We all have to go with the flow sometimes and change as the world changes around us. The changes most certainly affect us in one way or another. Not all of the changes are good, but then what's new? Recently I was faced with a decision that I certainly hope I am not faced with again in the future.

While on my off rotation from Namibia, I received a job offer offshore. With the rotations being 4 weeks on and 4 weeks off. The pay was just about double what I was earning with in Namibia. The catch however remained that they needed me to start ASAP. Which would have meant not returning to Namibia when in fact I was due back in less than a week.

Suffice to say, after talking it over with my wife, parents and in-laws, I made the decision to accept the offer and not return to Namibia. It was by far one of the hardest decisions I've made in my life. I felt like I betrayed a family member, unprofessional and cheap. It's not something I would do, it's just not me. However on this occasion I had to think of my family. I had to think about the future I want them to have and take the steps needed to be the provider they require.

Needless to say, it did not go down well with the management in Namibia. I received all kinds of unprofessional threats, basically things I never expected to come from their side. Either way, the decision was made and I took the offer in the South Caspian. This left me with more money, shorter rotations and being able to provide a decent life for my family.

So, it's been two months since this happened. I've done and dusted on the first rotation aboard the ultra deep drilling rig in the South Caspian and still have not heard a word from Namibia regarding the R30 000 odd of pension that they deducted from me while working there. In the long run though, we've made the decision that if they pay it, all good and well. If not then we will take that knock, I now make more than what I was paid and will make the lost pension up along the way.

Till next time.

Take care and be safe.