People say that going to a smaller company is often a good decision. I want to leave EM, but I don't like the idea of going to a smaller company. I would love to hear what you think. Perhaps there is someone here who, after the experience here, really did such a thing.
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WSJ did a study a few years back. The result was that the best companies in terms of employee satisfaction AND highest salaries, across the board, were mid-sized companies (5-15Kish employees in size). Too small a company and the "smarts" just aren't there. Too big, and there is a tipping where a company becomes so big that it kind of implodes on itself, too much bureaucracy, too much "management by accounting," and so on. That mid-size company is the one I am looking to hire. Done with this mega-corp clown world.
Left XOM for a smaller O&G company a couple of weeks ago and so far only complaint is the slightly longer commute. In general the work life balance seems to be better and the work more enjoyable.
Small companies are good for actually good performers. Your true results are known and appreciated. Less bullsh-t, but you do more. I like it.
If you don’t like the idea of working for a smaller company, then you need to leave ExxonMobil asap
Don’t go small unless you know someone there.
Depends a lot on your personality. I have worked for small business owner, Corporate Insurance offices, EM and now at smaller company. I don’t care what others perceive - but rather what makes me happy. Currently have much more flexible schedule, can attend to family when needed, off early on Fridays, some WFH, bonus twice a year, and no PDS. Worth every bit.
I went from EM to employee #18 at an industry supplier. Self-managed and WFH. Never have been happier.
@OP My advice is to make sure that you’re very good at whatever they’re hiring you to do.
Exxon and O&G in general are skilled at hiding/covering incompetence. In a smaller company this will be caught immediately, and unlike a large operating company, they’ll show you the door just as quickly.
No sure what you mean by smaller. But smaller can also mean a large global company. ExxonMobil is a behemoth.
I worked for another major company i(not O&G) before ExxonMobil and I had travelled the world and was given more autonomy than I ever had here. General experience was positive. Had pension and bonuses. Work life balance was better. Great working relationship with my co-workers and manager knew the business.
Just make sure you do your research and ask questions if you are considering a move.size of company does not matter.
Coming from ExxonMobile, almost EVERY company is going to be smaller.
If you only want companies as big or bigger than XOM, you are seriously limiting yourself.
OP is asking because they are unsure.
I left for a small company this year OP. There are pros and cons. Be be Frank, the pros outweigh the cons.
ExxonMobil is a Global company. Global positions and travel are a possibility. Smaller company not so much. There are also more roles overall available. That’s about it for the pros that a smaller company doesn’t have. Pension is there if you survive.
Smaller company is more personal. Provides better work life balance. Can turn on a dime, which is good for as hoc bonuses, wfh rules etc. You will have higher visibility. The ranking system where I’m at doesn’t exist. It’s a personal assessment. It’s fair. I did not miss going through another PADP season. Bonuses are real. No pension.
I feel a little out of place at times because the projects and assignments are nowhere near the scale of XOM.
Overall 8/10 recommend.
If you don’t like the idea why are you considering it?