Thread regarding Chevron Corp. layoffs

Yeah SC will be hit hard this time.

I got news for you, your supervisor knows what's going on. My supervisor in Procurement is very aloof and acts like they don't but they do. They always knew who they were going to place in jobs regardless if there was a PDC process where we applied, so it's business as usual. Also, in an environment where they want to be more like XOM, the Procurement function is likely to centralize more activity and represents an opportunity. If you came to us 2 years ago, I would not worry.

There’s still no WARN record from Chevron in Texas, so all we can say for sure is that nothing will happen in the next 60 days.

Big oil gets smaller every day. Time to find a better industry.

If you're in Procurement... high probability of being laid off this time. They got hit hard in 2016. Doubtful of any relocation (it's expensive for the company and is counter-intuitive for cost-cutting). You are given plenty of heads up, but start job searching now! Your severance will only be about a month or so with only 2 years in.

Unfortunately, leadership plans these things well in advance. It's just that staff is the last to know, and usually at the last minute.

However, there are several resources that can help you understand your company's climate:

1. ) You can always refer to the company's 10-K report. These are quarterly and annual reports that corporations must file. You should be able to find that through the SEC (sec.gov). (Google "SEC 10K filings," and it should direct you to the page.)

2. ) Go onto Chevron's website and look for their reports and filings. They may not have the most recent, so you should go to the SEC for the latest. With this being the end of the year, they should have just had their annual stockholders' meeting, and there should be a report.

3. ) You should also go to Chevron's website and look at their press releases and/or news.

4. ) Create a Google Alert for Chevron in the news. Any news for Chevron will be sent directly to your email.

5. ) Finally, each state requires companies to alert the state 90 days before the date they plan to lay off workers. You may search for the state you're located in, as that will have the most accurate information. There is also a national database—the WARN database (layoffdata.com).

6. ) Observe conversations about mergers, whether the company is doing well, streamlining equipment or processes, cutting perks, etc. These may be clues that they are cutting costs, and the biggest cost-cutting measure is human capital.

Regardless of layoffs, always have a contingency plan:

• Know how much money you need for all your expenses. Know your numbers.
• Have a reserve of cash on hand
• Curb expenses (still budget some discretionary for self-care—you will need to protect your mental health during hard times).
• Always diversify where you keep your money (i.e., more than one bank account, type of accounts).
• Stock your resource essentials (Don't hoard, but keep a few extra for just in case).
• Keep your resume updated.
• Consider starting a side hustle, or think of what you can do to make money as a backup plan.
• Make sure you keep copies of your reviews, document promotions, skills, and abilities.
• Document anything you did to help improve the company's bottom line.
• Network with other people in your industry, join local industry associations, etc.
• Take advantage of any training the company offers (This looks great on your resume).

Being laid off is devastating for anyone, but if you prepare, you can take the edge off. This is not to instill fear, but to empower you and remind you that you have options.

(I'm a career strategist, and this is some of the advice I give my clients.).