I’ve been with Chevron for around fourteen months now, and I can’t help but wonder if I should even be worried about being laid off in the coming round. I've seen it mentioned here and I’ve read in several places that companies often target older employees when making cuts to save on their higher pay and benefits, which - considering how much I make - puts me in the clear. Or at least I hope it does.
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You can't predict who will be laid off. Notice everyone here has their own logic. You're better off trying to predict the stock market.
Someone mentioned su-king up to management. That wont work here. Upper management usually gets shaken first, then somebody who knows nothing about you makes the decision.
I'm seeing some stereotypes against higher experience. True, they will factor in pay, but its not cut so dry. For example, if they can get someone experienced who's paid more to do 3-4 different jobs, they'd choose that over a one trick poney. Also, someone that's changed roles has backing to apply for more roles. Ideally, we should end up with a good balance of both juniors and senior employees.
You can start saving now in addition to the severance pay you'll receive. Laid off workers still receive a partial CIP too. I believe people typically find jobs fast after getting laid off, because chevron experience looks good on the resume.
If it's a staffing reduction layoff, we might just see 1-3 people trimmed from each team. Sometimes, people elect to be laid off to collect severance, but its a preference and not guranteed. They've been making such bold moves lately, I worry about entire departments getting sent overseas.
Best of luck. Despite the headwinds, chevron is a great company to work for...if you don't get laid off.
No one expects to be laid off, it’s a shock to everyone to be on the list, everyone has their reasons. Best course of action is to prepare for it. Update your resume, have 3-6 months of funds to ride the event. Good luck.
With MW and MN swinging the axe, I'd be very concerned.
My hypothesis is that if you have been here for 14 months, it's likely because you were selected from the outside because we did not have the talent inside. After being through literally dozens of these in Downstream and Upstream, focus on doing a good job and building relationships so they are there when you need them.
@yqd+1 what would be considered "expensive" for younger employee? like psg 24 and 20s / 30s?
or for older employees?
This is another point which may sound harsh but: nothing you do now is going to matter. If we're 4-6 months away from people getting told "you're being let go", the decision about _you_ has been made. You may not explicitly be on a list, but the people making the decisions have made up their mind and you aren't going to move the needle with any changes to your output/attitude between now and then. The ball is rolling, all of us are just along for the ride.
Or they can decide to get rid of the dead weight - those with a lot of years and contributing nothing and are close to retirement - easier to train new people for LEss - sorry to sound harsh - but that is the cold hard truth
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In the past Horizons folks have been pretty safe, unless someone is real bad.
It can be all over the place with juniors. There's a lot of cost that goes into training you and getting you to a point where you're a valuable contributor.
Layoffs can often target the bottom 25-50% of early career types. They haven't put much into you yet, and they can easily replace you with a fresh hire 1-2 years later.
Sorry to sound harsh, but that's the cold hard truth.
Correct, no one is totally safe from layoffs but it's not particularly the older folks. It's the non-productive more expensive older And younger folks. Think sitting around all day surfing sites about layoffs. Try to shake the "it's because I don't fit this or that stereotype" false theories. Businesses layoff people every day. If you are valuable enough, you will either be kept or snatched up quickly if let go. Think about it. No worries then, right?
Agree with above. My 3 layoff experiences have shown that folks who kept their jobs were employees that su-ked up to managers and/or decision makers and 'just typically say yes' - never pushing back on low value work, etc. They back stab, lie to protect their own jobs, and take credit for others' work. These risks can come from team members OR even your own manager. Remain guarded and collect evidence.
No one is safe during layoffs.