I’m submitting my plan tomorrow. But I’m worried about job opportunities. I need a serious analysis of the current job market. No drama, just facts pls.
21 replies (most recent on top)
@lib There may not be many jobs out there but YES ageism exists big time. I basically got a job offer for every interview I ever did until after I turned 50. Then it seemed like I was always the secondary interviewee. The back up interview they do to firm up their plan to hire another person. Completely demoralizing and there’s nothing you can do about it. One recruiter advised not to put your college grad year on your resume to help hide your age. Another recruiter advised that employers know that trick.
You may actually have a chance at landing a work from home consulting position if you have a marketable skill base. Because of the coronovirus companies may not need to see you at the office if you can be trusted. It likely would be short term project work.
The 4 year strip price is about $40. If you get out now, don't plan on coming back. Use your time off to start preparing yourself for another career, because unless you get really lucky, sitting around waiting for oil and gas to come back is only going to deplete your savings.
@lib+14XYNjIo possibly somewhere but the broader issue is a lack of demand for landmen.
Companies are scaling back now so any positions that are growth focused are being cut.
I meant 2022.
For sh–s and giggles, I just did a job search on LinkedIn in Houston for HSE, techs, etc. I found a handful of jobs. Each with 200-300 applicants. Realistically, layoffs will continue throughout 2020. In 2021, layoffs will subside. In 2021, jobs will return. At least our severance will get us through until 2021.
I know serval companies that want to hire various engineers or techs. They have the work but corporate is saying no-can-do. Nobody wants to hire with the future so uncertain.
With respect, it’s not about being smart. It’s a numbers game. no job openings = no job opportunities. No money= substantially less pay if You are even hired. Younger applicants can be hired cheaper.
What types of Engineers are we talking about that may be out of work for a while(other than Petro-Engs obviously)? Im an Electrical Engineer with a PE and have received an offer almost every month. I didnt realize we had so many non-PEs. Licensing helps. It will likely become the new norm. There are jobs out there it just requires persevered searching. We are smart people...you got this.
I agree with the comment about new job equals pay cut. Every company will be getting new hires with less pay since the economy is shot. And no one will complain because everyone is so desperate for a job.
Im a 53 yr old land man and I have had zero bites in 6 months. Do you think I’m experiencing age-ism??
I’m an engineering tech and I did get another job after a 2 month job search IN oil and gas. BUT I had to move to Dallas.
Why is it a stupid question?
Stupid question that only a trump supporting conservative would pose smdh! Do you think anyone on this site has a magic crystal ball!?
Engineering tech??? Seriously bruh...you’re toast. Accountant wife is marketable tho
Even if you get another job in HSE, I’m thinking your pay will be substantially less than what you were making at Oxy. Prob a 20k pay cut given these times. And that’s IF you secure another job. That’s why although taking the VSP is great for short term, in the long term you will be losing substantial income. This s—s.
I’m an engineering tech and my wife’s an accountant in another O&G. What are our prospects?
Contact several recruitment companies that specialize in various industries that your background would be a good match. They often have job vacancies available at companies that are not publicly posted. They have connections with management hiring authorities that can bypass your resume/application being weeded out by clueless HR screening people.
All companies will need HSE in order to maintain (obviously) safety, which is very important. I would argue, though, that most companies (both in and outside of o/g) are not looking to expand their HSE departments and would likely be staffed to the capacity that they need (with the exception of up and coming companies or potentially non-tech startups?). But with covid, I would anticipate many mature companies may be maintaining their HSE departments at the same size, or be cutting back. I just don't see how a company can justify scaling up their HSE departments given the circumstances around us right now.
Thank you for a detailed response. I’m in HSE. What are your thoughts about my line of work?
If you are technical like engineer, geologist, geophysicist, petrophysicist it could take a while as everyone is cutting back. If you are on the financial, it, accounting, admin side it will be a little easier outside oil and gas, but still tough. A friend of mine just got a job outside oil ands gas after being laid off in early December 2019. He said he sent at hundreds of resumes and then got a bite on one, and secured the job. Myself I am on the technical support side, and if I put in notice I am prepared to be out a 12 to 18 months to get back supporting the above mentioned technical group.