I’m at 5years service this summer after joining post graduation as a petrotech. I’ve decided I have made a mistake joining Chev. This is not a “bad” company - it is just a company that doesn’t work for me into the future. The company has many, many positives…….and yet at the same time the flip side of some of those positives are decision making at a turtle’s pace, constant swirl b/c when decisions are to be made it takes one leader from the far side of the galaxy to prompt a recycle (even on where to go to lunch), senior leadership is stale, droid and uninspiring (recent OPG townhall was embarrassing). We are extremely conservative on trying new things - it takes all leaders from across the supreme galaxy to do so……..for even the most simple low regret alternatives. As a nearly 5 year petrotech, the money is “okay”…..for the lack of responsibility and pace, the money is actually great…….if you actually want to make decisions and drive towards impact, the money is blah b/c you become brain numb to the slowness in this company. The first few years flew by, I was learning like crazy. The last ~2 years, I’m still learning and have lots to learn, but have realized it is all about process, coloring within the lines, remaining politically correct and staying “busy” vs. driving to create value……it becomes more about how to look like, act like, and be like a chevroid. For those about to graduate mid-year, Chev could be a good company for you, or it may not. I would encourage you to do your homework with other recent graduates to ensure you have all the data you need before you join. Worse case, great money for several years before you move to a different company.
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all the boomers getting butt hurt by the truth haha
Per SEC filings, Chevron E&P had over 61,456 employees in 2014. At the end of 2023, 38,258, despite all of the acquisitions that took place during that time. There is a reason why 23,198 souls no longer work for Chevron and it is not just layoffs, retirements and poor performers. Make the best of it if you can and enjoy the golden handcuffs if you are still there.
@3vdv+1rk5ILBO: That is an excellent idea. I will need to borrow that when we move to Lakeside in SR, and I will need a break from all the open plan “collaboration.” God help me.
@box, I actually do “go someplace else” every day that I’m in the office. I don’t smoke, so just to keep my sanity and escape the daily stress, I spend time in the bathroom. If I don’t spend at least 45 minutes inside the stall unwinding with my mobile phone and pinching a loaf on occasion, I’d simply lose it and quit my job. I didn’t come this far in my 25 year career to quit when my planned retirement is 4 years away. Lord give me strength to endure!
Well put below!
"mid management who love to repeat mantras and goals but make no clear contributions an to actual strategy to execute things differently."
Psg 27 to 30, this is the problem, they only manage upwards, and try to secure next role .
In Midland the smart ones are leaving even before 5 years
Very much agree. This company is old and slow. I don’t blame MW as much as mid management who love to repeat mantras and goals but make no clear contributions an to actual strategy to execute things differently.
This company is not for anyone who wants to be part of an exciting and innovative environment. Far from the energy of a modern tech company.
Plus, those with the most energy and new ideas get paid least and have no stock or good incentive options.
Which leaves you with two choices, collect your pay and coast or move on elsewhere. Chevron suffers for both reasons. Mid management retains their power and inflated pay.
Chevron is a massive company. Like any other large company it has its pluses and deltas. If you cannot find a way to add value then you are probably the problem. It's easy to blame others but I have generally found that useful people get utilized while people with bad attitudes tend to not get utilized.
Just a tip, paragraphs are your friend.
If you can find a way to get in a business unit, you'll find the pace much faster. Either way, it's a big company and you'll find the decision making slow anywhere. It's a choice. I came from a much smaller company and had a bunch of decision authority and things moved fast. That meant a lot of stress and the money was cr-p. Here I have the stress of dealing with a slower moving machine, but the compensation and benefits are great. It actually offers me more life/work balance and I'm reaching my financial goals to retire early.
Oh dear, when you finally make the realisation that the real world isn't always like a Hollywood movie set, then you have to make the best of what you've been dealt. Just be happy you weren't born into industrial revolution England and have to work down a coalmine. Those poor souls didn't have half the options we enjoy.
I've worked for several different oil and gas companies. They are all basically the same at their core. A selected few get the opportunities and rewards. Otherwise all you have is a job. Management isn't going to hold your hand. Get out there and get involved.
You can complain here but you are better off networking internally. It really works and you can usually get the roll you want within a year or two. But remember you are about as low it they come on the totem pole, so you have to pay your dues and get some training first. Not everyone can be CEO their first couple years on the job.
Recommend finding work in a BU where you can make an impact and grow your skills.
OP, you’ve been with Chevron for a short 5 years after graduating from college. Take my advise as a 31 year employee— your complaint falls on deaf ears. You sound like a little kid crying to his mommy. Nobody owes you anything. Man-up and pick yourself up. Quit behaving like a little dweeb.
My thoughts exactly OP. I'm behind you - only a year out of school as a petrotech. Feels like swimming in circles doing brainless work with no opportunity to drive value in dollar/barrels. Luck of the draw if the PDR gives you a value-driving job when you start. Otherwise it's just creating databases, visualizations, and reports for the boss that no one reads... Only get a scrap of real engineering work every other week, and even then, it's just glorified tech support for another engineer. Looking to jump to a smaller outfit and get more ownership of project results once the signing bonus clawback expires.
Ahh, the legacy of MW and RM...
and dont dare speak up. Act like its normal.
The company is better closer to the wellhead. Try a role in a BU where your impact to P&L is obvious.
Hmm .. money or brain? conformance or dress as you like? Career or jumping around the oil patch?
To my mush brain it is a no brainer 😄
You have summed the company up well. If you want to make an impact, retain a functioning brain and actually make a decision.... go someplace else.