I am an Engineer with a CSP and a PE and when I think about the acquisition of Noble by Chevron it feels like it happened just yesterday. Initially, it was a promising prospect for me, presenting exciting opportunities within a larger company boasting a global presence. My role primarily revolves around OEMS/MSC and Audit functions within the corporate setup.
Fast forward to the present, and I find myself stagnant in the same position I held post-merger. This stagnation confuses me, given my track record as a top performer at Noble. However, despite my competence, I find myself categorized differently at Chevron, primarily due to not meeting the Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) metric. Attempts to discuss my concerns with the Vice President have been futile, as she seems unavailable for such discussions. Conversations with the talent manager leave me even more perplexed, with his ambiguous responses. Additionally, my sponsor's demotivating attitude, coupled with her lack of proficiency in English, only exacerbates the situation. It appears that all these individuals are proponents of D&I, but unfortunately, I don't seem to align with their vision.
My observations of the office culture further compound my disillusionment. While I commit to being present four days a week, most colleagues barely manage two, and those with offices keep their doors shut throughout the day. Attempts to schedule meetings are often thwarted by colleagues preoccupied with personal calls or leisure activities, seemingly unrelated to Chevron's operations. Furthermore, there are individuals who seem to wander aimlessly, engaging in social interactions, exercising, or visiting the food court, without any visible contribution to work.
Despite claims that everyone has a CSP, it's evident from our interactions that many lack the practical experience to justify their positions. It feels as though Chevron has assembled a team that falls short of the caliber expected from a top-tier organization, let alone an 'A-team'.
Although I acknowledge the financial security my position affords, I'm plagued by a sense of dissatisfaction. My work lacks fulfillment, and despite receiving a job offer elsewhere with more rewarding responsibilities, the lower salary dissuades me, particularly with a new child to support. It seems I've become a mere façade for Chevron, merely fulfilling a role without genuine engagement.
Rumors suggest that the organizational restructuring in 2020, purportedly aimed at fostering diversity, resulted in the loss of invaluable talent. What drove this event and where are these people now? Are they happier or did they end up in another O&G drone role?
My wife and I have deliberated on this matter extensively, concluding that my current employment is primarily driven by financial necessity rather than professional fulfillment.
In pursuit of more fulfilling work, my wife and I have embarked on consulting projects under her name, allowing us to leverage my engineering expertise while adding supplemental income. While this arrangement seems advantageous, it doesn't sit well with me morally. Despite expressing interest in taking on more responsibilities at Chevron, it appears that such opportunities are reserved for individuals who don't share my demographic profile.