I know I’m going to. The urge to start job hunting right away is strong, but after everything we’ve been through, you’ll thank yourself for taking a little time to breathe, reset, and get your head straight before diving back in. I'm speaking from experience, since this the second time I've been laid off.
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Yes please take your time that way you’ll be one less applicant to my next job that the 100s on this board already are.
I also left COP for a smaller private E&P company and it has been fantastic. Smaller companies don't always advertise they are looking for a position, it happens by word of mouth (i.e. networking!). And yes, even if we still looking for an asset and not bringing in revenue yet, we will hire someone if they are a good find!
There's little benefit to be gained from rushing out and burning your network while you're in a poor head-space.
Give yourself 2 weeks grace and allow time to decompress.
Come back ready to engage your network and attack the challenge with a well-curated story + pitch. You'll get a better hit-rate, will be better prepared to hear a few "no" responses (part of the process), and will overall be a happier + more pleasant person.
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As an aside. I left COP a while back and am now at a smaller, private shop. There are plenty of teams out there who would happily make room for the right person. (We're one of them). Don't let perception of a "soft" labor market prevent you from making an effort. This feels much better than the 2015 and 2020 downturns.
They push mental health and wellness while you 're working there, but they stress you to the max. take the time off the corporate ladder. not having a stroke is more important than your next CEO's Q2 results. Take a step back, maybe you don't want to be in the industry during this market cycle. Let the diversity hires do the work for you, lemme know how it goes when you're not hired on merit, but for what you look like or who you claim to be. Replaced by AI. lol.
They want to keep people who can be pushed around.
Job hunting assumes that there are actual jobs to be found. The market for said jobs is worse by a magnitude factor compared to Covid era…so take 6 months off, travel, hug your family and hope like he-l the economy improves. Also ConocoPhillips is not your ally anymore…they are a competitor to be destroyed…want a job quicker? The oil companies need more problems with less people…that will eventually create jobs…
If you're staying in this industry, this is terrible advice. Available positions are few and far between. They will all be soaked up by those who were laid off this week. If you want a chance, apply now.
If switching industries, then yes, take a breather. At least through the end of the year if your severance and such is good enough to get you there and beyond.