Yes, I can be laid off or fired any day, but I refuse to worry about it any longer. Whether I'll be affected is out of my hands. They might say they want to get rid of the low performers but we all know that's not true. They have a numbers-driven cuts list and there are plenty of things that trump performance that can push any of us to the top of it. So if there's nothing I can do about it, I just decided that my mental health is too important to worry about things I can't change. Instead, I started preparing. I made a plan in case I find myself out of a job and I'm working every day toward achieving what I set out to do in it. Seems like a much better thing to spend my energy on rather than worrying.
18 replies (most recent on top)
There's value in 'zen,' but balance it with a plan.
Trust me, get a job offer or two and your confidence will skyrocket. I did that (didn’t accept due to personal reasons) and realized my potential extends beyond this bs place.
You should never stop looking for the next job.
It’s called avoidance. It’s a coping mechanism. Works for a little while, until it doesn’t.
Depends on what the plan is, doesn't it.
If you are out of a job like you say - have at least half-year full salary in the bank.
That's just the basic hand-to-mouth part.
Start looking for another and possibly better job now.
That's a plan.
Any day I know eating the Division Manager's special order appetizers at some trivial meet-and-greet will get me tossed to the curb. That was 2 years ago.
As a former employee and proud PIL recipient, I believe the OP is delusional.
If you have the ability to forecast a category 5 hurricane that may likely come your way, would you leave? Or would you rather wait for it and see what it does? Time is priceless and the more you wait, the more uncertain the future becomes with ExxonMobil. #WeusedtobeExxonMobil
@dnx In my experience counter-offers are rare, because from the company’s point of view, you already want out anyway, and a bump in pay isn’t going to fix the underlying issues making you (or them) want to leave in the first place.
In the few cases where counter-offers are made and people accept them, they usually end up leaving their job in less than a year. There’s also nothing saying the employer won’t renege on the conditions of the offer.
The best thing you can do is realize ExxonMobil is just a job. Things might not be easy during a transition but it is just a transition and anyone with skills and common sense will find another job.
ExxonMobil is not your life.
Follow advice above, once you get a written offer for more money, go hassle your “boss”. Nicely state you really wish to continue your career at Exxon but you are conflicted because you have a better employment offer in hand. Wait a week and watch him/ her jump through the hoops to come back with counter offer. Then you can decide to quit, it really freaks out the upper management.
To either worry or pretend that everything is fine is useless, to evaluate the situation realistically and have a plan B is most wise. The balance is not easy to find, unfortunately. One permanent irritant is the knowledge that we are being led by a gang of crooks who care only about padding their net worth with bonuses and raises, while using unethical and illegal means to get rid of the employés that actually add value.
Even if you succeed to somehow avoid the obstacles and keep your job, knowing that is difficult to swallow.
Yep. Put the resume together and test the market. I use PADP as time to interview with other firms. Let's me know I have backups incase I get hit with a PIP. Most people are doing this every PADP now they have introduced the 8% pips. Like a yearly contractor you should survey the market and see if you are competitive and who knows you might find a more stable position elsewhere.
Get your resume together and look for another job. Just because one is offered to you does not mean you are required to accept it. You will probably get a new perspective due to the process.
For me, it was a difficult pill to swallow to see my colleagues being let go and wondering when’s my turn. It was not good on my mental health. I have decided to focus on the less negative thoughts and good relationships at work to push through. Things have gotten better for me in the last few weeks.
XOM will eventually FAIL!!!!
I was feeling discouraged as well but decided that I will not let that affect me and have been so much better since… still have many wonderful colleagues working together…
Loser.
I totally agree! I think that’s a good mindset to have. I am still focused on my
Job and giving my best despite all that is happening. but if it happens, it happens. No need to worry so much