Thread regarding Chevron Corp. layoffs

If you have been unexpectedly let go, you are probably feeling a broad mix of anger, frustration, sadness, and disappointment. But, perhaps also some small relief that there is a a lot about Chevron that you no longer have to endure, and that's what you need to focus on now. Here's a simple, but effective, mental exercise that many have found to be very useful. 1) Write (handwrite in a notebook, don't type these on a computer - this is important) a list of all the people in Chevron that you are glad you will likely never see or have to work with again (ex: likely your previous supervisor who kept his or her job while offering you up as a sacrificial lamb). 2) Write a list of all the places in Chevron that you are glad you will likely never have to visit again (ex: the Luanda airport). 3) Write a list of all the things in Chevron that you will likely never have to do or deal with again (ex: useless CSOC feedback that never accomplished anything but to stroke someone else's ego - I mean, how often does anyone ever actually give someone negative feedback?). These three lists will come to you very quickly. Now, let's shift to the second part of this exercise and turn it around. Write three more lists of all the people, places, and things in Chevron that you really enjoyed over the years, and that you will truly miss. Take your time with these and give it some serious thought. It will take longer because you have likely been so focused on the negatives lately. This list should include the obvious, such as your salary and benefits. It should also include the small things, such as that person in the office whom you didn't know, but often shared jokes with in the elevator. Eventually, you will be surprised to find that the second set of lists will actually be longer than the first set. Despite what you may be thinking right now it really wasn't that bad (albeit, it probably is right now, given all the fear and paranoia taking place), otherwise you would have left Chevron on your own long ago. Ultimately, what this exercise does is to exorcise demons, and to begin the transition of your thought processes away from the pain of the past and onwards toward the opportunities of the future. Yes, I know it sounds rather simplistic, but it really does work. As for the advice, here's a few items: 1) If you are not ready to retire, take some time off, if you are in a position to do so. A few weeks or even months will really clear your head. However, if you do just keep in mind this next one: 2) Don't sit around the house all day. Get out and about. Play a bit outdoors; golf, frisbee, whatever. Get some sun and fresh air. Be sure to also get out of town often, whether it's just a short road trip to a nearby nice place or a flight to the other side of the world; wherever you've got the budget and inclination to go. 3) When you are ready to get back into the game, start applying for jobs. Don't assume that the current state of the industry has dried up all of the job opportunities out there, because it hasn't. A quick check on Rigzone and similar sites easily proves this. In some cases, companies are using the status quo as an excuse to rid themselves of what they believe to be underperforming employees. In other cases, it is someone that some idiot manager simply doesn't like or has some petty jealously of. Either way, many of these are jobs that the companies intend to refill, hopefully with strong performers that many companies, particularly Chevron, have wrongfully, unthinkingly, and stupidly let go. So, go for it. And finally, 4) STOP READING THIS BOARD! This site is only useful for two groups of people: those who are nervous about their careers and are here to find legitimate information that can help, and those twisted Friends and Family who know their future is safe and sound and come here simply for the entertainment and to laugh at those unfortunate souls who are gone. However, for anyone who has been let go, this site is poison, and will simply continue to remind you of the past. Leave it alone and move onward and upward. And, with that, so long folks, until next time... (Easter egg: bpoon - you know who you are ;-)