The Effect of Oilfield Jobs on Relationships in Texas

In Texas, the oil and gas industry is a part of the economy and more than 494,593 individuals, with a 2.1% growth over the years, according to the Houston Chronicle. Although there isn’t data on how many couples make up this number, you could assume that the oilfield employs more than half a million individuals throughout Texas; many couples across Texas are in a relationship or marriage when their spouse has a career in the oilfield. In cities such as Midland, Odessa, and Houston, they employ most oilfield jobs.

The Unique Challenges of Oilfield Jobs on Relationships

High-Stress Environments

Oilfield workers really have it tough. They're often pushed to the brink physically with demanding tasks and really long hours, and they work in places where safety is always a big concern. All that stress doesn't just stay at the job site—it can follow them home, wearing them down both emotionally and physically.

Long and Irregular Hours

Many oilfield roles require long shifts extending weeks or even months away from home. Working long irregular hours, being away from home weeks or months at a time can put strain on a relationship.

Financial Stress

There are many ups and downs with finances with oil jobs. Many individuals decide to work for them for a temporary period of time and others it may be their full-time gig for a few months to a year. Depending on the goals within the career path it can be different for everyone. If it is a temporary job, the strain may come from the financial side of things, or if it is a stepping stone, a couple may find that they want to save money until their spouse reaches a different position.

Impact on Relationships and Marriages

Emotional Distance

The physical absence of one partner can create an emotional gap. When your spouse works in the oilfield and is a distance between you, a virtual counseling session can benefit you—giving you flexibility and convenience even if you aren’t in the same city during the session. (Remember you must both be located in Texas at the time of the session). This distance might make it difficult for couples to maintain intimacy and can lead to feelings of loneliness and abandonment.

Strain on Communication

Isolation and resentment are among a few ways communication is strained.

Role Adjustments

If one partner is working and the other also has a job or maybe they decided to stay home with the children, each person has to adjust to these new roles, which can be new to them.

Infidelity

Infidelity can happen within any industry or career. The reason this is brought up is because long hours, distance, and emotional disconnect can invite infidelity due to tension within the relationship or lack of communication.

Counseling Tips for Couples Affected by Oilfield Jobs

Establishing Better Communication

A scheduled check-in can help your partner feel valued and establish a basis of respect for their time and also that you want to make time for them to connect.

It is better to communicate openly and honestly about how one feels about things instead of holding it in and creating resentment.

Having More Emotional Intimacy

Couples can connect while apart; instead of talking on the phone, they can Facetime or watch a movie together while away. Or they can connect while one sets aside some time to create more emotional intimacy during their time apart.

Finding ways to show you care, like small gifts, sweet messages, or anything to make your partner feel cared for.

Managing Stress

There are ways to manage stress, such as mindfulness techniques, journaling, hobbies, staying connected, and exercising, whether a brisk walk or going to the gym. If your outlet is a hobby you enjoy, this should be incorporated to reduce stress, which will also take the strain off your partner.

Role Adjustments

By knowing what your roles are within the relationship and what your expectations are. Discussing this in counseling while also creating healthy boundaries.

Scheduling a Virtual Couples Counseling Session Today

Counseling is an excellent way for oilfield couples in Texas to strengthen their relationship. If you want to schedule a session, reach out to us today. We also offer free consultations to see if we’d be a good fit.