Looking at options in the PDC and trying to decide if I should consider an MCBU position in Midland. Would be going there with spouse and a couple of young kids.
Are there still incentives to relocate to Midland and other Permian bases?
How good or bad of an idea is this?
They are taking away the 10% incentive, but I suspect they will need to re-instate it pretty soon. Competitors have ramped up activity and we can see that there is a lot of job hopping given the higher wages those players are paying. If MCBU wants to retain talent, they will need to do something to employees pockets.
@3cfm. What are you talking about?
Have you seen how long we have kept SJVBU? is that a hi-tech drilling and production environment according to you?
“some independent with deep investor pockets”
haha what a joke!
In just a few more years the west texas shale play will be considered matured technology and Chevron will sell the whole lot to some independent with deep investor pockets and lower operating costs. Chevron makes money by taking risks, not by factory drilling.
"lso, in terms of career planning, you better have an exit strategy mapped out or this could be a one way ticket" as far as your career is concerned, this is the number 1 issue in my view as well. There are people that take these assignments and then they are "out" for 10 years. If you get 2 promotions, that can be great and your kids can essentially grow up there. But think about this issue.
My data is from 30 years ago, but it's a great place to raise a family.
They took the incentive away because it wasn’t needed. This is the future of our business and everyone wants in. Punch your ticket here or be sidelined in the future.
I would not move to west Texas, period, but that me. You migth love it
I’ll try to be objective here….
Midland…sucks.
The only good thing was we got super healthy because we ate at home all the time and there was nothing to do but work out.
If you value your marriage, your children, your mental health, really anything… don’t go .
@1gub, Those places may be worthy of visiting on a vacation, but not worth a reason of going there to live. Please be honest to yourself at least. Christ!
Tall City Brewing and The Blue Note are real treats. Absolutely worth moving for.
We have been here almost five years and really like it. It is clean, safe and super friendly. Kids love it as well.
The only thing about Midland, TX is the Interstate 20, getting you the heck outta there. They should rename that hellhole town to Middle Earth, TX.
Midland is a really poor choice. Bo-m-bust cycles are the norm. Mediocre family support (schools, hospitals, etc.), far from everything, nothing to do there (unless, as mentioned, you like high school football). Assignments there are as lucrative as anything in West Africa. If you want UCR experience, better to seek out a MCBU position in Houston.
Don’t do it. Schools are awful. Worst place to bring a young family. Only positive is short commute.
Place is a sh-t ho-e, do not do it. Worst decision ever made by many.
You're living in West Texas, you're already used to driving everywhere. 6hrs ain't sh*t.
Santa Fe is a six hour drive, how is that a easy drive?
The PDC sponsors (useless cheerleaders) and PDRs (clueless boot lickers) will likely downplay the challenges. I would reach-out to the job owner for better insights. You could also contact another worker bee in their department.
I would say the area is family friendly. However, public schools are usually overcrowded and understaffed. There are a number of charter school options and lots people do home schooling. IMO the biggest issue is healthcare. Almost impossible to find a primary physician that is taking new patients. If you need to see a specialist, you’re likely going to dive 2 hrs to Lubbock or 4-5 hours to DFW area. Also, in terms of career planning, you better have an exit strategy mapped out or this could be a one way ticket. I’m betting in 5-10 years this place will be in another bust cycle.
The schools used to be overcrowded. Not sure if thats still the case. Probably not much to do there outside of work. Hope you like high school football.
Families love it there. Great churches, schools, etc, I would go. And easy drive to Santa Fe for vacay.
Midland is boring AF
JG made a stupid decision canceling the Permian uplift. You still have 35K extra on relocation