Has anybody who left Oxy on their own regretted that decision? I'm considering quitting but I'd lie if I said I was not nervous and worried that I might end up regretting it down the line.
It would be nice to know others who did the same thing are satisfied with how things turned out for them.
"Toxic environment" as in CAO organization
I don't often post to these threads but it sounds like you could appreciate some perspective so I wanted to sincerely share mine. By the time I "left" the toxic environment had affected me so bad I didn't think I would ever be "successful" elsewhere. There is a tendency for others around you to act as though if you leave you will no longer exist in the world. Like when they remove your user id from the system you will just vanish into obscurity, it really is that crazy (I'm certain you know what I mean). The organization is plagued with mental vampires that essentially are there to consistently talk you out of yourself. The role that many of the managers and upper management I have seen take is not so much managing as it is more akin to a high paid consultant that will steal your watch to tell you what time it is. ...Essentially, to keep you mentally broken down and overworked so that you can continue to support the organization without room to move on, up, or out. It is SO MUCH better after you leave...misery loves company and as I'm sure you can attest to, too many of your peers are probably stuck there for the money and are too afraid to or weighed down to make a move...and unfortunately when they set the bar low and accept the kind of behavior and treatment you have seen the standards get lower for everyone...because they work off of the "someone would love to take your place" attitude. But the fact is more than ever, there are so many great organizations and opportunities. You won't disappear, I promise. In fact, I found that after I left I couldn't bear to talk to anyone I used to work with because the conversations were always so negative. That should tell you something...management is from the top down, and the culture there always reminded me of the old comic strip....where the boss yells at the employee, the employee goes home to yell at the spouse, the spouse yells at the child, and the child kicks the cat. Anxiety is contagious...like a common cold..and that company is so full of anxious people because of a history of dealings just like the one you are experiencing now. You cannot fix it...you can only be weighed down by it..and it's not burden to bear..its the burden of those that are benefitting from that toxic relationship..let them carry that weight. It will take a major shift in attitude from the very top to change that company so I would say leave on good terms and if things ever turn around maybe do some consulting for them...we all know they treat (and pay) consultants better than their own employees. In truth, I don't wish bad on the organization even after leaving. There are alot of great people that work there..but I have only met a handful of people that I could look up to or even consider as having integrity...they are few and far between and they ALWAYS get talked over by the loudest voices in the room.
People do know how good they have it at Oxy. Minorities can raise to the top. Oxy has a woman CEO, VPs and managers from different genders and nationalities. Check websites of other companies and you would only see white males on the executives page.
And severance package is good. Some friends have gotten 3 days of pay, or two weeks, basically the paycheck that was coming next.
At Oxy I see diversity at all levels. And some of the best severance packages.
Sounds like you expect special treatment because you in a minority group. I see all nationalities at Oxy on my floor and elsewhere in the company. In fact It really seems pretty well balanced. I am male, white, and over 60. Now that is a minority here.
You faced a different environment than I did. We dealt with bigotry, discrimination, and a complete lack of inclusion in our organization at Oxy. Complaints were filed, but they led nowhere. Those people were protected and supported by Oxy. The worst company I've ever worked at regarding diversity and inclusion, by far. I guess it just depends on what group you are in.
Oxy’s diversity and inclusion are unmatched in the oil and gas industry.
I left OXY and I regret it. I got bigger salary but I didn't know I was moving to a company where diversity is not appreciated. So as a non white male, I'd have been better off at OXY. Current company has not growth opportunities if you are a minority. Also, OXY lay off packages are way better.
Seems like a great many people happy and better off to leave Oxy. Greatest and best company ever, indeed.
I left and couldn't be happier. I took my time finding the right opportunity and it paid off, I would recommend to be patient, don't take the first thing that comes along. The market is different now and saturated with a lot of talent that has been laid off just look at the amount from Oxy/APC alone. Don't burn bridges while you're still there, don't tell people you're looking, just keep doing your job until something good comes along.
Best thing ever done.
I quit to become a bag boy at HEB. Best decision I ever made, even factoring in the reduced benefits.
No regrets! Healthier, happier and looking ahead to doing something in the future that is fun!
I appreciate the sincere answers folks are giving—thank you all for that!
Leaving APC/Oxy was the best thing ever for me. The fat severance check allowed me to retire early. It's been about four months now and I've got absolutely no regrets whatsoever.
It's a sinking ship. Get off if you have an option BUT wait until after bonus payout.
I’m in the same boat and interested as well.
I’m starting by interviewing with head hunters and people in my network. I’m treating staying at OXY as one of the options to compare with everything else. Make sure you take into account the full compensation, commute, growth opportunities, etc.
2/3 of the people I talk to who are happy saw this as a way to start something new or retire early. Not necessarily make the same amount. The other third had a comparable job lined up. Those are the two scenarios where I think taking the VSP makes sense.
This is a super individual decision. Just because it’s right for 85 to 90% doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone. Good Luck!