Thread regarding ExxonMobil Corp. layoffs

@3hjm+1sAEaFvJ ditto

Don’t tell anyone about your connections and private life.

Keep your psychiatrist and Amanda Rico on speed dial 😀

Question:If you could go back to Day 1, when you were hired, what advice would you give to your younger self about working for ExxonMobil?

Answer(s):

(1) I would remind myself that it is better to be a stockholder than an employee. Stockholders are treated much better than employees in the long term.

(2) V.P.'s and most executives are always nice to the masses in large business unit meetings but behind closed doors they will cut you off at the knee caps if their RSU stock options appear to be in jeopardy.

I really wouldn't stay here, there are some top talent at Exxon that are good to work with but even they are strongly diminished by the culture. It's a shrinking company and just a poisonous/toxic place to be for the last 5 or so years and for the next 5 most likely.

If you stay, do not ever believe that "the company has your best interests at heart" or "the company will take care of you". The company will take care of itself, full stop. There is nothing wrong with that, what is wrong is how Exxon lies and messages that and guilt trips you into protecting and prioritizing yourself. Some fall into that more than others, and it was more prevalent a half-generation ago but still be vigilant.

However, if you're in Upstream in the US - the Houston Campus is not where to learn and start a career in the oilfield. I would not hire anyone who has 5-10 years of working on the Houston campus, they simply won't know much despite what they're told.

If I take this job then go to a shrink immediately and get on anti anxiety meds before I started shaking all the time and became a nervous wreck

Leave before 5 years is up, spend as little time as possible working in those years but as much as possible su-king up to managers. First supervisory role you get, use it to move out and get a career in a company where it matters.

1. Be flexible. I was and took on jobs that were hard to fill but turned out to be brilliant. Working on hard to fill jobs and helping initiatives get back on track are winners every time - you can't fail tying to fix something thats 'broken'
2. Find a sponsor and if the first one doesn't work out then get another
3. Always test yourself in the market every 3-5 years until you are about 40 and use other offers as leverage (you'll get one shot at this so make it a big one) or simply move if the pay/work is better.
4. You owe the company nothing. You are forgotten before you resign/retire. Just remember your headstone won't mention work :). Get you work/life balance right - your family will thank you
5. Get on an IPR - you learn so much, get great visibility and can act the smart a-s telling senior management how to fix something that's broken

I would tell my younger self not to take the job.

I’m still suffering from anxiety attacks and the effects of the toxic culture. Symptoms similar to PTSD.

Spend first 2 years focusing more on finding a sponsor.

enjoy the early good years and then switch to another industry/company. and buy bitcoin early. buy a new flat early.

Quit immediately an take another gig

Go into management. It’s the only place you can be incompetent and be protected from PIP so if you are competent you should shine

Buy Bitcoin and retire early.

My advice,
Don’t buy 1/2 million dollar + House, Don’t buy multiple 100k vehicles, Quit spending money on frivolous cr-p to keep up with the Jones.
Invest in real estate or stocks that earns you money & save from day 1. This cr-p like layoffs, merges, etc will have about zero impact on your stress levels.
Most people forget, Crude oil is a commodity. The only things guaranteed are Death & Taxes!

Dont quit your day job looking for a new job. This is only temporary. They are looking for a very specific type of person. My father told me that when I told him i was working there. He said Exxon only hires a certain type of person and I wasn't it.

It’s about “industry standards” now, so ExxonMobil must lower their expectations and quality. It is all about the bottom line. Sounds wrong, but that is the game until it bites them in the a$$.

It takes three things to succeed with this company. Your competency, your supervisor's selfless advocation for your development, and d-mb luck (right place right time). I made the mistake of only focusing on my competency. You have to manage your supervisor to succeed. If they're not developing you and advocating for your next assignment you have to actively push them or get out. The last you can't control so 'ride the wave' if it catches you. Once over go back to 1 and 2.

Interestingly, over your career you will see lots of managers who've achieved high positions without the 1st requirement above. They benefited from the 2 other success requirements most readers of this site have never had.

Watch Fox News religiously and deny science

I would say keep your head down and work. Be honest and transparent. ExxonMobil is no different than any other company and is likely better than most. Go find out if you are not happy. Exxon is my third company I worked for and I am okay where I am at, expect the PDS season. Income taxes and PDS due at same time, it’s a sad April.

It’s id--tic to assume Exxon hires the best and other companies hire less smart folks.

I left Exxon a few years ago and come back here now and again to feel the vibe. I now work with people who are more educated academically, more travelled, more rounded and with very diverse experiences. Still in an ‘energy’ company.

Exxon is mediocre at best and d-mb followers at worst.

1. Work a few years to get the experience and then get the he-l out of this company.

2. Have more courage to report harassment and improper behaviors.

3. Negotiate more

To younger self: Nnnnooooooo!!!! Don't do it! You're making a big mistake!

Move to where they hire lower tier colleges. Being best amongst mediocre people gives better returns than being average or too among the best.

That’s the reason we have very mediocre management and leadership now.

Truth.

Run!