After five years with Chevron, I have made the difficult decision to move on from the company. When I first joined in 2019, fresh out of college, I was eager to learn and grow professionally. However, my experience here has taught me that advancement often depends more on personal connections and adherence to specific diversity initiatives than on merit or performance.
In my role within the Safety department, I quickly realized that while people are polite on the surface, there is often a hidden layer of political maneuvering. When I first joined, I was introduced to a Talent Manager and a Sponsor, both of whom were supposed to guide me toward opportunities aligned with my career aspirations. However, in my interactions with them, I frequently heard the same excuse: it was a "year for high-potential candidates" or "a year to prioritize DEI candidates." When I asked for clarification or the opportunity to engage more directly with the process, I was told that such discussions were confidential and closed off to outsiders. Ironically, the outcomes of these discussions would often be shared among leaders and their close associates within hours. Gossip, rumors and lies are currency in this function. If you can throw someone under the bus in an excruciating manner, you are the Queen.
I initially believed I had found a promising career at Chevron, drawn by the competitive salary and the proximity to my home in Houston. However, my experience has shown me that the company’s culture and internal dynamics do not support the growth and development of its employees in a meaningful way. Instead, talent and hard work often take a backseat to favoritism and internal politics.
Additionally, the ethical challenges I encountered were both disheartening and surprising. I was often asked to downplay incidents or present misleading information in order to avoid negative scrutiny. On one occasion, I was told that while safety was a priority, if I could find a way to classify an incident as "non-recordable," it would be appreciated. The pressure to conceal the truth and prioritize appearances over integrity was unsettling.
I came to realize that many of my colleagues, though perhaps well-intentioned at one point in their careers, had become disillusioned and compromised by the system. There were moments where I was advised to compartmentalize my personal values and beliefs from my professional role. I was told, for instance, that while it’s acceptable to live a Christian lifestyle of fairness and honesty at home, these values should be put aside at work.
At this stage, I am looking forward to the next chapter in my life, and I plan to take time to reflect, recharge, and rediscover my personal sense of purpose. I am grateful for the lessons learned during my time at Chevron, but I now realize that the work environment here is not one where I can thrive or contribute in a meaningful way. While I once believed the grass might be greener elsewhere, I now understand that stepping away is the right decision for my well-being and professional growth.