The people I know who were cut in the last round have very little in common. Younger, older, good employees, bad employees, different departments... This just confirms my longstanding suspicion that literally nobody here is safe. This is a numbers game and what you do and how well you do it doesn't matter. If the numbers say so, you're out. As simple as that.
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Certain groups and organizations get gutted and you can look back over the years to figure out which ones. The good (and bad) employees in those groups are mostly gone except for either the chosen few or the ones that fit a certain, desired demographic. In other cases, it’s just a chance to get rid of employees that are deemed “too expensive” for what they are perceived to offer the company. The result is an apparently random pattern of layoffs as others are describing. Young, old, experienced, inexperienced, none of that makes a difference. If you’ve got friends in high places, you’re (probably) ok. If you’ve fit whatever criteria is the flavor du jour, you’re (probably) ok. Otherwise, better start thinning out your personal items and start having lunch with friends at other companies to see what your best options are outside of this glorious establishment.
Nobody is safe. No matter how hard you work. The key is to understanding that this happens at ALL companies in the industry. So, you take in a good paycheck, save some for a rainy day and always be on the lookout for better opportunities elsewhere. Sometimes the poorer performers get let go. Sometimes the higher cost employees get let go and unfortunately it most often is the higher cost employees that were the better performers.
Don't try to rationalize anything. If you work in the industry, your number will eventually be called regardless of your performance. It is sad but just the way it works
@ffs+19N09q1E I'd add the closest thing to safe is working for yourself...I have been doing that for several years now and it seems betting on yourself, although tough at times, gives the best reward. There is something about being disciplined to do the things that are required without anyone directly telling you what to do that is both empowering and a little frightening at times. I'm ex oil and gas engineer, and I figured if I spent as much time on my self employment as I did when I worked oil and gas, that I'd be OK. And I am after 6 years now. It has its highs and lows, but so does the oilfield. At least no one is stabbing me in the back lol. Best wishes to all. I know the money is good, but there are more fun ways to make money.
There is no such thing as “safe” in the American workplace. Everyday you show up, in person or virtually, you are interviewing for your next job or outplacement. That’s the reality of the 2021 working world.
And, of course, no one is indispensable.
It’s actually obvious what has happened. You need a sponsor, a protector, an advocate who in turn needs the same. As long as your chain of support remains unbroken, then you will be ok. Irrespective of contributions, performance etc., Those who stayed were selected to stay.
Exactly! Do people in O&G still think they can work at the same company for as long as they desire? This industry is not only cyclical, but it's also in decline. The money is great, but there is a mental cost that grows over time.
No one in the O&G world is safe.
I know a guy who got great ratings, well-liked by coworkers, worked high profile projects, all sorts of SRE’s and awards...didn’t matter. Gone.
I know a guy who was the exact opposite of that...didn’t matter. Gone.
There really was no rhyme nor reason.
I imagine that they put a huge org chart on the wall and threw darts. That’s all that makes sense.