Working in the Coal Mines

J-rod wrote: anyone here ever worked in the mines or know someone who has? is a huge industry here in WV....and jobs are WAY in demand...i have thought about working in the mines for a couple yrs now. the $$$ would be at least double maybe triple what i make here ...starting out. but i wonder about the shifts. i hear they work 6 days a week...... i want to see my family...but i want to be a better provider than i am now....right now im getting upset...cause we dumped more money into this house than had planned at first.....and now she is talking about not going on our trip tomorrow just to save some money..... i suck

ashtonsmama replied: Nope. And I didn't even know there was a state called West Virginia until I was about 20.



That's what WV stands for right?

J-rod replied:
yep

CantWait replied: First off, you don't suck. The money is great, but yes the shifts are demanding most of the time. You may not come back home for the week, or you may just be working really long hours. Early morning, late night. Not to mention how tired you'd be when you got home. It's a lot to think about. Good Luck.

TheOaf66 replied: I would only caution you that you can do permanent damage to your body in that line of work, breathing in those fumes so be careful if you go that route, I understand about wanting to be a better provider though

DVFlyer replied: It's normal to want to be a "better" provider for your family, but just because you don't make the money you wish you did, doesn't mean you're not a good provider.

Can't help with the coal miner thing, but if it was me? I'd be tempted to take the hit of being busy for a few years to stockpile away some money. Most of your decision will depend on how much support you would get from your wife. Depending on how much money we're talking about v.s. the cost of living in your area, this could be a very good chance to put away a nice nest egg for when you don't have this chance.

mammag replied: This is just my opinion, but I would rather be a little short on money than have Chris gone 6 days a week and potentially putting himself in danger. I would worry about him constantly.

What is her opinion on it?

J-rod replied:
her opinion is exactly what you just said.

Ashlynn's Mommy replied:

PrairieMom replied:

PrairieMom replied: I would just weigh the pros and cons. Personally, i wouldn't want my DH doing that. I would rather do without some things than risk his health. Coal dust is really bad for your lungs.

kersteegirl620 replied:
My husband is from West Virginia and his family still lives there. My DH's dad works in the coal mines and from what I hear he works A LOT. I believe he is like management or something. My husband knows all about the coal mining business, so if you would like I could get more information for you. He can always call his dad up if you have any specific questions

gr33n3y3z replied:
That sounds like a good idea to me

redchief replied: Tough decision... One of the few fields that I think are just as or more dangerous than fighting fires. If you decide to explore further, check the safety records of all of the companies you're looking to join.

MustangMama04 replied: My husband has worked in the mines for about 2 and a half years now. It is hard work but he loves it. He honestly had no other choice. I was pregnant with #2, we were both working and barely making it. I guess we could have went on like that but I didnt want to put the baby in daycare and we really could not have afforded it anyway.
He works for Massey Energy. He works 6 to 7 days a week, usually between 54 to 70 hours a week. He is a working machine and he is good at what he does. I am very proud of him for what he does, even if I dont say it very often. We are rich by no means but the money is good. Maybe now we can send our oldest son to college. He is also a miner-EMT. He can get his bossing papers next year which is job security. He is trying to get in the electrician program which is mega-bucks for doing very little.
We have had to sacrifice time together but when he is off we all spend it together. We can now actually afford to go do things now.
And yes, it is very dangerous and I do worry about him. But its a feeling you get used to. They had a fire at their mines last week and I thought I would go nuts before I got to talk to him. But everyone got out okay. MSHA has since shut that part of the mines down.
In West Virginia, if you ever want to have anything, you better work in the mines or get on a check.
My husband went through that "I suck" type thinking when we were just barely getting by. Its not you that sucks, its the economy. Everything is so expensive nowdays. Dont be hard on yourself.
Also, have you thought about surface mining? That is what my dad done for about 20+ years. Good money there too. If you have any questions, I will be happy to answer them.
What part of WV are you in? I know several mines that are hiring.

MomToJade&Jordan replied:


I have talked to my MIL about the coal mining in WV. A lot of those mines aren't up to code and are dangerous. I would really do some research before taking a job.

luvmykids replied: You don't suck, it's expensive to get a house ready, have a baby, etc. BTW-is the landlord willing to reimburse you for any of the stuff you did to it? As far as the possibility of cancelling your trip to save money, that part does suck but lots of us as new parents/parents to be have had to do stuff like that just to maintain the priorities. It doesn't mean you aren't a good providor, just that some things are more important than others.

Personally, as a mom who's DH has always been gone more than home, I'd say if you can make it work without having to take a job with hours like that it would be my preference. I'm with the others who said they'd rather do without some things in exchange for peace of mind and having daddy around more.

Best wishes either way though, it's a tough decision.

J-rod replied: well the two local mines to my area are up to code so far ....her gma's DH was an inspector for the mines for years. im talking Farmington area. Leveridge mine, Blacksville #2, etc.



where in WV and what mine?

Luvmykids - the house is a RTO (rent to own optional) yes she will take it off the rent all the work weve done....which will help...it has been expensive and tiring doing all this work...but worth it. i love the house...hope to buy it as long as nothing major comes up to make us change our mind. i cant wait to post pics of the finished work...kitchen is 95% done...just need a new floor. bathroom needs floor too..and its done besides moving things to right rooms and organizing.

MommyToAshley replied: I don't know a thing about coal mining, just what I've seen on the news or seen in movies.

But, I think it's only a decision you and your family can make. I think if your wife is strongly against it, then that should weigh heavily on your decision. I know it sucks when money is tight, but money really isn't everything and the only way that you provide for your family.

We could have a bigger house and have a more comfortable lifestyle had DH or I continued our careers or even if we were to aggressively promote our business more. But, that would mean working more hours and spending less time with Ashley and our family. We decided that being able to spend this time together is more important than any material thing we could buy or having a bigger house. We still work quite a few hours, it's just more flexible when we work. But, that is what worked for our family. I know there are some people that have to work many hours just to provide the necessities, or have different priorities and enjoy working and having a professional career. I think you need to ask what is important to you and your wife. I am not saying one choice is better than the other. But, if you and your wife decide the hours are too long and the risks to your health are too great, there are usually things that you can cut back on to make the finances work. Life is full of sacrifices but you have to decide which ones you are willing to make. Sorry I am not much help. However, I can share with you that although it was scary in the beginning, I am glad we made the decisions that we did.

This is a big decision... good luck. Let us know what you decide.

J-rod replied: hey mustangmama:

1. love the name... got one myslef...and had 3 others.


2. im in the Farmington WV area. you from Wv too?

Hillbilly Housewife replied: If it helps your decision... my grandfather worked in a nickel mine all his life... until he retired... and his skin was badddddd. My grandmother has always insisted he died of blood poisoning from Nickel Rash. He died of Melanoma, and infection of his blood. He was covered pretty much from head to toe (minus his hands and face and upper neck) with oozing sores.

Now I have lots of family in Sudbury, whre Nickel Mining is a big business. Well they're on strike now, but that's besides the point. Several of the younger miners (like under 25) are in it just for the money and don't really care abot the health risks... but it really takes a toll on your body especially if you're doing it 6 days a week.

My grandfather was usually gone 6 days a week, with only Sunday as a rest day.

luvbug00 replied: I personaly would say no. too many risks involef and IMO not worth it. Trust me noone knows clinging on a string like Brad and I do. We have had to do WHATEVER nessesary to feed our child. I hope you can find another job where you can make some money and not have to sacrifice your health and family for it.

J-rod replied:
thats her thoughts...she hates money. lol but i am always worrying about it.


i may take my tests to work for Verizon. her dad does..for 18yrs and makes good money. so maybe ill take my test and wait for next hiring crew....as long as i have my tests ahead of time...i dunno.... i just need to do more.

MustangMama04 replied: I am in Southern WV, about an hour south of Charleston. I have never heard of Farmington. Is it in the Northern part of WV?

Im not trying to minimize the risks, but there are risks in every job, basically. I worry alot about my husband. I never go to bed until he is home, which is usually by 3 am.

A word of advice, if you do decide to go in the mines, work for a large, well-known company. Stay away from little punch mines, they are the ones that usually arent up to code. They may pay better hourly, but you may have trouble getting your paycheck from them. Lots do not provide health insurance. If you can find a Union job, you will be better off, but there are not alot of Union jobs available.

I dont necessarily hate money, its debt that I hate.

Anyway, good luck, whatever you decide.

J-rod replied: farmington is 20 miles south of morgantown.


yea consol is a large mining company up here...they seem to own the majority of them here.

TheOaf66 replied: have you decided to go that route?

J-rod replied:
unsure...the class to get certified is around $300...so im take some time to think it thru before spending money on another certification.


right now i spent $500 on cetting certified in car sales....the dealer reimbursed me after 6months...but i view that as a waste now..

spent $300 getting SSAC certified thru WV for coaching. which im 95% not gonna use now so thats a waste....


see a pattern? i do therfore im gonna start planning ahead more and not for the "right now"

so il take some time and talk this over with alot of people.

MustangMama04 replied: I am not trying to influence your decision. But I have a friend whose husband got a federal grant to get his miners certification. Im not sure how it works but my brother in law works a mines that is doing this. It is a union job, the company is Peabody. I dont know if they are doing it at just Peabody owned mines or if it is something that is going on all over.

My husband hopes to get a job with our BIL within the next few months anyway. Better pay and more time off.

By the way, my other BIL (now deceased) used to sell cars. I didnt know you had to get certified. He was a top salesman for C and O Toyota in St. Albans. He won trips to the Bahamas, Cali, Atlantic City, ect.

holley79 replied: You don't suck. My best friend's Uncle runs some crews somewhere in WV coal mines. I can see what info she can give me. I do remember her uncle talking about working 6 days a week and LONG hours. It's also not the safest job in the world.

kersteegirl620 replied:
His family lives in Fayetteville and his dad works for Massey/Addington Energy. That's what my DH thinks they are called.

MustangMama04 replied: Kersteegirl, I live about 45 minutes from Fayetteville. My husband works for Massey.

kersteegirl620 replied:
Really? Does your husband know David Baer?

coasterqueen replied: I haven't read any of the other responses, but my uncle worked the mines in CO. He's in his late 40's now, retired, and rich. I'm not sure when he started doing it. Maybe in his 20's, probably mid twenties. He didn't mind the work at all and LOVES that he's retired and doing things he loves to do now.

J-rod replied: money is great. early retirement is very available for miners....its just the 10-12 hrs a day for 6 days a week. how would i keep up the house, help with new baby etc. the income and early retirement is wonderful....but the con of time and house upkeep and baby are holding me back bigtime.

i just got to do something to be better for Steph and Kyan. i Love my job right now...but no benefits really hurts. its a small company so pay is "ok" but i can make more elsewhere and get some medical ins and benefits be a super bonus.

DVFlyer replied: Open your own Mustang Hop-Up shop.

"J-Rod's"

J-rod replied:
that is MY DREAM...always has been and always will be. could make a killing here if i had a small parts yard...2-3 bay garage...and a dyno...closest dyno in my area is 3-4 hrs away.


if i only had the $$$ for the initial investment....i even have the location planned out too. LOL

MustangMama04 replied: Like I said, we had to make sacrifices when my husband went in the mines. We knew it would be long hours. But it was something that had to be done. We were both tired of worrying about money for groceries, diapers, bills, insurance and everything else that you have to have money to pay for. I sometimes feel like a single mom Monday thru Saturday but I have learned to deal with it. For us, its just how life is. And thats okay.
He needed a job where he could make good money, have good medical insurance, retirement, opportunities to advance. And he got it. There are no other jobs here to give that to him.
I also want to add that my husband works evening shift. He leaves for work at 2:30 pm and gets home around 3am (ususally). He spends time with me and the kids before he goes to work. So its not like we never get to see him. We just dont get to see him as much as we would like to. But for us, the sacrifice is worth the payoff.