Native here living in my home town again. My job has changed my personality. I'm more skeptical of new people, but can see thru bullshit easier. I am much less social than my time in other areas because of the skepticism. As a night worker with no schedule, I can't plan a weekend. I can't join a pool or softball league. This means I have a tough time keeping contact with friends. Many just come and go. Even if I have a day off, they don't think to call me because chances are I'm at work or sleeping. 12 hour days don't allow for much socializing either. I rarely see my family, miss most holidays, and if I can make it to paddle fishing weekend it's not even worth buying a tag because it'll be night time or I'm on call and inevitably get called. There are also no women my age group to date really. This causes lonliness. My physical health has suffered as well, I've gained weight, I drink way more. I'm too tired at the end of the day to work out. I've also been involved in a few accidents that have affected my hand use. My knees are gone to the point I can't go jogging, but I can ride bicycle well. My feet and ankles ache constantly probably due to aggravating previous injuries.

Plus sides. My home is almost paid off. I own outright several vehicles, but never bought a snowmobile or atv. I have had the ability to say, I want that, and buy it, within reason. I have bought many adult toys like guns etc. The friends I've held onto are good friends, but like the boom they will slowly fade with it. I've also been able to accomplish some of my dreams like travel the usa by car. I'll finish the lower 48 this year. I've met lifelong friends on these journeys as well.

I've considered leaving the oilfield for a lesser paying 9-5 job like I had before. It allowed for more personal happiness and the ability to socialize. Leaving would mean moving away from all of my immediate family again, but would also increase the possibility of finding a mate.

This isn't meant to be a sob story by any means, I can leave at any time. But it's the good and the bad from a single guy prospective that grew up here.