I am a middle age engineer. I’ve done well at the company but am not receiving RSUs. Always somewhere in the middle. I used to consider myself a loyal lifer. After seeing how people were treated I want to leave but am not sure where to start. Any ideas? I think I’d like to leave the industry but am not sure what to try move into.
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The OP is definitely a White Card Troll
If you are not getting RSU by age 30...you are in middle or bottom group and It is a good time to look for a job and change on your own timing vs risk a downturn and be laid off into a bad market. Get an MBA or "learn to code" , so you have options. If you are not CL 28 by age 40, you are going nowhere fast. I am retired now , but I was CL 26 by age 26, CL 30 by age 34. Many made CL 30 by age 30. "30 by 30" was the indicator of a high flyer, back then. Note: Those hired in mid 1970s to early 1980s were promoted quickly because of oil price volatility (oil went from $9 to over 40/B during Iranian crisis and arb oil embargoes), and offshore activity (N. Sea and GOM) took off and attrition was very high. Oil price quadrupled in just a few years. Imagine what would happen if oil went from 60 to 240/B. Mass attrition.
Not sure on middle age specific number but anywhere between 30 to 42 and you are still in good shape to outright change industries if needed. There was a previous post on here about engineers interviewing with the big tech and some green energy type companies. The salary is probably 140-185k base (low is probably 105k, high 215k) depending on where you want to go or stay, program management or electrical/mechanical engineer etc are of course easiest translation like for a power utility, EV or data centers etc. There are also signing bonuses, stock etc for almost all these jobs. Most companies give almost all of their employees some amount (even if small) in stock for buy in etc. Reach out to ex employees and they can help with internal referrals and are Very Very happy to do so for engineers.
At 42+, best bet is probably going to be in project or construction management of some type, particularly if you look at where government funding and policy is headed with lots of infrastructure coming down the pipeline. If you want to have a stable or growth trajectory to be able to work in to your 60’s if you choose to do so. Harder to change industry at that age but can be done. Don’t know your lifestyle etc, but figure out what you need to fund your life, family and where you are willing to live. There are several ex employees working in federal or state govt jobs. Depends on really what is right for you.
I interview regularly since the new performance system has turned everyone into 12 month consultants effectively, also helps to improve my interview skills and eventually these practice interviews will turn into a real opportunity. Most of the tech companies allow new applications every 90 days.
The company is worried about people only under 30, they are oblivious to the fact that everyone over 30 is looking as well, particularly in the 30-45 yr old bracket after seeing last years re-org. No not every super major cut jobs and some private oil companies didn’t either, and most of their CEOs took a decent pay cut if only to show optically they were in it, and we of course are only ones not to restore 401k. Few under ~40 think the pension will exist for them or that they will make it through to retirement.
Your fellow employees and ex-employees are in it with you. You see negativity on this site from time to time but most are trolls or just unhappy with the current environment. It’s not their fault and you can see public opinion agrees with the open air proxy battle taking place.
I’m a mech E, only got RSUs once in my career, perform well and work hard but the agreement I made to make below market rates for stability is broken and not on my side. I’m 40 so I’m right there with you, goal is either to commit or jump industry no later than 43. Wish you all the best.
I won't lie to you...you're in a tough spot age wise and probably experience as well. If your whole career has been at XOM, that's a negative because like the Army, there is only one way - the Army way. That kind of experience is only valuable to Exxon, and not to outside industry. Sorry. Try to stay on or go work through what was an affiliate before nationalization, like Aramco. Still one of the better companies around that offers better benefits and lifestyle. Good luck.
Set up your LinkedIn profile. Set a job search and find a resume writer. Then look at recruitment agencies first they will help to see what would fit and it may be a contractor or permanent role.
Once you start interviewing practice and leave the EM speak at home. Talk broadly and relate to the job position you are hiring for.
O&G is a dying industry. Go elsewhere.
Stick with oil and gas. Try to get into data analytics or if you are hardware oriented try the internet of things.
Certainly depends on your area of expertise, but plenty of opportunities outside O&G.
Alot can transfer to other greener fields.
Being in a commodity company is not best for a good engineer.