If can, ask for equal time off. Most international rotators get that. If you're working in your own home country (I assumed Malaysia), then cannot laa since not deem as rotating but on-call basis. 5:1 ratio is harsh as most guys in Mid-East on 6:4 (6 weeks on, 4 weeks off).

I see, thanks for sharing your info then.

Want to ask, where can I find IPWC well control course in KL eh?

Thanks everyone... much appreciation!

Oil service companies enjoy higher profit margin % due to lesser risk and capital invested. Oil companies, however is very capital intensive, and risky too (of dry holes)!

Never had an English test from Baker Hughes before! Times must have changed...

Not really, I worked in a totally unrelated field for 2 years (factory QC work) in China before joinging BHI. Looking back, surprises myself also!

Pretty much summed it up. It is also good if they should know the price to pay to get paid handsomely - still there's no such thing as free lunch!!!

I am with Baker Hughes for past 8 years, as LWD Field Engineer/Logging Supervisor and Radiation Protection Supervisor - posted in Qatar, Germany, Brazil and now China.

Qatar and most Mid-East countries - rotation 6 weeks on with 4 weeks off.
Brazil - rotation 4 weeks on and 4 weeks off.
China - rotation 4 up to 6 weeks on with 4 weeks off.

If I work for Baker Hughes home country (Malaysia) - on call, anytime! No fixed and predictable schedule. Therefore, for a predictable rotating schedule and skipping income tax altogether, I opt to go rotating as international rotator and get paid in greenback!

Haha, you'd be surprise too that there are those office-based peeps from low-to-mid tier level that got there because:
1) They f**ked up too spectacularly in the field, costing their company $$$ and thus moved out (to office) by boss to minimize damage!
2) Those who hush-hush hurry for any opening in the office (coz wifey says so)!

Not starting a flame war between office vs field guys - but just from my observation laa...

Hey, WildChai - old timer in this thread!!!

Yeah, in LWD all these years, With Baker, it's been epic but fun, good rest-work balance, pay is rewarding and also good career progression laa. Been moving from country to country quite a bit.

Which product line you're in now and which company? LWD is quite fun I must say, as this segment have much potential with introduction of new technology and tools.

1) Was hired for Malaysia ops some years ago, but contract bidding result not quite as expected so I was transferred to Qatar.

2) Yup, provided ticket back home. As rotator, you're required to enlist a 'home' location where there is a return ticket provided. Cannot get company to issue a ticket to 'vacation' location of course... But if you're not a rotator (aka live-in) but choose instead to be in any other country other than the one you're currently reside, then for sure relocation assistance/benefits will be there and extended to your family too. And for these two types of arrangement, one can be field based or office based as well.

3) Never heard of grad programme. Probably because I didn't join as fresh grad and had worked 2 years in an unrelated industry prior to joining.

Having those courses done (BOSIET, OGSP etc) on your own funding doesn't make you a more viable / attractive candidate - yay or nay?

Means hurry laa.... bini paksa! hehehehe

Thanks for the add! I guess you and I get to travel and see the world for FREE! Perks of the job!!!

Training courses are nice - but 'tak senang hati' vacation laa. Must pass exam, nanti kena pecat!!!

Weatherford much action in Qatar a few years ago when they JV with QP...

That JV called Al-Shaheen must not been doing too well then. Funny thing is Baker hasn't been getting the jobs there either. Must be SLB and Sperry then...

Yeah, 8 years now (time flies)!

Still blur on this, so really not sure...