Power
You have the power to solve our energy dilemma (or at least hold it at bay) by pumping out oil. Since 2009, crude oil production has risen. The push for domestic crude oil has helped the United States break its dependence on foreign oil. In fact, the number of oil rigs in the United States has quadrupled in the last three years. Today, there are over 1,200 oil rigs or platforms. Much of the oil has been found in North Dakota, Texas, and the Gulf of Mexico.
If oil companies keep up the pace, the United States may challenge Saudi Arabia as a top oil producer. The only problem is that the United States is also the top oil consumer. For that reason, alternative energy sources are greatly needed in the United States, which is why so many companies are flocking to natural gas.
Natural gas is less expensive to obtain than crude oil. While it still remains to be seen what will replace crude oil, the United States needs energy. Working on an oil rig helps provide a much-needed commodity. Pretty powerful stuff.
But that's in the big scheme of things. In the small scheme, you're working a crazy-dangerous job, and while you have the power to do everything you can to stay safe, you don't have the power to guarantee your safety, or anyone else's. That's the sort of realization that can make you feel pretty powerless.