Life in North Dakota "Man Camps"?

Hey Everybody!
I managed to simultaneously crash the browsers on four different devices, running four different operating systems, last week! I deployed an internet security suite across my network without checking the compatibility of the operating systems first! When I screw something up, I do it good! LOL!


GREAT NEWS!!!
As everybody knows, I have a pre-hire from a company in North Dakota hauling crude oil. However, I'm more interested in oil field services like winch trucks, kill trucks, hot oilers, heavy haul, and diesel hauling. I guess I like the action and excitement of things being built more than moving the finished product! Out of curiosity (and with high hopes!), I've continued to fill out applications for various companies in North Dakota. I snail mailed the applications with copies of my certificates, rather than submit online (because I screwed up the browsers on my computers so badly)..


I'm happy to report that I started receiving responses to my applications today! I was also contacted by a company that found my resume on NDworkforceconnection.com! The companies that responded haul water, fracing sand, or crude oil. One company does heavy haul (equipment), hot oilers, and winch trucks. They seemed like they may be willing to train me. I'm really excited about the opportunities that these jobs present!


HELP!!!
Now, I really, really need your help! I thought hauling crude oil was the only job that would be open to me since the crude oil companies are huge and offer training to people with no oil field experience. I was hoping, but didn't really believe that the oil field service companies would be interested in me. They are, and this is a dream come true! However, I'm not sure what direction I should choose?


Heavy haul is too cool, but isn't a job I'd be comfortable with until I had a few more years of trucking experience behind me. I tried flat-bedding, but struggled with the tarps. They were too heavy for me to do the job safely or efficiently. I felt incompetent and was miserable. That said, what's the "good" and "bad" of hauling sand, water, crude oil, or operating a winch truck or hot oiler? Which do you like most, and least, about each? Which job would you choose?


Do you think any of these jobs are more, or less suited to a girl (since I don't have the upper body, or overall strength of a man). Is there a particular aspect of any of these jobs that I may have difficulty performing (again, because of strength issues)? Be honest I mean, really, really honest! Understand, I'm not trying to prove I can "work like a man", because I can't. I'm not a "wimp", but I'm not trying to be a "tough girl", either. I just want a job that I enjoy, and do well. I would rather work within my limits, have fun, and succeed than take a job that's too much for me and end up hurt or in an accident. I hope to eventually work my way into a supervisory position, and would take a lower paying job now if it gave me the experience I needed to move up in a company. So, what do you think I should do? Crude oil, water, fracing sand, hot oiler, or winch truck? I'mm anxious to hear your opinions!


BAD NEWS:
I renewed my HAZMAT (written test at DMV) when I renewed my CDL in August, 2012. Last week, I discovered that the "threat assessment" portion of my HAZMAT expires in January, 2014. This seems stupid? Why doesn't the HAZMAT and "threat assessment" expire at the same time?


In California, the CDL and HAZMAT is good for four years, while the TWIC Card and "threat assessment" is good for five? And, while my CDL always expires on my birthday, the "threat assessment" expires in January, the TWIC Card in May, and the passport in March... They all rely on the same information, so why not have them all expire at the same time (like, on a person's birthday?)


Nevertheless, I didn't know my "threat assessment" was expiring until a company asked me for the date on an application. TSA says you have to start the renewal 30 days, or more, before it expires to ensure it's completed in time. I jumped on their website, completed the forms, paid $86.50 (I think?), and scheduled an appointment to be fingerprinted. AND THEN, THE GOVERNMENT SHUT DOWN!!! THE FEDERAL EMPLOYEES WHO PROCESS THE BACKGROUND CHECKS HAVE BEEN FURLOUGHED!!!


What's the rules on working/driving in North Dakota? Do most employers make you immediately transfer your license to there? I was hoping to have time to decide whether I enjoyed working there (and was staying) before doing anything drastic, like transferring my license. However, if the government doesn't "reopen" in California before I leave, I will have no choice. i'll be forced to complete the "threat assessment" in North Dakota.


My brother gave me a pair of insulated Carhartt duck bib overalls. A friend gave them to him for hunting in South Dakota, but he's never used them. I also ordered the Rasco FR Duck Jacket (hooded). I made an appointment to have Extreme Snow and Ice tires put on my car tomorrow, but my sister-in-law's grandmother passed away. She was 92. I'm taking my Dad to the funeral. The tires may have to wait a day, or two.

 

OMG! That's funny! The oil field exception part, I mean!

 

I've got most everything ready to go... been running ragged to get it together! Still trying to compare the offers. I think it would be easier if I had been to the oil fields and knew what the different jobs entail.

I think I'm gonna go with crude oil or water until I've gotten my "feet wet" and am more familiar with the jobs. I don't think something like operating a winch truck can be "trained"... I think you learn them by being around them and watching other drivers. At least, then I'd have some idea what to do, or not do! Lol!

 

Now i'm rolling on the floor, laughing my ### off!!!