Work

Well, I’m (he quickly counts the little “X”s on his calendar) 20 days into my first 28 day hitch as a rotational worker. It has been interesting, to say the least. I’m finding that there are lots of people who have worked this sort of job for 10+ years, and they all seem to have a little advice to give to those of us who are accustomed to a more conventional work environment. Here are a few quotes: “It’s like the movie Ground Hog Day. The same thing happens, you see the same people, you eat the same food, every single day” “It just doesn’t get any better than this. No, really, this is it. It doesn’t get any better.” “It only feels like prison at first. Oh, would you mind stealing some food from the cafeteria for a secret party we are having? The guards won’t let you take the food out if they catch you.” No matter how you slice it, this is an unusual way to work. Of course, I have yet to have the opportunity to enjoy the other 28 days (well, it’s more like 26, as you have to commute on your own time). Still, the work in interesting and the people are interesting. I have a team of very smart and very enthusiastic Angolans, with a few British, South African and American expatriates sprinkled in. Am I enjoying it? Sure. Would I like to be home with my sweetheart? Absolutely. That will come, with time. Every 28 days, to be exact.