Every time I hear another layoff rumor, my anxiety spikes. At my age, I know the job market isn't kind. Does anyone have positive stories about finding work later in life? I need some hope right now.
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Oh, I also forgot to mention that working for Chevron (in the time frame that I did from the very late 1990s to the very early 2020s) DOES give you lots of transferrable skills. In my 2nd year at my new company I got a Chairman's award, something given to less than 1% of the employees. At Chevron I was one of the people in the background trying to do the right thing for the right reason and I was taken for granted because I wasn't a relentless self-promoter. But other companies will see that.
I left a few years ago in my mid-50s. Took me about 6 months to find a job, in the same sector (FE, no longer for an oil & gas company) at about a 25% pay cut. A lot less BS than Chevron; now I see something that needs to get done, I tell my boss, he says "sound great - do it". I'm used to the pay cut now and I enjoy going to work every morning.
@bw, this is true. However ACA plans in Texas for a family is ~$2k/month out of pocket after tax. Plus, some of the same clowns who caused premiums to raise 35% this year want to do away with ACA plans altogether.
@OP - older worker here. I was cut October 2025 and began networking 6 months prior to being let go, so my new job started just 3 weeks after my last day of employment with CVX. Mind you, leaving the energy sector, I took a pay cut of around 30%. Because I've been a saver and live below my means, it's been okay. My advice to you is to start networking immediately. Don't let negative thinking about your age keep you from putting yourself out there fully. You have a wealth of experience and knowledge and will be valued by the right employer. One thing that might help is to hire a coach to guide you through this process. Best of luck to you!
@fd
So true!!!
water is real wet
mental health issues are real
Job market at higher age is HARD. Spent my whole career at Chevron and I think age is a definite handicap. The pay outside of Chevron in the Bay Area is shocking if you are not with one of the large corporations it’s pretty bad. Medical professionals earn about $100-$150,000 per year. So what do you think an older aged Chevron laid off person is earning??? Not much. That’s if you can land the job.
Gotta love all of the self-declared "over-achievers", "stellar performers" and all the other self proclaimed smartest in their group people who post on here regularly. Legends in their own minds, as they say.....
last year the US created only 15000 jobs per month
basically a disaster
OF for freaks.
You will NEVER regret living below your means and having extra bank. Only exception is if you have crazy baby mamas /daddies or no prenup with someone whose primary interest is 1/2 of all of your assests and 401K - yeah, the red flags are there.
@OP I was also anxious thinking about layoffs and for me it helped to look closely at my finances and expenses. Little things like takeout and just plain cutting out the extras has helped me get to a place where I can walk away from my position and be okay.
For those who still need income, I see former employees getting jobs and they’re excited about a new start. Many move out of O&G as skill sets can be similar outside. Whatever you do make sure you take care of your health - always priority for you and your family.
@b9 the ACA exists and Healthcare is not tied to your employment. Please do more research to better your knowledge.
Ex Hess example. Professional reserves manager with over 25 years of dutiful service both domestically and Internationally. Houston based with an extensive professional and personal network unemployed since merger. Think high achieving and recognized contributor with stellar performance reviews since summer internships. It’s now common for staff that is over 50 years of age to face these challenges as HR is keen to remap the company in its image. The market for mid career and late career technical professionals is near nonexistent at this moment in Texas. Fellow peers have utilized all the post employment opportunities and the general consensus is that job opportunities are scarce . So for this gainfully employed please keep working and saving…the real world out there is brutal
@a2, that is true. I have been trying that, but it takes many years to become FI. Probably at least 10 more years if the stock market behaves. What scares me the most is healthcare in the USA. It is insanely expensive and stresses me more than anything, since USA ties Healthcare to employment benefits unless you're >65. If you get laid off in the USA and need medical attention, they can charge whatever they want. You can lose a lifetime of hard work and sacrifice if you happen to need medical attention in the USA while not having insurance. It is terrible. Houston is heartless to those laid off, as property taxes & insurance are very high, whereas in CA income tax was high, but is much more forgiving if laid off.
I'm amazed at the number of people who have found new jobs outside Chevron (per Linkedin) in California and Texas. Jobs seem plentiful. There are even energy-related tech jobs in the Bay area with good salaries if you don't want to move to Texas.
I’m in the same boat. Laid off in 2026 after being employed at Chevron for most of my career. I have been saving money and reducing expenses anticipating 6-12 months with no job. I have also considered finding jobs in other industries with less pay for basic expenses, healthcare and other benefits. I do not expect to make the same salary and I’m okay with that for peace of mind. Life at Chevron since 2020 has been awful. I am looking forward to a better culture with peace in my next job. If you prepare you will be less stressed.
For me, i became a super-saver to help me cope with the employment uncertainty. I suggest everyone else do the same. It's a lot easier to find adequate employment to pay your bills if your expenses are already low.