Independents have, historically, offered higher pay and better benefits than the majors. At least, that's how it worked when I started in oil and gas, back in the 80's. I worked with a series of independents and my career went up and up, with each successive change, I realized higher pay, better benefits (stock options, company cars, open access to the company Lear jet, first-class offices, etc,... it was too good to be true.) Then, the oil price crash of '85, tead me to Chevron, where I "took shelter" and found the security I was seeking, by that time (family responsibilities), and, because Chevron was JUST awakening to the benefits of decentralization, I experienced rapid advancement, some great assignments, healthy wage increases, and the kind of independence in my job that I cherished. But, over the years, Chevron changed. I first noticed it when they hung a Gay Pride quilt (or flag,... who cares?) in the entrance to Chevron Tower, in downtown Houston. I swear to God, from that moment on, political correctness, diversity, every mealy-mouthed, HR-supported "feel good" program that came down the pike, took root and began to suck at the marrow of what was, once, a pretty nice place to work! And the Chevron culture, in my opinion, took three giant steps backwards. . By then, I was in too deep to consider moving on, so just worked out the rest of my career dealing with some of the most atrociously stupid, lazy, and arrogant assholes I had ever met (thanks to some re-orgs and mergers).. Walking into my office in the mornings, I would become almost physically ill, dreading, even before it happened, what the day held in store for me. But,... I managed to make it to retirement and, for that, Chevron served it's purpose. These days,... I don't know if I'd go with a major, or look elsewhere. I can't believe any independent, today, with a global economy that promises weak short-term growth, at best, would be able to meet a major's pay/benefit package, but, who knows? Although, I expect a lot of "hair cuts" even in the majors, and I don't know if the trade-off (probable lower pay for probable better work environment) would hold true with an independent, these days, or not. Sometimes, "the devil you know,...", you know? Anyone who's been in this industry for any length of time probably has a story similar to mine,... it's cyclical and dynamic. Sometimes, as The Stranger said, "you eat the bear,.. sometimes, the bear eats you". C'est la vie, huh? The '80s were tough, but, given the Obama economy of today, the quality of weasel (HR and management) prowling the halls at Chevron, my guess is that it's going to be a lot tougher to ride the tiger, now. Good luck to all. .