7 Tips on how to travel with the Pipeline

 

 

Today I want to talk to you about 7 tips on how to travel with the pipeline.  I know from my experience that I had no idea what a pipeline was let alone what it meant to be part of the pipeline. A pipe what?!!  

Only later did I learn that the ditch that was dug through my parent’s property was a pipeline.  I used to play in that thing all the time (NOT recommended)!!!

*Disclaimer – this is not a full list of what can happen, just my own experiences and lessons

So, without further ado…what I have found it to be like while traveling with the pipeline

 

You will be away from family & friends

One of the hardest things for people when they begin traveling with the pipeline is being away from their family.  Everyone’s situation is different but I hear often how people wish that they could see their family more often or have them near.  Unfortunately, most of our families cannot just pack up and travel with us so we must learn how to cope with the separation.  A few things that have helped me over the years with the loneliness and separation from family are;

• Take a few small trips throughout the year to visit my family.  They are often solo or with the kids but it is good for my soul to see my loved ones!  
• If your family/friends are able to travel, set up some times that will work best for everyone.  Then you can take them on a tour of your local area!
• If travel is not an option, increase your phone calls, do more FaceTime or Zoom calls so you can see them

 

Family & friends will not understand why

Those family members and friends that you miss so much may get distant.  They don’t understand this lifestyle and why anyone would want to do it. 

Your family and friends may not keep in touch as much as they used to with you.  However, when you are in town they will want you to visit them. They may not think about the fact that you have already traveled a great distance just to get home for a few short days. Try not to hold it against them.  

We have spent years exhausting ourselves during our trips home, running from one house to the next. Not because we felt bad but because we wanted to see EVERYONE.  

What has worked best for us is to set up a day or two out of our schedule.  Then try to gather as many on those days as possible, in one location, so we don’t have to continue to run around.  If anyone wants additional time then they can come to wherever you are staying, if you have room in your schedule. 

I know not all of us have a home of our own to go back to so if that is your situation plan a night out with everyone.  A neutral place can be nice since you are not responsible for set up or clean up!  If that won’t work, ask one of your family/friends to host at their place.

The number on the check will look great until you realize all the bills you have!

 

 

That number on those checks may look much bigger but they often have to stretch much further than what most think.  Those long hours add up to a great check but there are still so many other costs that you might not think of initially.  

Most of us on a job are away from our homes.  So, that means you may be paying, in addition to your bills to maintain a home in your home state, for;

 

 

• A place to stay (campground + trailer payment, home/apt rental or hotel)
• Food
• Utilities
• Equipment needed to do jobs (depending on position/company)
• Union dues, if applicable
• Savings for moving expenses for next job

Some families that work the pipeline choose to travel together while others have the spouse (with or without children) staying back in their home state.  In the latter situation you would have to double those expenses mentioned above.

 

It is not uncommon to change companies multiple times

Speaking of savings for moving expenses….it is not uncommon to change jobs often and abruptly.  A job can end sooner than planned due to the employer, the contractor or the employee’s actions.  We can’t forget about rain days either.  If the weather is bad enough to call for a rain day, those that are paid hourly, usually go without pay for those days.  

I would recommend always putting away money to get you to the next job or home, whichever the case.  Even better, save enough for a layoff because this work is never guaranteed.  Start with your moving expenses and then keep going until you can have enough saved to pay at least six months of bills.

I’m not sure if it is as common in non-union jobs but what I have seen in union jobs is that it is pretty common to change companies often.  It may be that the company fired you, you didn’t like the company or people who worked for that company or you were just tired of the area.  

No matter the reason, it is not always looked down on for leaving. Depending on the circumstance people go back to the company even when they left in the first place.

 

You can see a lot of this beautiful country if you are willing

One of the great perks is that you are able to see a lot of our country and sometimes other countries!! I have always loved travel and taken trips since I was a kid.  Some have never left their home state let alone their home town.  It can be scary but trust me, it is so worth it!  There are SO many different places and things to see. Each state offers something unique!

We try to take a trip that is within a few hours of the job location every month.  If we can do more, we will.  The internet is a great resource for finding things to do!  Check back here as my blog develops too for the places we have visited!!

 

Meet new people!

Traveling gives you the opportunity to meet new people and make new friends!  They may be other pipeline families that understand what it is like to travel full time or new local friends in each new town.  

Be prepared though too, that not all local areas will appreciate the pipeline being in town.  Pay attention to what information your company shares at the safety meetings about the locals and watch the local news or papers for what the “climate” may be like in your area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

You will gain packing and logistics skills you never knew you wanted

If you travel for a while with the pipeline you may want to add professional packer and mover to your resume!  LOL. The amount of moves that can happen in a year’s time is unbelievable to those outside of this lifestyle.  You may move once a year or even every couple of months depending on the different jobs going on and the pipeliner’s work relationship with the employers.  

In my opinion, packing a fifth wheel/travel trailer is way easier than packing up a rental apartment or home.  Less stuff to move or pack in boxes is definitely a bonus for those tiny homes on wheels!  Either one still can make you a very proficient mover.

 

You can plan all you want but the best plan is to have a back up

One last tip on what it means to travel with the pipeline (and this is a BIG one)!  You can plan all you want but your best plan is to have a backup and be flexible.  I can’t even count how many times my husband told me we would be going to X location and then two weeks or less we go to Y location instead.  Or you plan for a lay off and suddenly you are off to the next job.  

Luckily, not as often is the plan to go to a job and have that change to an extended lay off period.  This goes back to making sure you are socking some of that money away while there is work!! 

Family vacations and trips to family events may get cancelled or as a spouse you go alone.  If you are living separately, you may plan for your worker to be home at a certain time of the year but a project gets extended or a new one comes along.

You often just have to make the best of it and hope it works out better next time.

 

I’m sure there are a million other tips I am missing but those will have to come at a later date. I hope the ones I have shared have given you some insight!  If you are already traveling, pop on below and offer up some of your best tips!  If you have any questions, feel free to put them in the comments or send me an email or message on social media!

As always, thanks for reading!

–Katie