Amalie Lundstad, a 29-year-old process engineer, has embraced a unique lifestyle by working offshore on an oil rig near Bergen, Norway, for the past three years. With nearly 90,000 followers on Instagram, she shares insights into her unconventional career, which offers both substantial rewards and significant challenges.
Her job comes with an annual salary exceeding €130,000 (approximately $146,000) and an extraordinary amount of time off—around 250 days per year. This schedule allows her ample opportunities to focus on personal projects, pursue dreams, and enjoy leisure activities like reading. However, this seemingly ideal setup demands resilience and discipline, especially as it requires spending extended periods away from family and friends.
Life on the Rig: Intense Rotations and Unique Perks
Lundstad operates on a rotational schedule, spending two weeks continuously on the offshore platform before returning to shore. Her shifts begin either at 5:45 a.m. or in the afternoon, varying by rotation, which means no two days are alike. Despite the demanding nature of the job, she highlights some perks, such as being able to walk to work within minutes and having the chance to get more sleep than in a typical onshore job.
Her social media showcases the daily realities of working offshore—long hours and a structured environment balanced by the freedom and benefits that come with the unique work pattern. This lifestyle offers a rare combination of high income, extended breaks, and the chance to disconnect from everyday distractions.
While the role may seem attractive on paper, it is clear that few people are willing to commit to the sacrifices it entails. The demanding conditions and isolation inherent in offshore work require a specific mindset and strong personal commitment, which Lundstad exemplifies through her experience.