Huntsville, TX
We completed our NOMADS project on Thursday the 14th. On Saturday we drove up to Houston and have been backyard camping at our friends Olan and Lola Halbert as we were waiting for a call as positions as Gate Guards.
We had applied as licensed Gate Guards a few weeks back. We took the test, got fingerprinted and found out more about the positions the week before our NOMADS project started. We told the company that we would be available for assignment starting February 15. I called them on the 15th but no positions were available.
They asked that I call again yesterday which I did. At that time it looked like we might secure an assignment in Louisiana and we thought about hooking up this morning and heading that way. Glad we didn't. We got a call around 2 and asked if we could go to Huntsville, TX, only about 80 miles from where we were. OKAY!
We immediately packed up, leaving Houston around 3. We got up here a little after 5 to find a rig on the site we were to inhabit. It seems the "company man" liked this couple and had them come here from another site last Friday. However, they are not licensed nor do they work for the company contracted to guard this site. Our contact arrived shortly after we did. The other couple then packed up and left.
We are parked out in the country at an entrance to an oil rig site. Our sole job is to sign traffic in and out, walking just steps from our rig's door.
It was 9 before we finally settled in. The company brought in a huge generator, a sewer system and a water tank. Also hoses which stretch across the road to alert us to traffic coming into the site.
Len was exhausted so is now asleep. I am taking the first night watch. I think I can last until about 4 am then I will need to crash.
Our reason for taking this job is that we want to travel to Alaska next summer. We don't want to take any money from our savings account or use any investment funds. Since one of us must be on site at all times, this means little diesel will be used for travel, no campground fees and most of all NO EATING OUT. OUCH! This is a forced savings plus a bi-weekly paycheck. We are hoping to stick in out until May. Did I mention, no eating out????
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11 comments:
Wow. I don't know if I could do that - I think I would mind the isolation most, especially at night. How far are you from the nearest town, grocery store, etc?
You can do this, and you know that. It will be a challenge in some respects, but just keep in mind your goal - Alaska! Wow! I'm looking forward to hearing about what it's like gate guarding in that area of Texas. Hadn't even thought about that. I bet it beats South Texas, though!
Good luck with the gate guarding. That's one job that doesn't appeal to me at all. The 24/7 part would be too much for me.
welcome to Gate Guarding! We are doing our 2nd season of guarding, good money and very few expenses is a huge plus!
Enjoy,
Phil and Rudee
We looked into doing that also. One of the problems I had is that so many of the spots are soooooo far away from everything. I wasn't real thrilled with that. Good luck with your new position. Keep us posted on how all is going.
Good luck with the gate guarding - sounds like a good way to make a few extra bucks!
I think the $$ would be terrific, not many expenses, like you said. The eating out part would be good for my waistline :) George isn't too sure about the dirt that gets into the rig. Still on my list as a possibility to save some $.
Brilliant way to save and get ready for an adventure in Alaska.
Blessings
Gate Guarding sounds good. You can rest up from your NOMADS project. We had exactly the same thought and it was the plan B. Decent pay and minimal expenses. A good way to save $ for your Alaska trip. Looking forward to hearing your take on it!
Sounds like it will be interesting work but also long hours.
Sounds like some long hours but at least you can split the shifts.
Alaska is my big dream road trip.
Great way to save and make extra for that trip.
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