Please share your honest opinion. I am applying for a job in unconventional and wants to know what is the culture looks like. Is it really overwhelming environment that I need to work in weekends? Is it a toxic culture? Thank you all.
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Work place can get toxic at the 5 year mark around downturns. Typically they look at senior staff to layoff, so timing is important. Oxy is a great place to grow quickly but it also depends on what team you are in and who you are under. Look for sponsors and advocates prior to the downturns and if you can’t find them, look to switch companies so your career doesn’t stall. You DON’T want to be a senior without a sponsor caught in a downturn.
Thank you all. I really appreciate your answers. I am a reservoir engineer with 15 years experience working conventional and unconventional.
No. Far better companies out there.
The field and operations workers( field and office) are not the only people working weekends. The people doing heavy duty numerical modeling work their tails off over the weekend to analyze results and feed the computers with the next iterations. These results are used in the really big picture multi-billion dollar decisions that move the company in major ways.
The commenters telling you that working weekends is just one of those things are on point. It’s not slave-driving stuff one bit. If you’re going to work in a job that is centered around the oilfield, then you have to realize the oilfield doesn’t sleep.
I will also agree that toxic work environments can be anywhere, though OXY Permian is the opposite of toxic. The people to work with and work under are great.
Do what you are passionate about and do it well with extra effort and success will follow.
You are worried about weekends? Get used to working anytime/anywhere for your paycheck. Drilling unconventional wells does not occur from 8-5, Monday-Friday. I have spent many nights and weekends at well sites in my truck waiting on logging and coring operations. Toxic environments can happen in any company, Oxy is no different. Depends on the business unit , management and staff you work with. Focus on what you bring to the table and the ability to work in a challenging and rewarding profession.
Go with Oxy. This company makes bold business decisions that grow the company. They always come out ahead. Just like having the Midas touch at a casino.
Little advice. Don’t talk about working weekends it makes you come across weak right off the bat. All jobs are different and everyone might find themselves working a little more and weekends every now an then, and not just at Oxy. Usually when I work weekends or extra hours I choose to. If you are in operations you need to do what is called on you do. I have been with Oxy going on 7 years and it has been a great place to work. We have 9/80 schedules and WFH Monday and Friday in many positions. It is a great schedule to work, and a great company to work for.
You should come to Oxy if you want to work and be recognized. At Oxy you can be somebody. The culture is supportive and geared towards those who want to learn, innovate, and contribute. Of course, different departments and managers have their own mini-cultures that might not align with the overall. Work on weekends isn’t expected, depending on your role, but if you are early career and want to advance more quickly than others, you may find you enjoy your work so much you want to put in some weekend time. You didn’t ask about money, but the pay and benefits are as-good-as, if not better than, most other oil and gas companies. Be sure to ask about the 401K match and the Retirement Account. Both are fantastic. Good luck with where ever you choose to work.