Its been a while since I last posted... a lot has happened between the last post and being here now on the plane to New Zealand.
Lets start with the work. I worked as a materials tester in Alberta for 4 months. Its an experience I will never forget. Here are some of the few things I ve learned while working in Alberta:
- There are always easier ways to make money.
While working in Alberta I ve met a lot of people from all parts of Canada while working on site. At one particular site I found out general labourers make 3000 a week (imagine how much the rig pigs make). This is a real eye opener for me because it taught me that whatever I decide to do in life it should never be solely for the money because there are always easier ways to make money.
While working in Alberta I ve met a lot of people from all parts of Canada while working on site. At one particular site I found out general labourers make 3000 a week (imagine how much the rig pigs make). This is a real eye opener for me because it taught me that whatever I decide to do in life it should never be solely for the money because there are always easier ways to make money.
- The people you work with/for matter
When the lab manager was away for a few weeks someone else filled in and work felt a lot different. Although work was the same and i liked working under both lab managers, there was a stark difference in managing styles. I realized in any workplace I would prefer to work WITH people rather than working FOR people.
When the lab manager was away for a few weeks someone else filled in and work felt a lot different. Although work was the same and i liked working under both lab managers, there was a stark difference in managing styles. I realized in any workplace I would prefer to work WITH people rather than working FOR people.
- I can work long hours
Right off the plane kyle and I were supposed to get a day off before work. Instead we went straight to the office and started orientation. I averaged 80 hours on the first few weeks and never worked under 50 hours a week the whole time (I think one week I worked 40 hours but that was the time i could only work 3 days out of the 7). I even hit the legal limit of how many days straight I could work woo! To me this is a big thing because Ive never really had the opportunity to push myself physically and mentally for a job. Since there was so much to do in the lab and out on the field Im glad that I saw this as an opportunity to push myself rather than seeing it as a list of chores that i have to fet through. I think what helped me get through the hours was being able to work with best friends, and the challenge of seeing how far i can go in work. Random story: an asphalt tester I met mentioned he worked 115 hours in one week once.
Right off the plane kyle and I were supposed to get a day off before work. Instead we went straight to the office and started orientation. I averaged 80 hours on the first few weeks and never worked under 50 hours a week the whole time (I think one week I worked 40 hours but that was the time i could only work 3 days out of the 7). I even hit the legal limit of how many days straight I could work woo! To me this is a big thing because Ive never really had the opportunity to push myself physically and mentally for a job. Since there was so much to do in the lab and out on the field Im glad that I saw this as an opportunity to push myself rather than seeing it as a list of chores that i have to fet through. I think what helped me get through the hours was being able to work with best friends, and the challenge of seeing how far i can go in work. Random story: an asphalt tester I met mentioned he worked 115 hours in one week once.
I feel that this was a great experience overall and i have no regrets of choosing to work.
Sidenote: I hate how the list looks like one of those stupid facebook links about what to do in your twenties or whatever
- Mike
3000 a week??? wth.. as tempting as that sounds.. I think you are right about the money part.
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