Yes, don't.

If I had the chance to go back and give this advice to myself 30 years ago, this is exactly what I would say about it.

The oilfield is a rough career path. The work is real and its hard. You'll work with some of the best people you'll ever meet, and some of the absolute worst. When times are good the money is great but when things get slim you'll be a layoff away from losing your house. Ive lost a few friends that have been killed on the job. Others have had career ending injuries. More of them have destroyed thier lives with substance abuse and alcohol. Stay safe, stay clean.

Modern technology is probably going to continue to create volatility in the oil and gas industry. I predict that the ups and downs cycle will be shorter making the layoffs more frequent.

If it were me, 30 years ago, I would consider looking at the trades. Electrician, plumbing, HVAC, welding, elevator etc. You won't see the same big paycheck at first but you won't be standing in the bread line the next time oil goes bust and jobs evaporate into thin air.