Achieving Work Life Balance in Irregular Working Hours

If you are beginning a career in the oil and gas industry, you must know that the traditional 9 to 5 schedule is not for you. Since you will be spending the majority of your time in oil and gas operations, there is a high probability that you would be working on a rotational work schedule. For instance, you might work consistently for two weeks and then have an entire week off. Certainly, this is not the typical Monday to Friday schedule. If you are wondering that achieving work life balance in such a schedule can be really difficult, this article will help you find a way.

Redefine the idea of achieving Work Life balance

Before you begin to contemplate your idea of work life balance in the oil and gas industry, you need to accept that there is no perfect work life balance. It is a highly relative concept and can vary from one professional field to another. If we talk about artists in general, what work life balance can we think about? There is an inspiration at 2 am in the night and sometimes, no ideas are born in weeks or even months. In professions like medicine or police, we can hardly think about achieving work life balance. There are careers where you need to leave behind your personal life and on the other hand, there are professions where you can really have that balance. When it comes to the oil and gas industry, it is quite demanding and achieving work life balance can be difficult. But this innovative and exciting world of oil and gas has a lot to offer.

An industry professional with a decade rich experience remarks, “When we are on the field, our life is equivalent to a soldier who is exploring oil and gas for the nation. Sometimes, we are unable to talk to our family members due to our busy schedule. We do miss out on moments which would never come back. Sometimes, it takes a lot, but most often it gives. But overall, it is the passion to work in the oil field that keeps me going.”

Achieving Work Life Balance in the Oil and Gas Industry

Remember ‘Health is wealth’

“Prioritizing your health first and foremost will make you a better employee and person. You will miss less work, and when you are there, you will be happier and more productive.”

Health often takes a backseat amid the increasing workload and long working hours. It is important that you take care of your physical, emotional, and mental health. Extreme activities are not required. You can follow a healthy diet, a few regular exercises, and meditation. Some basic steps like a ten minute walk every day after lunch can work wonders.

Explore Indoor and Outdoor Recreation options

While working in remote locations, you will find yourself surrounded by vast stretches of land, forests, rivers, or mountains. Such surroundings offer a number of recreational options such as hiking, swimming, boating, and so on. Along with your work, you have the opportunity to explore activities that help you relax and recharge.

Moreover, the oil and gas companies are recognized for building excellent recreational facilities for their employees, onshore or offshore.

(Explore: Work Culture of Global Oil and Gas Companies)

Have a hobby

Contrary to popular belief, hobbies are not a complete waste of time. Unrelated interests and hobbies can help you create a fine balance between your work and personal life. Investing time in activities you love on a regular basis can help you destress and take some time off from work. If you do not have a hobby, you can develop one.

(Suggested Read: Importance of Hobbies in Your Career)

Feel free to reach out to us for any guidance in your oil and gas career. Explore our Career Help section for more insights.

(The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Energy Dais.)