Thread regarding BP PLC layoffs

Its real. You are seeing it right.

I'm leaving this place as soon as possible. It's not the company I hired on with. It hasn't grown in a good direction either.

You are NOT reading the situation wrong. You are reading it correctly. I am unsure about the Sandridge girlfriend in the previous comments. However, this place is unhealthy to work for. I've been gone for 3 months (My Choice) and I already feel much better. I did not realize what kind of negative impact this place had on me until I left and got some distance. Other companies are not this bad.

I've kept in contact with my co-workers who are still there and the benefits package is quickly becoming uncompeditive. You can do better at other O&G companies without all the stress, pressure and abuse from bad leaders. There are a few that are happy here but I've noticed that those happy few have connections to the leadership through family or friends. There are a few good leaders who have managed to keep a neutral approach but they are few and far between.

You sound like a reasonable person. My advice would be to do the best you can to do the right thing while you are still there. Do not compromise your integrity. Get away when you can and leave the right way. Do not try to push against the injustice. The changes need to happen from the top down. Do not expend any energy more than is needed on this negative stuff. If you have one of those 2 year contracts they like to lock people into then be patient and put something in place and leave when the contract ends. Otherwise, take your time and look for a new job. support your manager and do the best you can in the meantime.

Here are a few things to consider

1) If you stay at a company that is bad and unethical or has a horrible culture then what does that say about you? Do not stay at a place that is not a good place. Do not associate yourself with bad company.

2) If you feel like your career will be stifled at a job then you have to take control of your career. Noone is going to do that for you. Go where you believe in the mission and the leaders and work hard for them and grow where you can thrive.

I sure enjoy the hemp S&M swings in the Nest and the hands in the Foot Washing rooms in Denver! Best place to work ever!

Buddy system politics are prevalent everywhere but the nepotism here is beyond the pale. Tons of experience demoted or let go in the name of dependents and spouses. Comments below are spot on, just not sure who was being referenced in #3 below

I've worked at other O&G companies and it was not this bad as what can be observed at BPX. Does anyone have advice on how to handle this properly or is it best for me to leave and go elsewhere? My fear is my career will be stifled here. I just didn't want to jump too quickly if it was isolated to one team or two teams as opposed to being toxic across the whole company.

That's a common practice all over Oil and Gas. It's called the good ole boy club. I've worked for 3 different oil companies and they all hire their brothers, sisters, wives etc over a qualified candidate. This is why I root for the demise of the oil business.

“You will never find a more wretched hive of sc-m and villainy”

Yes, what you see is correct. Lots of issues you are picking up are real

Can you elaborate and provide context for items number 2, 3, and 5?

If you are willing to do a few things at bpx you will have a good career.

1. Be able to read between the lines and hear what DL is saying publicly but understand what he really wants to happen. These are two completely different things. I.E. bpx says “reduce flaring” but then allows leadership to find creative ways to continue the practice and skirt the reporting of it. DL and the bpx leadership are not constrained by regulation or ethics.
2. Be willing to cover “things” up early before they become visible to DL. The cover up culture is artful there but you will see it if you listen to the quietly spoken words and watch the not so subtle actions taken on others who speak up.
3. The Sandridge girlfriend left the company so there is probably an opening for that position if you possess all the attributes.
4. Be willing to continue regular old school dirty and shady bp practices but use “green” lingo.
5. Marry a bp executive and collect as much dirt on the frat-boy leadership and their antics as you can and you are certain to be promoted COO, regardless of your abilities or lack of.

If you can do any of these things you will be just fine. If you ever speak up about unethical or bad conduct, especially if it implicates leadership, you are stuck where you are at best or finished at worst and will be on the next “reinvent” hit list.