Listen, lots of companies out there NEED some of the skills you’ve acquired (or at least have been exposed to) during your time at XOM. Many places are holding their peckers wondering how to move into a more mature, process-driven enterprise. Don’t be afraid of life after ExxonMobil. If you can spot things that need to be fixed or connect teams and figure out broken processes, you can succeed. XOM was a leader for many years for good reason and the employees should have been able To glean something of substance. As someone laid off via SPOSA, I feel for y’all on the next round. Exit with your head held high and know that newer companies will value what your can bring as long as you can carefully/tactfully point out pain points and do it sort of gently. No one wants a new person being an a-ho-e, so figure out how to leverage your previous XOM knowledge and apply the best parts in your new employer. I promise there are capable, interesting employers out there. Good luck!
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If you're married and decide to abandon ship, just keep in mind that you need to have really honest conversation with your family.
To wife, we're probably going to have to move. Are you going to follow? Etc...
If you make the jump assuming that they will be supportive, you may find yourself living in a different city during the week and visiting on the weekends. On the plus side, you'll have no distractions, and your new employer will tell you you're ki----g it.
If layoffs are happening at Exxon, is it likely to also happen at the other majors such as Chevron?
The Annual bloodletting has begun in the gulf coast. Let the hunger games part 2 begin. So horrible watching good people and good performers getting told they aren’t good enough. There’s a special place for the people pulling the strings on these people.
Try to be there for them and help them as much as you can. The double cross may drive them in the ground but let them know they are supported by real humans. Forget the hunger games and be an encourager. Next year it could be you. May the odds be forever in your favor.
And try to use some respectable language in your new job and company.
You left the peckers like Opie behind, don't forget.
Try to not take it personally although easier said than done. You have much to offer the world. Reframe to consider the upsides: better work life balance, etc.
Being laid off sucked, but it led me to a better place.
I was recently laid off from EMIT but have not yet landed a job after months of looking. I had great technical skills before I joined EM many years ago and over the years, I did not grow technically. EM is not a good environment to grow technically.
More companies are hiring now with better salaries.