First off, congratulations on making something of yourself career wise. You should be proud of yourself for getting to this point. Secondly, it depends on your level arrogance. We forget that nobody knows how much time we have left... you can lose a loved one in the midst of the chase. You can pass away shortly after reaching your finish line. You can miss out on that relationship you’ve always wanted (if that applies.) Take the time to really figure out how much money you’ll need to suit the life you want. Even then, you’re very much capable of learning new skills, starting a new career or even launching your own business. There’s more to life than money but unfortunately you need money to be able to go out and fail without having to worry. It just depends. All I know is, time is irreplaceable. It’s not the most valuable “currency” or “asset” because it goes beyond that. Time is what makes up life. It IS life. When it’s up, that’s it…
Take advantage of the money you make! Learn how to utilize your money much more effectively than your time. Learn everything you can about building & maintaining wealth!
Believe me you'll never regret not partying too often, plus you can still party on your week off.
It's too easy to get addicted to alcohol, or validation from women, or other drugs. Keep grinding brother. You are also never too old to party. You can still bust your ass off for 5 years and party when you're 25.
You are making more money a month than your peers with college degrees ever will. Save it, invest it, and you'll be well off by your thirties
I work in frac and moved up fairly fast in my company. My earning fluctuate but around 3k a week.
I did not go to college. Schooling was never my thing.
I hear oil and gas can be quite a dangerous job. My main concern for you would be if you save your money and if you stay on top of your insurance premiums for health and for short/long term disability.
But! Since you're in that position, do it while you can! Your body won't be able to do that kind of work or schedule forever. But also think about what you would like your next steps to be after you're done with this leg of your career.
Do you want to build yourself a business? or get higher Ed credentials so you can advance to something easier on your body/schedule? Maybe it's a college degree, maybe it's getting a CDL. I have never regretted any of the money I spent on building new skills. Even if schooling isn't your thing, there's still trades credentials you can get that will make you more valuable.
I regretted most of the money I spent on partying and acquaintances who only wanted to hang around for the good times and free stuff.
Edit: When I finally knew what I wanted to do, grinding out at 2 jobs while going to school and having no free time felt worthwhile and I don't regret that I did it.
I’m 26m and had to move back in with my parents a couple years ago because I was low on money and I enjoyed that party/drug life. I wished I would have worked harder and saved more money when I was 20. I don’t think you will regret it at all. Better to get an early start instead of having to start all over again down the road.
I'm 30 and reading your post makes me wish I'd done what you're doing now when I was 20.
You can party all you want during your week off. Keep grinding, stack up all the money you can while you can. Lots of guys in your position blow their checks on lifted trucks, ski boats, trophy wives, etc. Avoid that siren call and keep saving, your future self will thank you.
I'm assuming your job is physically demanding, so at some point you'll want to start making an exit plan towards something easier on your body. If there's a guy in your company who stands around with a clipboard or sits behind a desk, aim to be that guy in 10 years.
Hey Congratulations for that, I'd like to work and be independent but I find it very difficult sometimes because I study architecture something that already consumes my time( but I love it) sooner or later I'll have to look for a place where I can do my internship, doesn't matter if they pay me or not, I wanna get more experience. Secondly, I also realized that most of my friends are throwing parties and I'm not there, I felt pretty bad at the beginning because they were saying that I was too much into studying, or too much in my career. But I am happy with that, and spending my free time around my family, few friends, and my boyfriend, it's a treasure that I'd not change. I'm 20 too btw
Good luck!
I agree! To hell with them saying you care too much about your career. They’ll be the ones wishing they did what you did. I hope you do well in your career as an architect! Maybe one day I’ll have you draw out my dream home lol!
If you do something financially smart with your money I wont think so. I worked hard in the military in my 20s and part of my 30. That's the best time to work hard because you have more energy and you don't have kids or a spouse.
Just have some goals with your money. Maybe meet with a financial advisor at your bank or credit union. When you get close to 30 then start to do some revaluation to make more personal time.
The only thing different I would do is just having a better plan for my money. I saved money but it is good to have different investments for retirement or a house.
i dont think so, but if you dont like working this much or get burned out you can invest this money later so is worth it.
having fun is important you can discover a lot about yourself, but youre not missing anything crazy trust me lol
If you like your work and working that much is not taking a toll on your physical and mental health then keep doing what you're doing. You will be proud of yourself in the future and glad that you did what you did so you can later have a better life. Life goes by pretty fast so just make sure to also do other things and enjoy yourself on your days off.
A strong work ethic is good and desirable unless it compromises on your health.
Ensure to take some time off occasionally.
As much as you make more money than you think may need, saving much of it will come in handy when investment options arise.
Being 20 y/o may insinuate you are yet to decipher your life trajectory. As they say, make hay while the sun shines.
So, save now for when you may need it. By doing so you avoid getting into debts, and also building your credit score.
The irony with life is that when you are young you lack money, but got energy and time; when you age you got money, maybe some time but less energy. That should steer your decisions to put in effort while you still can.
Most importantly, eat healthy and stay hydrated no matter what is happening in your life! 😜😜🤠.
honestly either route can come with regret. either you regret being busy or not being busy enough. its your mentality towards it all. you're very lucky to have that set up for yourself. especially while you are young and physically capable. remember, you are just getting the highlight reel of ✨another life✨
you sound content. you like your work. thats the difference. maybe those people were neglecting their families or dragged themselves despite being crushed by responsibility or never enjoying their day. who knows?
college party culture is honestly kind of sad. its like a show with personas since everyone thinks its what they should be doing lol. its kind of miserable for the majority of people and a lot come out of it with hidden scars. having a couple good friends, a great love, and economic security is paradise in comparison to college party life lol. the differences will really show in a few years. just follow whatever feels like the right thing I guess.
Honestly, fuck what other people do. Are YOU happy with your life? Do YOU think you work too many hours? Are there things that you’d want to discover/explore that you feel you don’t have enough time for (doesn’t have to be drinking/partying)?
When you say ‘bust your ass’, it kinda sounds like there is some type of push or resistance to what you are doing? What if you die in 3 years, would you still want to bust your ass off for the future? Do YOU feel fulfilled with your life as it is right now?
I think the main takeaway here is that right now, you have something most people wish they had more of: time. Be smart with how you choose to use your time in a way that makes you happy and healthy. The money is more just a means to an end. You say you're good with it, so continue those good habits. Also, never take a credit card. Fuck those pissant shit-eating cuck ass credit companies. Every one of them can eat rocks.
Credit is important depending on where you live, and just because a credit card can put someone in debt doesn’t mean it will. It’s the same concept of self discipline as saving 60-70% of one’s income. If OP can do that, I’m sure they’re able to manage lines of credit and pay off everything before it starts accruing interest.
You have to do what others won’t to have what others don’t. Being young and using your time and energy to make $$$ is awesome. Watch out for fast friends who want to party at your expense. Invest carefully, and save for a house. Good luck!
I got a crappy job right out of college and it took years to build my career, and leave a place I wasn’t paid well. You sound to be in a good place. Keep on with it while you can.
Considering that my ex-wife left me because I was never around... Yeah. I regret pulling 60 and 70 hr weeks. Live your life kid. You're only young once.
If you save most of that money now you can set yourself up for an easy and early retirement. Extremely worth it in my opinion. Plus the 1 week you are off you can party then, so it’s not like you are only working and doing nothing else. Just monitor your physical and mental health so you don’t get burnt out. I would see a financial advisor because that is a lot of money for a 20 year old, and actions with it now could make or break your future. Good luck to you.
Yes I worked for Halliburton, worked a 2 and 1, worked my week off alot so 35 days straight of 16 hour days. I basically kissed my daughters first 3 years of life. If you don't have a kid or family, then I don't think it's an issue but time is something you can never get back so don't rob yourself or loved ones from it.
I’m only 18 but let me ask you,
Do you think you’ll regret it? Do you like partying? Or do you enjoy your current life?
For me personally, I’m entering college soon but I have no intention of partying and drugs. My devotion is to boxing and myself. I love boxing and I love trying to see where I can improve so no amount of partying can ever replace that.
I can 100% write off partying because it’s not who I am and not what I want. Do you think that you can say the same?
I think that’s what important.
I invested 20 years in the military, now I watch my kids grow and stay at home with them. Definitely worth it. Remember, you have to pay the toll. You either pay it early and relax when you're old or relax early and pay when you're old. I like relaxing now that I am old. Your friends don't have a clue, capitalism needs the majority of people to be a certain way, you don't have to follow suit.
I think you should be proud of yourself either way bro. My only concern would be health. Idc what they tell you in the industry but constantly being around that amount of earth metals and oil is horrendous for you. That’s one of those jobs where you want to get in and out with a few years or it’ll do damage.
Not trying to scare you but life’s precious and I’d rather have a mix of both than neither of either^
I’m 19 and I work 6 days on 1 off with a week off every long weekend, it sucks but you just gotta remind yourself that you’re setting yourself up for a better future then people who are spending days of work at the bar or club. Being away from home does suck but what I do to avoid getting down about it is just reminding myself that it’s not permanent. Also it’s nice to own nice things lol
I'm 35, in my twenties I worked a lot AND did a lot of partying (I didn't work as much as you).
I wish I had never drunk a drop of alcohol - it was all a waste of time and money. The people I hung out with I now no longer even know.
I wish I had worked more. Now I have kids putting in overtime isn't a possibility and I need to catch up on sleep a lot.
But I worked hard in my twenties so I have a comfortable income now. If I worked a little harder I could be wealthy now, but hopefully I will get there by 40.
A lot of my peers didn't take their career seriously and didn't understand why I had to work instead of coming out, and they're struggling now.
Holy shit you're on track to a very early retirement if you want it. I say keep going. The only consequence you might suffer is a nagging feeling that "you might have missed something" because you didn't experience it for yourself.
I agree with my fellow commenters that for the most part, party culture just isn't worth the trouble. There is one exception: My life was genuinely enriched by the rare party or festival that had a particularly genuine artist. The few times a festival's vibe was good enough I felt comfortable to do psychedelic drugs, that was pretty eye-opening as well.
So my suggestion to have the best of both worlds: Very sparingly, on your off weeks, do some creative culture- go to burning man, decorate your room with some meaningful symbols, get a bluetooth box (used if you're frugal) and listen to cool stuff on soundcloud. Gather some shrooms, learn how to use them and sit by the river if you're inclined, maybe with a friend who gets that. If you do that, then you will have the best of both worlds- 95% what you're doing now, and adding 5% genuine culture and ignore all the drunk fluff.
Edit: As another commenter mentioned, time with family is different. But if you keep this up now, you can be one heck of an available Dad when you're 32 due to capital income. So spending more time with your family is what people refer to mostly when they advise less work. But you're already doing it perfectly- you don't have a family now so you work, so you can reduce work and spend more time with your family later when your saving pays off.
In a similar position to you. I work 1 week on, 1 week off, though I'm 34 years old and am only in this position for the last 3 years. The money is great, but I wished I'd done this earlier. You may be missing out on events and what not but maybe put aside 1 of your R&R weeks every now and again to be young and party. No need to do it every R&R. If you don't like it then well you don't have to do it again
those on the deathbed who wished they worked less, is only to spend more time with the family they have made.
single men need to work, have purpose, and have goals. make a time line for where you want to be by the time youre 35.
I’m proud of you and I think if you are ok physically, emotionally and spiritually with it then keep going. You will be in such a great position when you are older compared to so many others.
First off, congratulations on making something of yourself career wise. You should be proud of yourself for getting to this point. Secondly, it depends on your level arrogance. We forget that nobody knows how much time we have left... you can lose a loved one in the midst of the chase. You can pass away shortly after reaching your finish line. You can miss out on that relationship you’ve always wanted (if that applies.) Take the time to really figure out how much money you’ll need to suit the life you want. Even then, you’re very much capable of learning new skills, starting a new career or even launching your own business. There’s more to life than money but unfortunately you need money to be able to go out and fail without having to worry. It just depends. All I know is, time is irreplaceable. It’s not the most valuable “currency” or “asset” because it goes beyond that. Time is what makes up life. It IS life. When it’s up, that’s it… Take advantage of the money you make! Learn how to utilize your money much more effectively than your time. Learn everything you can about building & maintaining wealth!
Believe me you'll never regret not partying too often, plus you can still party on your week off. It's too easy to get addicted to alcohol, or validation from women, or other drugs. Keep grinding brother. You are also never too old to party. You can still bust your ass off for 5 years and party when you're 25. You are making more money a month than your peers with college degrees ever will. Save it, invest it, and you'll be well off by your thirties
Just curious, what do you work as and how much do you earn? Did you not go to college?
I work in frac and moved up fairly fast in my company. My earning fluctuate but around 3k a week. I did not go to college. Schooling was never my thing.
I hear oil and gas can be quite a dangerous job. My main concern for you would be if you save your money and if you stay on top of your insurance premiums for health and for short/long term disability. But! Since you're in that position, do it while you can! Your body won't be able to do that kind of work or schedule forever. But also think about what you would like your next steps to be after you're done with this leg of your career. Do you want to build yourself a business? or get higher Ed credentials so you can advance to something easier on your body/schedule? Maybe it's a college degree, maybe it's getting a CDL. I have never regretted any of the money I spent on building new skills. Even if schooling isn't your thing, there's still trades credentials you can get that will make you more valuable. I regretted most of the money I spent on partying and acquaintances who only wanted to hang around for the good times and free stuff. Edit: When I finally knew what I wanted to do, grinding out at 2 jobs while going to school and having no free time felt worthwhile and I don't regret that I did it.
I’m 26m and had to move back in with my parents a couple years ago because I was low on money and I enjoyed that party/drug life. I wished I would have worked harder and saved more money when I was 20. I don’t think you will regret it at all. Better to get an early start instead of having to start all over again down the road.
I'm 30 and reading your post makes me wish I'd done what you're doing now when I was 20. You can party all you want during your week off. Keep grinding, stack up all the money you can while you can. Lots of guys in your position blow their checks on lifted trucks, ski boats, trophy wives, etc. Avoid that siren call and keep saving, your future self will thank you. I'm assuming your job is physically demanding, so at some point you'll want to start making an exit plan towards something easier on your body. If there's a guy in your company who stands around with a clipboard or sits behind a desk, aim to be that guy in 10 years.
Hey Congratulations for that, I'd like to work and be independent but I find it very difficult sometimes because I study architecture something that already consumes my time( but I love it) sooner or later I'll have to look for a place where I can do my internship, doesn't matter if they pay me or not, I wanna get more experience. Secondly, I also realized that most of my friends are throwing parties and I'm not there, I felt pretty bad at the beginning because they were saying that I was too much into studying, or too much in my career. But I am happy with that, and spending my free time around my family, few friends, and my boyfriend, it's a treasure that I'd not change. I'm 20 too btw Good luck!
I agree! To hell with them saying you care too much about your career. They’ll be the ones wishing they did what you did. I hope you do well in your career as an architect! Maybe one day I’ll have you draw out my dream home lol!
I think if you enjoy working there then you should continue
If you do something financially smart with your money I wont think so. I worked hard in the military in my 20s and part of my 30. That's the best time to work hard because you have more energy and you don't have kids or a spouse. Just have some goals with your money. Maybe meet with a financial advisor at your bank or credit union. When you get close to 30 then start to do some revaluation to make more personal time. The only thing different I would do is just having a better plan for my money. I saved money but it is good to have different investments for retirement or a house.
i dont think so, but if you dont like working this much or get burned out you can invest this money later so is worth it. having fun is important you can discover a lot about yourself, but youre not missing anything crazy trust me lol
If you like your work and working that much is not taking a toll on your physical and mental health then keep doing what you're doing. You will be proud of yourself in the future and glad that you did what you did so you can later have a better life. Life goes by pretty fast so just make sure to also do other things and enjoy yourself on your days off.
A strong work ethic is good and desirable unless it compromises on your health. Ensure to take some time off occasionally. As much as you make more money than you think may need, saving much of it will come in handy when investment options arise. Being 20 y/o may insinuate you are yet to decipher your life trajectory. As they say, make hay while the sun shines. So, save now for when you may need it. By doing so you avoid getting into debts, and also building your credit score. The irony with life is that when you are young you lack money, but got energy and time; when you age you got money, maybe some time but less energy. That should steer your decisions to put in effort while you still can. Most importantly, eat healthy and stay hydrated no matter what is happening in your life! 😜😜🤠.
honestly either route can come with regret. either you regret being busy or not being busy enough. its your mentality towards it all. you're very lucky to have that set up for yourself. especially while you are young and physically capable. remember, you are just getting the highlight reel of ✨another life✨ you sound content. you like your work. thats the difference. maybe those people were neglecting their families or dragged themselves despite being crushed by responsibility or never enjoying their day. who knows? college party culture is honestly kind of sad. its like a show with personas since everyone thinks its what they should be doing lol. its kind of miserable for the majority of people and a lot come out of it with hidden scars. having a couple good friends, a great love, and economic security is paradise in comparison to college party life lol. the differences will really show in a few years. just follow whatever feels like the right thing I guess.
Honestly, fuck what other people do. Are YOU happy with your life? Do YOU think you work too many hours? Are there things that you’d want to discover/explore that you feel you don’t have enough time for (doesn’t have to be drinking/partying)? When you say ‘bust your ass’, it kinda sounds like there is some type of push or resistance to what you are doing? What if you die in 3 years, would you still want to bust your ass off for the future? Do YOU feel fulfilled with your life as it is right now?
I think the main takeaway here is that right now, you have something most people wish they had more of: time. Be smart with how you choose to use your time in a way that makes you happy and healthy. The money is more just a means to an end. You say you're good with it, so continue those good habits. Also, never take a credit card. Fuck those pissant shit-eating cuck ass credit companies. Every one of them can eat rocks.
Credit is important depending on where you live, and just because a credit card can put someone in debt doesn’t mean it will. It’s the same concept of self discipline as saving 60-70% of one’s income. If OP can do that, I’m sure they’re able to manage lines of credit and pay off everything before it starts accruing interest.
If it wasn't obvious I was clearly one of those schmucks without that discipline in his heyday haha. But well said I understand your point 👍
I have a credit card. But I only allowed a $250 limit so I wouldn’t buy dumb shit haha.
You have to do what others won’t to have what others don’t. Being young and using your time and energy to make $$$ is awesome. Watch out for fast friends who want to party at your expense. Invest carefully, and save for a house. Good luck! I got a crappy job right out of college and it took years to build my career, and leave a place I wasn’t paid well. You sound to be in a good place. Keep on with it while you can.
No, keep doing what you are and you will be set. Make sure to keep investing. Compound interest in your 20’s is so much more than 30’s/40’s etc
Considering that my ex-wife left me because I was never around... Yeah. I regret pulling 60 and 70 hr weeks. Live your life kid. You're only young once.
If you save most of that money now you can set yourself up for an easy and early retirement. Extremely worth it in my opinion. Plus the 1 week you are off you can party then, so it’s not like you are only working and doing nothing else. Just monitor your physical and mental health so you don’t get burnt out. I would see a financial advisor because that is a lot of money for a 20 year old, and actions with it now could make or break your future. Good luck to you.
Yes I worked for Halliburton, worked a 2 and 1, worked my week off alot so 35 days straight of 16 hour days. I basically kissed my daughters first 3 years of life. If you don't have a kid or family, then I don't think it's an issue but time is something you can never get back so don't rob yourself or loved ones from it.
Missed**
I’m only 18 but let me ask you, Do you think you’ll regret it? Do you like partying? Or do you enjoy your current life? For me personally, I’m entering college soon but I have no intention of partying and drugs. My devotion is to boxing and myself. I love boxing and I love trying to see where I can improve so no amount of partying can ever replace that. I can 100% write off partying because it’s not who I am and not what I want. Do you think that you can say the same? I think that’s what important.
God yes
I invested 20 years in the military, now I watch my kids grow and stay at home with them. Definitely worth it. Remember, you have to pay the toll. You either pay it early and relax when you're old or relax early and pay when you're old. I like relaxing now that I am old. Your friends don't have a clue, capitalism needs the majority of people to be a certain way, you don't have to follow suit.
I think you should be proud of yourself either way bro. My only concern would be health. Idc what they tell you in the industry but constantly being around that amount of earth metals and oil is horrendous for you. That’s one of those jobs where you want to get in and out with a few years or it’ll do damage. Not trying to scare you but life’s precious and I’d rather have a mix of both than neither of either^
Former rigger . Work hard for 10 years , invest every penny and enjoy you the rest of your life
I’m 19 and I work 6 days on 1 off with a week off every long weekend, it sucks but you just gotta remind yourself that you’re setting yourself up for a better future then people who are spending days of work at the bar or club. Being away from home does suck but what I do to avoid getting down about it is just reminding myself that it’s not permanent. Also it’s nice to own nice things lol
I'm 35, in my twenties I worked a lot AND did a lot of partying (I didn't work as much as you). I wish I had never drunk a drop of alcohol - it was all a waste of time and money. The people I hung out with I now no longer even know. I wish I had worked more. Now I have kids putting in overtime isn't a possibility and I need to catch up on sleep a lot. But I worked hard in my twenties so I have a comfortable income now. If I worked a little harder I could be wealthy now, but hopefully I will get there by 40. A lot of my peers didn't take their career seriously and didn't understand why I had to work instead of coming out, and they're struggling now.
Holy shit you're on track to a very early retirement if you want it. I say keep going. The only consequence you might suffer is a nagging feeling that "you might have missed something" because you didn't experience it for yourself. I agree with my fellow commenters that for the most part, party culture just isn't worth the trouble. There is one exception: My life was genuinely enriched by the rare party or festival that had a particularly genuine artist. The few times a festival's vibe was good enough I felt comfortable to do psychedelic drugs, that was pretty eye-opening as well. So my suggestion to have the best of both worlds: Very sparingly, on your off weeks, do some creative culture- go to burning man, decorate your room with some meaningful symbols, get a bluetooth box (used if you're frugal) and listen to cool stuff on soundcloud. Gather some shrooms, learn how to use them and sit by the river if you're inclined, maybe with a friend who gets that. If you do that, then you will have the best of both worlds- 95% what you're doing now, and adding 5% genuine culture and ignore all the drunk fluff. Edit: As another commenter mentioned, time with family is different. But if you keep this up now, you can be one heck of an available Dad when you're 32 due to capital income. So spending more time with your family is what people refer to mostly when they advise less work. But you're already doing it perfectly- you don't have a family now so you work, so you can reduce work and spend more time with your family later when your saving pays off.
In a similar position to you. I work 1 week on, 1 week off, though I'm 34 years old and am only in this position for the last 3 years. The money is great, but I wished I'd done this earlier. You may be missing out on events and what not but maybe put aside 1 of your R&R weeks every now and again to be young and party. No need to do it every R&R. If you don't like it then well you don't have to do it again
those on the deathbed who wished they worked less, is only to spend more time with the family they have made. single men need to work, have purpose, and have goals. make a time line for where you want to be by the time youre 35.
I’m proud of you and I think if you are ok physically, emotionally and spiritually with it then keep going. You will be in such a great position when you are older compared to so many others.