Life on the Road for Oil & Gas Workers
Working in oil and gas can be rewarding, but it can also be one of the most demanding industries to work in.
Long rotations.
Physically demanding work.
Weeks away from home.
High safety risks and constant pressure to stay alert.
For many men in the industry, the work requires toughness, endurance, and the ability to push through discomfort.
But behind that strength, many workers are carrying a significant amount of stress — and sometimes substances like nicotine, alcohol, or other drugs become ways to cope with that pressure.
This experience is more common than people often talk about.
Life on Rotation
Many oil and gas workers spend long stretches away from home.
A typical rotation might look like 14 days on and 7 days off, or even longer stretches depending on the project.
During those work periods, days can be long and repetitive:
waking up before sunrise
working 10–14 hour shifts
dealing with weather, equipment, and safety risks
returning to camp, eating quickly, and preparing to do it all again the next day
After weeks of this routine, many workers feel physically exhausted and mentally drained.
Some men describe feeling like they are always either working or recovering from work.
Missing Important Moments at Home
Being on rotation often means missing parts of life at home.
Workers might miss:
birthdays
school events for their children
anniversaries
family holidays
everyday moments with their partner or kids
Many men carry a quiet guilt about this, even though they are working hard to support their families.
One common scenario many workers experience is finishing a long shift and seeing photos or messages from home — realizing something meaningful happened while they were hundreds or thousands of miles away.
Over time, this distance can create emotional stress that is hard to talk about.
The Pressure to Stay Alert
Oil and gas work requires constant attention.
Workers often operate heavy machinery, work around high-pressure equipment, or manage environments where mistakes can lead to serious injury.
Because of this, fatigue can feel dangerous.
Many workers rely on nicotine throughout the day to stay alert during long shifts.
A typical day might include:
a nicotine pouch or chew before the shift starts or after or during
cigarettes during breaks
vaping while driving equipment or traveling between sites
Nicotine can temporarily increase alertness, which is one reason it is so common on job sites.
But it also keeps the body in a heightened stress state, which can make it harder to relax when the workday ends.
Camp Life and Isolation
Living in work camps can be another challenge.
After long shifts, workers often return to small rooms, eat in shared dining halls, and spend evenings away from family and familiar routines.
Some nights might look like:
sitting in a room scrolling on a phone
watching television to pass the time
having drinks with coworkers to unwind
trying to fall asleep even though the mind is still wired from the day
Over time, the isolation of camp life can start to wear on people.
For some workers, substances become a way to relax, numb stress, or simply pass the time.
The “Push Through It” Culture
Oil and gas culture often values toughness and resilience.
Many workers take pride in being able to handle difficult conditions.
But this culture can sometimes make it harder for people to talk openly about stress or mental health.
Instead of asking for help, many men simply push through.
This might look like:
ignoring exhaustion
working through injuries
relying more heavily on nicotine or alcohol
keeping stress to themselves
While pushing through can work in the short term, it can become harder to sustain over time.
When Stress Starts to Catch Up
After years in the industry, some workers begin noticing changes in how their bodies and minds handle stress.
This might include:
trouble sleeping, even during time off
feeling constantly wired or restless
irritability or a short temper
feeling disconnected from family when returning home
relying on nicotine, alcohol, or other substances more than before
Some men describe feeling like they can’t fully relax, even when they’re off rotation.
This is often a sign that the nervous system has been under pressure for a long time.
Supporting Mental Health in a Demanding Industry
Working in oil and gas will likely always involve some level of stress.
But there are ways to support mental and physical health while working in the industry.
Helpful strategies may include:
Regulating the nervous system
Simple breathing exercises, stretching, or short walks can help the body shift out of constant stress mode.
Protecting sleep
Prioritizing sleep during time off rotations can help the body recover.
Gradually reducing nicotine or substance use
Some workers find success in slowly reducing nicotine instead of quitting suddenly.
Talking with someone
Having a confidential space to talk about stress — whether with a therapist, coach, or trusted person — can make a significant difference.
Strength Isn’t Just About Pushing Through
Men working in oil and gas often carry enormous responsibility.
The work requires focus, endurance, and a willingness to face difficult conditions.
But strength also includes knowing when stress is building and taking steps to support your health.
With the right tools and support, it’s possible to manage stress, reduce reliance on substances, and create healthier ways to cope — even in one of the most demanding industries.
