I have and continue to have a successful career at ExxonMobil. I am concerned the company is slowly dying / best days are past and am considering changing to the electric power industry (wind/solar/etc). I have two recruiters interested from well known companies. Anyone made the switch? Thoughts on pay and opportunities? Thanks.
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Leave, run and get away as far it is possible for you from this disgusting place if you are below 52.
Maybe
You should know the answer to that question.
40’s is a good time to change.
If you are a technical contributor in engineering- yes. Simply put you are (sadly) no longer valued. Just a liability on a balance sheet until you are outsourced.
Yes.
Here's the way I look at it:
You've got one life, and your prime years are up until about 60. I've watched health catch up with my parents right as they hit 63ish, not saying this is true for everyone, but something to think about. Do you really want to waste your 40-60 being miserable? Is it really worth grinding yourself into the ground to be sp-t out as a retiree at 60, which by then you may only have a few fun years left (I know plenty of people that died < 65 , its all very eye opening)
If you are under 45, go. The uncertainty is soul crushing. I’m 58 almost 59, planning to be gone no later than 60. Best of luck to you and your family.
Sounds like you arent doing a good job at being seen or heard by our greater than life XOM managers! How many power walks are you doing? Also, its imperative that you print out documents and then run to the printer!
You should not hesitate. Future extremely uncertain and experience not really appreciated.
@OP O&G has it’s best days behind it. All anyone who stays in the industry has to look forward to are stagnant wages, reduced incentives, downsizing, offshoring, and litigation.
People don’t have expiration dates. You can learn whatever you want and try something new at any age.
Good luck.
Do it. Very few get anywhere at Exxon.
Pardon the patois, but dat's a toughie, OP.
In your 40s - that was called a 'young man' back in old Athens. 2000 years back.
Today the Actuaries say you got about 30 more years of potential professional life.
I'd suggest you go for it. Leap out there. Take your chance.
It only happens once some say.
EMIT here, and getting recruiter contacts from service companies, including our own. Maybe it’s time to start talking with them.
@jjq+1aWTvVBX same here. The sad thing is I actually really enjoy my job, do good work, and really like my team. I used to work startups and that sort of uncertainty was manageable because you could help shape the response - and always be part of the solution/discussion. But right now it just feels like some folks (far removed from actual day to day engineering) are making decisions with no engagement of technical engineers.... Feels like waiting for the axe to fall and I am tired of feeling like a victim with no control over my career.
I have multiple offers pending. Hearing about more outsourcing coming, so planning to pull the trigger soon. Early 40s with almost 20 years in the company.
Honestly, have nothing against my workgroup, it's a shame how Dallas believes this business should be run, especially the return to office. How about letting the operators run their business and Dallas manage the Boardroom!
Also being headhunted here.
A bit younger but I might make the switch to electric vehicles. Means I will likely need to move to Silicon Valley which is stupid expensive but oh well.
Just..... so..... tired of slowly waiting for management to decide to outsource me and I want to feel wanted again as an engineer.
GO NOW!