Good luck getting employment... Well I was lucky. I started looking for a job last spring and got one in late fall, outside of O&G.
I was with Chevron for 4 years (worst company I have been apart of) and 8 years with a service company. The other half of my career was diverse. Construction, manufacturing, nuclear, consulting. I graduated from an Ivy League school with an Engineering degree, also an MBA from a top Tier program. I thought this would at least separate me a bit and give me an edge. It did not. I found that my diverse experience and my P.E. (Professional Engineer) did more for me than anything else. I started looking on job boards but within a few months of bad results....a few interviews with organizations I did not want to work for....
I went the recruiter route. I found that everything mattered as they sold my skills to a large set of opportunities. I was somewhat picky, but never turned down an interview. I interviewed with 11 places before finally getting an offer from the 12th that I liked. Of the other 11 interviews I got 4 offers. I set my salary the same so it was less opportunities and greater competition. The market last year was flooded with O&G employees, worse this year. Most that worked for the majors did not continue with education and certifications. Also not a very solid background of experience. These interviews drill down to the nuts and bolts. They are long and tedious. Usually 2-3 phone screens and 1-2 in person interviews.
I think it would be evident that without a meaningful 4 year degree you won't get past the internal screening. It is not to late to get your certs. HR, Accounting, Safety....all disciplines have there own. 70% of the jobs I interviewed for required your PE. For the 20 plus year employees, it will take 3-4 months best scenario. Start to finish. Worse case well over a year. I would start the process now. I was blown back at how tight the market is in general. I wanted to stay local but 3 months in I chose a 250 mile radius for opportunities. This of course accelerate, doubles the process.........be prepared for a rough time.
I believe the economy is going into recession. That being said you will get a job. Take the time to get what you need over the next 6 months, go back to school, certs and even experience. Start applying now. Even if you stay, it does not hurt to look. Of course be cognizant if you use a recruiter, you can't screw them over.
Be honest and up front...........................................................................
And of course no one knows how bad Chevron is, in providing employees with skills both technical and leadership wise.
It's a fortune 3 company.
Play that angle...
Also there are zero jobs in O&G. Look outside. Good luck. Don't get down....... Just keep up the fight....