracting process that's it. My life is gone, which is why the insurance bought for them are real high. Even a guy may find it tough to work in a rig, imagine going to a rig in a dessert.. the only means of transport there is by a helicopter. But of course I can't join the rig immediately. This will be through a 5 year training where in between I will be promoted up to different levels for training and then finally joining the rig for official work. I would jump at the opportunity to be an expat, but an expat working in a rig I will have to think twice. Though housing, cars, allowance, children's education etc are taken care of, which sounds like a really good deal.

Sounds fun, but I am not sure if I really want it.. It was a real good opportunity presented to me and I admit I was very happy that someone saw the potential in me. Especially when this opportunity is presented to a fresh graduate like me who has no prior experience before, and that many more experienced people outside took more than 10 years to get into the oilfield industry.

My parents are unsupportive of me going. And honestly speaking, I am disappointed. They do not seem to support me in any things I do, giving me excuses like dangerous, later got cheated there etc. Previously I had a job offer that requires me to travel to China often and they did not support me too, reason being dangerous again. It makes sense but if this is going to happen every time  then I will never make it if I opt for the safest way. I really just hoped they be supportive and tell me to go ahead and try.. even though in the end I may not accept the offer. At least I feel better that way.

Boy on the other hand supports me in any decision I make, which I have been very grateful. He analyzes for me the pros and cons but decision lies in me. This is just what I want. I do not need anyone to tell me what to do, I just need someone to come forward and tell me they trust me.

Should I, or should I not?