Thread regarding ExxonMobil Corp. layoffs

Converted contractor with high ranking

I was converted from contractor to full time because I was good and fit the XOM culture. Ranked high. Had multiple different assignment with different technologies, which I picked up and learned in no time and k–led it at my job. Continued to rank high. I was recently transitioned to a new role in July. I never got to meet my manager or higher ups due to working from home.

I was laid off without a generic explanation of “I didn’t fit the long term XOM vision with a combination of past performance scores”

Again, nothing makes sense. I was converted because my old boss saw something in me, applauded my work ethic and I fit the XOM culture.
But now all of a sudden, I don’t anymore.

Maybe I just fit the formula of experienced hire?

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Post ID: @OP+18lMDLgP

15 replies (most recent on top)

@1cje false, it means that the new hires were not eligible for the involuntary separation benefits. They were definitely susceptible to layoffs, and I know of some who were. Poor s—ers got no severance.

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Post ID: @2eoh+18lMDLgP

@1cje+18lMDLgP to clarify, we did have people in the summer that there were thrown out within a year of their hiring with NO opportunity to PIP. I know two.

Also, EM is not this monolith where everybody acts the same all the time. There is huge leeway on details (or their implementation) among first and second line management despite the myth that we are consistent. And frankly nobody is checking really except of course for what Controls and Audits look. So the definition of “contributing technically and managerially” really varies.

Simply put, don’t try to find consistent logic other that we had to cut 1900 HC.

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Post ID: @1roq+18lMDLgP

@1ycn+18lMDLgP
False. no one was eligible to be cut before their first anniversary. If you were employed after October 2019 then you were not eligible for involuntary program

OP did say that he/she were contributing with technical skills and managerial skills. Not sure your response even makes sense

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Post ID: @1cje+18lMDLgP

This was not an across the board lay-off. Each company had different targets and even within a company, there were different level of cuts in different units. It is different if you have to cut 2-3% vs 20-25%.
It is not true that they cut older employees. There are certain units where they mostly fired very early career employees.

And, OP, frankly, the fact that you were hired does not mean anything about your fit to EM. It only means that the hiring manager thought you would fit. I think it has been established in this forum that being a manager does not say much about one’s abilities.

In any case, many just hired people were cut before their 1st anniversary. Guess what: an incompetent recruiter did hire them as well thinking that they will fit.

Sorry, not sure that we can see a consistent logic in this layoff.

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Post ID: @1ycn+18lMDLgP

OP here replying back to some feedback.
Transitioned to a new role because that’s what XOM does. Every 2-3 years you are assigned a new role.

Yes, I am highly technical but I was also the team lead or in leadership roles in previous assignments and that is mainly because I requested it to lead.

Again, still don’t understand it. But at least I’m good at what I do and can bounce back. Would hate to be someone unemployed right now who’s never worked anywhere outside of Exxon-Mobil

Yes, I did train people, I interviewed and hired contractors, I managed a team of employees and contractors, I negotiated with vendors. I did it all. But apparently, upper management in my new role, whom I’ve never met, decided I wasn’t a good fit!

Again I think it was either my high salary or that I fit a formula.

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Post ID: @1mer+18lMDLgP

Do not get me wrong like the c-ap called @ddo+18lMDLgP, they just used you. when they got what they needed, they showed the door. Meanwhile you were training people , you are my friend, when you finish training people, then you are the worst enemy of the company.

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Post ID: @1imh+18lMDLgP

Key word= "transitioned to a newe role". This is a vulnerable shell outgrowing phase where your old boss doesnt need you and the new doesnt either.

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Post ID: @zdd+18lMDLgP

XOM doesn’t know which end is up, they are definitely over staffed world wide especially with the layers on management in the Permian and Delaware basin.

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Post ID: @zyc+18lMDLgP

I agree with @qyi+18lMDLgP
Some worthless higher up made the call without consulting with anyone who actually knows what you are capable of doing.

EM is losing valuable talent. It’s going to be hard for us to recruit talent when we are so behind on everything and have nothing enticing to offer (pay or benefits wise)

Bring on the interns!!

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Post ID: @gll+18lMDLgP

More proof that lower level supervisors and managers don't make the calls on layoffs. Higher ups probably didn't know you well and no one spoke up for you at that level. Sorry you got laid off. Best of luck.

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Post ID: @qyi+18lMDLgP

Your salary was probably too high and Exxon only wants new hire college grads that they can underpay and mold them to believe the “We are ExxonMobil” BS

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Post ID: @nhi+18lMDLgP

If you are technical and not their idea of management material, no matter how good you are, there is a high probability you were let go. They can bring in contractors for your position if needed in the future.

Experienced hires typically fit that criteria.

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Post ID: @yad+18lMDLgP

Even though you were an employee, you still had the contractor "tag" associated with your name in the minds of employees and managers and therefore easily viewed as someone "disposable."

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Post ID: @vtx+18lMDLgP

I am in the same boat as you. Converted to employee, now jobless. Of course, we are more expensive than those newbies off of colleges. That must be the reason why.

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Post ID: @ejd+18lMDLgP

They just pumped and dumped you... you prob said you were picked up as a contractor too many times and someone didn’t like it. S—s.

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Post ID: @qbn+18lMDLgP

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