For all the guys wanting to work on a drilling rig. Whether it be onshore or offshore. Take stock before you sign on the dotted line :Yes the wage is goodYesyou can up your lifestyle with a nice home, car and HolidaysYes the financial rewards are temptingYes it gets in your bloodYes you see the worldYes you get considerable time at home when you are at homeYes you are in a trailer, cabin or prison cell for twelve hours a day and work the other twelveYes you have to share with people who snore and smellYes you see things you hope your kids never have to seeYes you miss Family and loved onesYes Relationships will be strained and pushed to breaking pointYes you will be out of complete contact for days sometimes weeks at a timeYes you wish your life away when you are awayYes you lay awake at night sometimes wondering "why do I do this" and "Is this really worth it"SO ??? BEFORE YOU EMBARK ON A TRIP AND SIGN YOUR LIFE AWAY, REMEMBER;No you will not make every party, BBQ, wedding or funeralNo you will not be home for Christmas or easterNo you will not be there for your children's birthdaysNo you will not see your kids swim, ride a bike for the first time or be there to read stories at nightNo you can't just pick up a phone or email your family whenever you likeNo you will not be there to take them to watch sports gamesNo you will not be there for presentation nights, school plays or parent/teacher interviewsNo you will not be there to see them win medals at school sports daysNo you will not always be there during times of family crisis and feel helpless being so far awayNo you might not be there to bury a family member or close friendSo, before anybody judges someone who has the guts and courage to work away to try and make a better life for themselves and those around them, DONT say "YOU MUST BE MINTED" or "YOUR LUCKY'.We sacrifice more than half of our life being away from loved ones to make their dreams come true.