Geologist 38 years - I was laid off in 1992 from the finest independent oil company in Dallas. Two more busts - in 2008 and now. Company geologist and engineers frequently bitch all day about their current employer - but they probably couldn't make it out here as an independent.
I also went through the agony and anxiety of waiting to be laid off, but it was ENTIRELY MY FAULT that I didn't have the balls to change jobs/career path when things were "good". Does that sound familiar ? My best friend just got laid off from PItts OIl Company in July after 27 years. He was the ONLY one laid off. There is no loyalty in the oil and gas business anymore. As I told a new Masters geophysics grad from Baylor last month, "now is a good time to assess if you really want to be in our business and deal with this manic-depressive ride to hell and back for the next 40 years. Or, do you want to do something else? "
My heart and prayers go out to the Denbury geological staff,. especially those who have been 'movers and shakers', volunteering in our geological community (DGS, SIPES etc). The people that have seen you work as a volunteer will be glad to open any door they can to help you. We already know who you are. As for the rest of you bastards that were always too important or busy to serve, "No one even knows who you are ! You are all leeches that let the rest of us do the work and
your only involvement has been when you bitch to us about the speakers or the luncheon menu. "
In 1992 -93, I had 205 interviews before I gave up and became an independent. Thank God my wife had just finished nursing school. NOTE_ you young guys need a spouse that works, or can work when things get shitty. It will get better eventually, then it will get shitty again. You can bank on it.