Career decision
23M in Texas. Currently working at a sand plant on a 7/7 schedule making about $75k. I have industrial experience, MSHA, welding, and A&P schooling. My long-term goal is to get into offshore production on a 14/14 schedule and eventually become a technical specialist (automation, hydraulics, I&E, reliability, etc.).
If you were starting over today, what path would you take? Is it better to start as a floorhand/roustabout and move up, or get technical training first and try to skip the labor? Start on a land rig or go straight to fighting for an offshore spot? What companies should I be watching? Are there any true entry level spots in offshore that pay good(drilling or production but preferably production platform)?
I have pretty much zero oil rig experience but I’m mechanically minded and good at troubleshooting/problem solving. Plenty experience in sand/quarry mining and processing.