Changes coming hopefully for the good of us, some might think not, but let me explain....

in #adventure7 years ago

So since 2005 I have worked various electrical jobs. I have a degree in advanced avonics and electronic technology. What does that mean. It means that I can work on aircraft and anything electrical. To a degree. I have worked on aircraft for Skywest out of Palm Springs, CA. I have worked on Boeing Field in Seattle, WA for a small FBO (fixed base operations). I have worked in the oil fields of WY, CO, UT, ND, MT, SD, TX, OK, NM, AR, AZ, NY, LA, and WV. Recently I have worked as a PLC technicial (Programable Logic Control). This is what I currently do. Well sorta. I started 2.5 years ago wiring up Panels and Consoles that go inside a various ships thought the world.

Worked and trouble shot the CRJ700

Worked and troubleshot the EMB120

I worked 6 years on Various Oil Field equipment,
Canrig Top Drive

Tesco Top Drive

Catwalk

I built the panels and the bridge in the fishing boat Araho.

I build the panels and the bridge, also went to Hawaii to install the system on the Kilo Moana

I build the panels and the bridge for the Research Vessel Tommy Thompson

I have done 13 Years of electrical experiences....Now some of you might say that I make enough to support what you do. But you would be wrong. I work right now for a company that makes a lot of money...I mean a lot. But that person takes that money and puts into other projects to make him more money. I understand its building his business. But when your employees are making so little money that they cannot get health benefits to cover his family, that is when it becomes an issue. Yes I can pay the monthly bills, but our kids are on state insurance and come June of this year, it will come to light that I make too much for them to be on that. It was a 3 year program, once we moved here and now it will run out. I roughly bring in lets say More than poverty, but less than rich. I am home roughly 350 Days a year now. Kids get to see me amost every night, unless I have to work late. Which happens, I get that too, but when it comes down to do my kids and wife need health care, or do we pay the mortages. That is something that I dread....

So my wife and I have had to make a tough decision. Do I stay here at this job, where we are just above poverty, but low enough that we cannot afford mortgage and health care, or do I go back to a place that...while I will be gone for 20 days and home for 10, but be able to afford healthcare, mortgage among other things. You have no idea how hard of a decision that is. I have worked the 200 hour 2 weeks, I have worked the 43 hours straight because something was broken. I have worked away from home and family, but it made it all easier. SO what does one do...Fault me because doing so we can have the life that we need. Not stupid over the top things, but like....a house that is not falling apart, the help that if my wife or kids need the doctor can and will not break the bank....I have wanted to do #ophumanangel things this month, but things are tight, so there that lies aswell.

I am going to leave where I am at now, go work the oil fields, get the insurance that my family needs. Get out of debit, because that is a buzz kill also. We will be getting more STEEM by the end of the year, so this will in a sense be our savings, minus the kids bank accounts that have little in them, because things were tight. No person should have to worry about where his or her kids and family will get insurance. Thank God we had it, or things could have been alot worse for Mr. Simon in 2016. So Please do no judge where I go to work, as it is needed to keep my family healthy as safe. Please do not judge as you will be seeing life on the rigs, because that is only one of the things that I will be able to do.

Life in the oil fields is hard. Its late nights, long hours (16 or more a day). The pay is good, but you have to realize that it sucks. It does, but you know what. There is a lot of people out there that need help in those areas. Town litterly die out when it dries up. The homeless goes up due to it. I will be able to do so much good. Here at home, as well as the fields. We have a massive amount of #ophumanangel cards left its silly.

So again, please realize that I have to do this, not by choice but because it is the only way that I know to help my family get the insurance and pay the bills at the same time. ****Please note, Insurance for me, @khackett, the twins is $1100 per month**** If anyone knows where I can work and pay the bills at the same time besides the oil fields, please let me know. I doubt it though....

Picture Source

This is the REASON I have to do this....

me.jpg

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I wish we had universal healthcare like other civilized places and people didn't have to make such choices. :( No judgement, everyone understands. Or Americans do, anyway, as we've been in similar boats at some point.

It's like how do we get out. Like off the grid but in it. I keep imagining how? Life is really far out 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♂️

Exactly. It's like you have to succeed to a certain degree within the system in order to escape it. This is one of the reasons why Steemit is exciting to me; I see it, and blockchain in general, as a good bridge, or I hope it will be, from the current system to a better one. At the least it will help some of us survive (it already is)!

Sure have to agree with your closing statement. Very well said new found Steemian friend @pheonixwren!! Well said 🗻

I wish you didn't have to leave your kids again my friend. I'm upvoting this 100% to try and help you out with a couple of dollars my friend. :)

Sorry to hear you're going to have to be away from the family so much. That's awesome you're going to be able to make more money, pay down some bills, and keep insurance for the family. Ins costs are crazy high and going higher.
For what it's worth, I'm proud of you! :)

I love you babe. It'll be hard being away from you again, but we have to do it. ❤

:'( :'( :'( <3 <3 <3

This is so terrible to be forced into a decision like this, I cannot believe the cost of medical insurance there, makes me want to scream!! I hope another solution becomes possible very very soon. I know you guys will get through this, you are so strong, I'm praying for a miracle!! Please let us know how we can help!

It's one of those things, you weigh the good and the bad and do what you have to. We actually get punished on our taxes here if we don't have health insurance all year. It's so stupid.

We know this job is dangerous and we both support renewable energy over oil, but the reality is, oil companies pay very well. Within 2 years we can be debt free and make repairs to our house we need. Plus health care. Plus have some extra to power up steem and pay it forward on the blockchain. 😁

We always get by somehow, it'll be hard being separated so much, but it'll only be for a little while. At least we won't have the money worry anymore. I can't wait for the day we're steem millionaires and @chackett can retire early! 🤣😁

I'm holding those visions with you Sis!!!!

Sometimes we have to sacrifice our convinience and the joy of being with family, to gain another aspect of comfort... although governments should make everything easier for people, but, sometimes it doesnt work.BTW, life is like a game, like a novel never written. go on, don't worry and just enjoy every moment. enjoy experiencing new things, being in places never been, while having a cute family waiting at home, laughing when seeing your face even in a video chat

best wishes @chackett

Hey guys 💜 life is full of tough choices. And, honestly, i feel like we are all on a similar path of 'Graduating Life with Honours' the book by @wwf -- walking the good path. And, it is one hell of a journey!!! Wooooo 🙏

All i know for sure is that we have got this. We are the change! It is happening 💖

Lotsa Love!! And, healing. Many blessings friends #Steem. Let's do this 💜🖤💚💙💖

I fell you, and respect your decision. I would do exactly the same. Good luck bro.

that's a tough one man all around, have to sacrifice somewhere it always seems. The insurance part Is a joke, we found out when they deducted over $1500 for the month for 2 adults and one teenager, we were quoted $960 in Novemember but guess it changed with open enrollment. @mamabear72 tries to explain it to me.

I fell you, and respect your decision. I would do exactly the same. Good luck bro.

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