Unless you follow me on Instagram will you ever see me use a hashtag. That is also the only place I talk about my husbands job. The only place i see other women in the same boat as me. I understand his line of work and why he chooses to do it. Its something he has been doing since he was 18. I met him in 2006 and he was doing this line of work. So when the oilfield crashed in late 2007 and he was out of work, I understood then how this line of work affected the men and women of this industry. He waited until our son was old enough to understand that dads job required him to be out of town. A LOT. Away from Saturday mornings, from birthdays and holidays, away from seeing some first happen. We all had to adapt to a lifestyle that had him gone more than it has him home. It gave me a greater appreciation for all the military spouses that patiently wait for that 2 minute phone call. It made me appreciate more all the single moms I know. Because I have to be a single mom 14-21 days out of the month. To 3 kids. Its had its trying moments because raising 2 step-kids alone at times is no easy task.
People think he's in it solely for the money. And whereas the money is great, that's not why. Its a line of work that hes always had a desire to do. Do people actually think he likes being away from his family 14-21 days a month? Away from going to bed with his wife every night? Away from having a home cooked meal every evening? Hes not being selfish in having a job that requires him to work in a completely different state. He does this to provide for us. I am able to stay home. I get to take the kids to school each morning. Pick them up every afternoon. Attend school functions. Be home with them if they are sick. (which is never, so we have some days of playing hookie) I get to turn a hobby into a part time job. I get to go back to school. I am able to do these things because of his hard work. That he desires to do.
I even get "days off" when he is home. He helps with housework, getting the kids here and there. He cooks dinner and takes excellent care of me when I'm under the weather (which is rare, cause I'm supermom and I don't like sick days)
I hope this clears up peoples misunderstanding about the oilfield. Or about my take on why my husband chooses this line of stressful work. It takes a strong back bone. A huge support team. Sleepless nights. Patience. Understanding. Love. (and that's just a little bit of what I do each month).
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