#houston

So much for Corporate Separateness when the Imperial crude oil trader role moves to Spring. What BS

The oil and gas giant ConocoPhillips is implementing another round of layoffs as part of its ongoing restructuring efforts. This marks the second consecutive year of job cuts for the company. Employees and contractors in specific Canadian locations are being notified of potential position impacts. These latest reductions are tied to a broader global workforce reduction program announced previously. The company has seen a significant decrease in its overall employee numbers over the past year.

Houston, Texas

https://anz.peoplemattersglobal.com/news/strategic-hr/conocophillips-announces-another-round-of-layoffs-amid-16percent-workforce-decline-53019

Several Texas companies have recently implemented layoffs, impacting hundreds of workers. Baker Hughes was particularly affected, with nearly 150 employees losing their jobs. Other firms like Showcase and Window and New Tech Global Recruiting also made workforce reductions. These cuts are attributed partly to redundancies following company mergers. Despite these layoffs, Houston's job market shows overall growth.

Houston, Texas

https://ktrh.iheart.com/featured/houston-texas-news/content/2026-10-21-houston-outpaces-the-nations-employment-rate-despite-company-layoffs/

Houston companies reported a sharp decrease in layoffs during the third quarter, with only three companies announcing job cuts. This represents a substantial improvement compared to the same period last year, indicating a strengthening labor market. Despite the overall decline, some sectors like leisure and hospitality experienced job losses in September. However, strong growth in the construction industry and rising wages are positive indicators for the region's economy. Overall, Houston's labor market showed resilience and signs of recovery.

Houston, Texas

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/article/houston-layoffs-jobs-wages-22476988.php

I see more and more job postings with Houston as the primary or secondary location. What do we think is going to happen long term? Do we really need three offices?

Big furlough’s coming this month! Major shops (cities) will be affected. Omaha, Houston and FT. Worth, 75 machinist all together. 15 electricians and 12 MSO’s

One impact of getting rid of capable managers in many HC10 locations is that the high paid Houston Execs are getting exposed. Nobody knew what they did before and now everybody knows for sure because they don't understand their own organizations and only seem able to make increasingly d-mb decisions based on nothing more than a feeling.

The largest public companies in the Houston region are energy giants. Exxon Mobil had revenue of $324 billion in 2025, followed by Chevron, which had $185 billion, and Phillips 66, with about $132 billion.

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/projects/2026/hc-top-companies-quiz/

It is no secret that many of us are facing a wave of forced retirements and layoffs. After everything we have dedicated to this company, navigating this sudden transition leaves a deeply bitter taste. For those of us who never truly connected with Houston—or who only moved here because the corporate mandate required it—the situation feels doubly unjust.
When a company relocates you to a hub like Houston for their business needs, it only makes sense that they should help transition you back out when those needs change. A fair severance package should include comprehensive relocation assistance to the city of your choice, allowing you to decide where to rebuild your life and career.
As we look toward the future and prepare to leave Houston behind, the biggest question is: Where to next?
Assuming the proper resources and exit packages are secured, the consensus for those who want out centers heavily on two primary destinations:
• The New York / New Jersey Metro Area: For many who were consolidated down to the Houston-area Spring campus from traditional East Coast hubs—such as the massive Hunterdon County research facility—this is a long-awaited return home. A massive portion of the affected workforce is eager to move back to the Northeast corridor to reunite with family, tap back into a familiar lifestyle, and leverage their experience in major corporate infrastructure.
• The Mountain West (Specifically Denver, CO): For those looking forward instead of backward, Denver is the top destination for departing employees who want to transition out of the traditional Gulf Coast energy sector. It offers a massive, modern hub for diversified energy and tech markets, a drastic change of scenery, and an active outdoor lifestyle that serves as the perfect antidote to the years spent stuck in the Houston climate.

The Reality of Relocation Costs: Option vs. Necessity

However, deciding to leave is only half the battle; the financial reality of moving is where things get incredibly complicated. In 2026, the true cost of a corporate move is daunting. Industry benchmarks show that a standard domestic move averages $21,800 for renters and can soar past $63,000 for homeowners once you factor in packing, shipping, real estate agent commissions, and lease-breaking fees. Furthermore, under current tax laws, relocation benefits are treated as fully taxable income, meaning a significant chunk can be eaten up by taxes unless the company "grosses up" the payout to cover that burden.
This creates a harsh divide among affected employees:
• For some, the transition will be financially viable. Those with robust savings, minimal household goods, or senior severance packages that fully manage direct-vendor billing will find it relatively seamless to pack up and head for the Northeast or the Mountain West.
• For others, the math simply doesn't work. Paying thousands of dollars out of pocket while waiting for slow company reimbursements—or absorbing the massive cost of selling a home in a difficult housing market—is a risk they cannot afford while facing unemployment.
Because of this financial barrier, many will ultimately choose out of sheer necessity to stay in Houston. Remaining in the local area is not a reflection of wanting to stay, but rather a practical financial calculation to avoid draining what is left of their severance on moving logistics.
We gave our time and energy to a city and a company based on a corporate mandate. Whether we use our resources to fund a fresh start in a new city, or choose to stay local out of financial necessity to protect our families, the focus now must be on look-forward survival.

After 30 years with ExxonMobil, deciding where to spend your retirement is a major milestone. While the allure of moving to a coastal town or mountain retreat is strong, staying right here in Houston makes the most logical, financial, and—most importantly—medical sense.
When you retire, your healthcare needs change from preventative wellness to managing longevity. No city in the world is better equipped to handle that transition than Houston, especially given your unique advantages as an ExxonMobil retiree.

The Ultimate Healthcare Anchor: The Texas Medical Center

The strongest argument for staying in Houston is having the Texas Medical Center (TMC) in your backyard. It is the largest medical complex in the world.
• Global Leaders in Care: TMC is home to world-renowned institutions like Houston Methodist (consistently ranked the No. 1 hospital in Texas) and the St. Luke’s Health - Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center.
• The ExxonMobil–MD Anderson Advantage: As an ExxonMobil retiree, you have a massive structural healthcare advantage. The company partnered with MD Anderson Cancer Center—consistently ranked the number one cancer hospital in the nation—to offer a dedicated, exclusive phone line and email service specifically for ExxonMobil retirees. If you or an eligible family member ever face a complex diagnosis, this partnership gives you direct, streamlined access to the world's best oncologists without the typical bureaucratic hurdles. Moving away means leaving this seamless safety net behind.
• Proximity in Critical Moments: In retirement, time-to-care matters. Living in Houston means you are never more than a short drive from top-tier specialists, clinical trials, and emergency cardiac or neurological care.

Financial Harmony: Protecting Your Exxon Retirement Wealth

Moving to another state often disrupts a carefully planned financial ecosystem. Staying in Texas maximizes the value of your hard-earned ExxonMobil pension and savings.
• No State Income Tax: Texas does not tax personal income. This means your ExxonMobil pension payouts, 401(k) distributions, and Social Security income are entirely free from state taxation, allowing you to keep significantly more of your wealth compared to retiring in states like California or New York.
• Seamless Insurance Coverage: Staying local ensures you face zero disruptions with your ExxonMobil Retiree Medical Plan networks. You won't have to worry about finding new out-of-state doctors who accept your coverage or dealing with out-of-network penalties during a health crisis.

Community and Continuity

After three decades with the same company, your roots run deep.
• The Exxon Mobil Network: The Houston area (especially around the Spring campus and greater Montgomery/Harris counties) has the highest concentration of ExxonMobil retirees in the world. Staying means maintaining your built-in social network of former colleagues, friends, and shared community groups.
• Familiarity Breeds Comfort: Navigating aging is easier in a city you already know inside and out. You know the neighborhoods, the infrastructure, and the culture, which minimizes the psychological stress of "starting over" in a new place.
Remaining in Houston isn't just about staying put; it's a strategic decision to anchor your retirement years next to the best medical care on earth while legally protecting your retirement income.

Just remember if the company relocated you then you have to wait a whole year before you can quit and not have to repay the company for relocation expenses. Another reason to not be mobile. They don’t reward mobility anyway. If your partner works there is no chance you will make up for the lost income of your partner quitting their job. Project teams and UNCON teams in Midland all get PIPd as well. Better to be in Houston than to be PIPd somewhere else where finding a new job will be hard.

https://www.fox26houston.com/video/fmc-i168yyiwbt32sheg

Houston ISD is reducing campus budgets and eliminating positions due to lower-than-expected enrollment. These adjustments are occurring early in the school year, impacting programs like choir and debate. Some employees may be reassigned to different schools. The district states these changes are part of an annual leveling process based on enrollment figures. Parents and teachers have expressed concerns about the timing and impact of these cuts.

Houston, Texas

https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/09/24/hisd-cuts-campus-budgets-and-positions-as-enrollment-falls/

New Tech Global Staffing is undergoing significant changes following its acquisition by Airswift. The company's consulting and recruiting divisions will be integrated and rebranded under the Airswift name. The staffing division itself will cease operations. Employee separations are scheduled to commence in October. This restructuring marks a new chapter for the company.

Houston, Texas

https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2026/09/16/new-tech-global-staffing-layoffs-airswift-deal.html

Curious XOM salary vs others. A key Houston peers salary is posted below from 2020 (adjust for inflation).

17 = $71,700, 8% CIP
18 = $82,000, 9% CIP
19 = $93,800, 10% CIP
20 = $106,500, 11% CIP
21 = $122,900, 12% CIP
22 = $141,400, 14% CIP
23 = $163,000, 16% CIP
24 = $187,900, 20% CIP
25 = $216,700, 25% CIP
26 = $246,500, 30% CIP, & stock options
27 = $283,600, 35% CIP, & stock
28 = $326,900, 40% CIP, & stock
29 = $377,700, 50% CIP, & stock
30 = $439,000, 60% CIP, & stock

A 30 year old D&C engineer ~ 22-23. 45 year D&C engineer ~ 25-26. D&C engineering manager ~ 27-29.

I always thought XOM paid more but I’m finding out that might not be the case. We are continually laying off, moving to low cost countries and pushing more and more change. Culture is still ok, even though everyone complains.

Curious, how’s your pay compared to the above (x1.25)?

We can’t staff the projects that management wants to go fast yet there is pressure to reduce headcount in Houston! The Horizon challenge will only get worse. Even the teams that are staffed are full of people who don’t know how to get things done.

How much do the Indian expats in Houston and Midland donate to UW?

Audacy Country station 100.3 The Bull in Houston has announced a new morning show. Matt Wood and Lois Lewis will host "The Morning Bull with Matt & Lois." Lewis previously worked at iHeartMedia in Phoenix and KWNR Las Vegas. Wood most recently hosted a syndicated show for Townsquare Media. The new program is set to debut on September 17th. This show replaces the previous morning hosts who departed in March.

Houston, TX

https://radioinsight.com/headlines/372030/matt-wood-lois-lewis-to-host-mornings-at-100-3-the-bull/

SPMP season draws nearer, for some Office spice have copilot generated list of random employees as low performers and selected for PIPs. Have this list printed to a random printer in the Houston and let the fun begin

A few of my friends/ coworkers are leaving the company instead of relocating. I’m sad to lose great people. We did big things together and am close friends with many. I respect their choices and wish them well.
Hard to expect people to uproot their families when more layoffs in Houston are expected.
How many did not relocate? Is there %? Seems like a majority but may be my team.
They will be missed. Good luck.

why this time I hear target is on STCB, they dont charge so much , cut at expensive locations will help the economy

Sorry to hear that the Houston accounting has been gutted. It is starting to feel their goal is to eliminate all US positions possible, and have everything in Canada. Who is next?

Is Baker looking to merge locations in Houston with Chart.

Any office middle management from Gulf of America teams laid off? There’s significant amount of middle management in need of being discarded to face the real world.

Expand Energy, formerly Chesapeake Energy, announced its headquarters will move from Oklahoma City to Houston by mid-2026. This relocation primarily affects executive positions, with other employees remaining in Oklahoma City. The company's interim CEO stated the move will leverage Houston's global natural gas market access. This follows a trend of energy companies relocating their main offices out of Oklahoma. Expand Energy is the second major energy firm to announce a move to Texas this month.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

https://www.kosu.org/energy-environment/2026-02-10/expand-energy-formerly-chesapeake-to-move-its-headquarters-out-of-okc

Are there more Americans in Bangalore or Indians in Houston? How many at each location?

Is it true that a new hire will have to relocate to the city the training location is in, instead of virtual training? I saw a job posted in Workday stating trainees would have to be in Houston for the duration of training. Are they putting people up in hotels for that? Or a stipend?

MW Components is closing its Houston plant, resulting in 53 job losses. This action follows the company's recent acquisition. The manufacturer has notified the Texas Workforce Commission of the layoffs. The closure impacts a significant portion of the plant's workforce. This development marks a swift change for the newly acquired entity.

Houston, Texas

https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2026/06/11/mw-components-plant-closure-layoffs.html

Houston's City Council has approved Mayor John Whitmire's Fiscal Year 2027 budget. The $7.5 billion plan passed with a 15-1 vote, ensuring no tax increases or deferred infrastructure work. This budget aims to strengthen the city's financial future and protect public safety. Key changes include designating the Solid Waste Municipal Department as a Municipal Utility and implementing new user fees. The approved budget also prioritizes public safety and drainage improvements.

Houston, TX

https://www.houstontx.gov/moc/2026/pass-fy2027-budget.html

Energy technology firm Baker Hughes is shutting down a Houston location. This closure will result in 174 employees losing their jobs. The layoffs are scheduled to commence this month and extend into 2027. Affected roles span manufacturing, engineering, materials, purchasing, and support functions. The company has not provided a specific reason for the facility's closure.

Houston, Texas

https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/07/09/baker-hughes-to-close-houston-facility-lay-off-174-employees/

Houston ISD's state-appointed board of managers has authorized a reduction in the district's workforce. This action allows administrators to eliminate or reassign hundreds of employees. The district is facing declining enrollment, which impacts state funding. This move comes as HISD continues to recruit new teachers. The board's decision has drawn criticism from elected officials and community members.

Houston, Texas

https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/education/2026/04/10/548725/hisd-board-reduction-in-force-houston-teachers-hiring-event/

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/article/houston-layoffs-jobs-2026-22369185.php

Despite over 2,600 layoffs in Houston during the first half of 2026, the regional economy is showing resilience. High oil prices are significantly boosting the energy sector, a key driver of local employment. Economists note that Houston's economic acceleration is notable against a cooling national trend. The World Cup also contributed to job gains in sectors like leisure and hospitality. Overall, the job market is performing better than initially anticipated.

Houston, Texas

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/article/houston-layoffs-jobs-2026-22369185.php

There are rumors circulating about potential layoffs within PSS.

I just joined the company. The recruiters talked up the benefits including insurance. Now I can’t seem to find a dentist who takes our Delta Dental insurance. Is there a shortage of dentists in Houston or is Delta Dental just garbage insurance?

Given the recent tower purchase, I'm wondering how the Galleria home prices compare to Jenks USA?

Hearing that our ELT had just returned from time away in Aspen together.

While we never see them here in Houston and never take meetings off the executive-only floors, they apparently need fresh mountain air to recover from the rigors of their hectic schedules entertaining on the private island, flying $60MM private jets to New York to speak to investors, and host happy hours with VIPs on the 14th floor.

Baker Hughes is closing a Houston facility and laying off 174 employees. The company filed a WARN notice with the Texas Workforce Commission. The exact reason for the closure was not disclosed. A company spokesperson stated that decisions are made to best serve customers and achieve growth objectives. These decisions are difficult and made with sensitivity to employees and communities.

Houston, Texas

https://www.khou.com/article/money/business/houston-business-journal/baker-hughes-closing-facility-layoffs/285-1f28062d-0fc5-49da-998c-c1fe1d9eb1cc

It seems that there are a lot of people from the UK visiting Westlake this week, but not much chatter about it. Is this related to the impending plans for layoffs?