I was a petroleum geologist. No real transferable skills (I can't do the same job in another industry like I.T. H.R. etc.)
That was my fault for selecting geology as a major.
Also Devon moved my family here a few months ago. Ugh,
So yes, it still sucks..
Yep, I will move out of state. Will not move my family for at least a year, already moved them around enough. I was too damn loyal. Should have started looking 8 months ago. What would have been wrong with asking everyone to take a 20% paycut? Executives even more, as alternative to layoffs? Those that resist paycut, let em move on.
Teaching is the only good option, earth science at HS or Jr, HS level. Next would be environmental geology or hydrogeology. The problem with this is that the companies are small, there are few opportunities to advance, and the pay is not that great, so people change jobs often. Government work is OK if you have MS or PhD and can get into USGS. Anything else, especially state government, is a waste of time. Better to change careers completely.
Happened before. Happening now. It will happen again. Petroleum is a cyclical industry. Heard all the same sob stories back in the late 80s. Some left the field of geology entirely. You were fed a fairy tale instead of good solid career advice. Many I know went back to school (what can you do with a masters in geology outside of the industry? Not teach at a university, that's for damn sure, all the jobs go to unemployed PhDs). The usual first option for those who are desperate is to teach science or math at your local school - there is always a lack of teachers who excel at that. The days of wine and roses are over for petroleum geologists, learn to appreciate the basics in life 'cuz wishing it all come back soon is useless. Good luck.
Interesting how being a certified teacher is being slammed as a "get by" job until the industry turns around. That type of attitude is just what won't get you hired as a teacher.
Some of the more mature workers left when they saw the downturn ramping up. Had ridden the roller coaster long enough to know when to get off the ride. Its feast or famine in oil and gas. You just have to learn to deal with it.
This is one of those times that we should be training the younger generation to prepare for. As a older employee we should be explaining the cycles of the industry to the younger generations and explaining how to budget for lean times. Buy a house you can afford on half your pay. Then save buy your next dream home with cash. Pay cash for your nice BMW. When the down turns come you are able to do whatever and survive. The good times are really good and the bad times are even worse. If you lack the fortitude to save then this may not be the industry for you. Once the industry does turn around and it is time to come back to O&G keep your same budge,t and save your ass off. Your will be prepared to weather a downturn.
That sucks. Could you get certified to teach high school science or math or something like that? Until the energy market rebounds anyway.
Your job skills are transferable in environmental consulting. This will require moving out of Oklahoma. You will be able to find a job, the problem is that it pays 1/2 of a production or exploration geologist and I guarantee you will find it boring. Forget working for the state, they are a bunch of idiots!
It takes time and sort of an acceptance that nothing pays like O&G.
Keep looking
You are a geologist first, then petroleum classified. There are numerous other jobs for geologists you just gotta get after it! state agencies, consultants, labs. No, you wont be paid as much but you will learn to adjust. And if you truly love O&G and not just the paycheck, you will find another PG position when the uptick comes , and it always does!
We were moved here by Devon also. Hasn't even been 2 years. Even with current, relevant, and marketable skills my husband is struggling to find work making half what he did at Devon. We are willing to relocate and it doesn't seem to make a difference.