Offshore oil rig jobs present unique challenges. One major challenge is you don't get to leave the work environment at the end of the shift. This can make for a stressful environment when having to work with others for an extended period of time. For this reason it is an advantage to these workers to prepare in advance for these moments.

Most jobs will have some type of conflict. Truthfully, it is hard to avoid. By nature people can be very disagreeable at times. However, with some minor work habit adjustments, these conflicts can be avoided or reduced.

Consider a recent first impression experience. Do you regret how you handled the situation? Could you have done things differently? The sad thing about first impressions is, they are hard to overcome. People tend to look for evidence to reinforce their first views. This can become a real challenge on an offshore oil rig. So the following four suggestions can go a long way towards making a good first impression.

People like to be smiled at. It makes us feel like we are liked. No one likes to be rejected. So when we smile, it tends to draw others to us. So a smile can go a long way in making a solid first impression. People like it when we're helpful. Who doesn't enjoy being served by others? It is rare to be unappreciated when you offer help to another. When you are helpful, others tend to see you as a likable person. Be positive, because no one likes a complainer. We all can find things to complain about. The thing about complaining is, its energy drags everyone else down. So by keeping the attitude positive, it helps boost the moral of others. We tend to set ourselves up for failure when we are inflexible. Everyone knows we never get our own way all the time. And to the extent we don't understand that, we are bound to experience many frustrating moments. So, a give and take attitude tends to foster more productive relationships.

The one truth about an offshore oil rig job, is you can't get away from people. Most jobs involve working closely with others. But this is a strange environment in that regard. Unless you have had extended stay experiences with others, it is a real challenge to understand.

It doesn't matter where you work, there will be challenges of getting along with others. But if you can make some adjustments in the way you approach your working relationships...you are likely to have a more enjoyable experience on an offshore oil rig.