Thread regarding Anadarko Petroleum Corp. layoffs

Exec team looked after us, the decisive decision came from our managers. I've been in this industry for over 2 decades worked at other competitors and this is the first time I've been let go. It's tough but at least execs didn't fail us. I'm getting a nice severance package and thankful to Al and all. As for these managers, now that we are gone, it will be interesting to see how they will get everything done. I was working until the last minute and emailed and called former teamates from home to pick up where I left off and of my work/responsibilities for the next couple of weeks.

Thanks again for everyone's input/response on this situation. I really didn't post for sympathy- sympathy won't bring my father his job back- I posted to vent the frustration we are all feeling, and to compare with everyone else going through this difficult time. It helps for me to cope knowing that we aren't alone in this struggle. Yesterday when I posted, I just felt (and still do feel) so deeply sad for him. He has sacrificed so much for our family, and was a great employee. I am not ungrateful to Anadarko; they were very good to him leading up until yesterday. My father has never experienced being fired, or let go, and trust me- I know that is really lucky to have avoided it for this long in this field. Over the years he has moved through several companies, each time for a better opportunity, and this is where the end of the road takes him for now. I was worried and shocked and depressed, but now it is beginning to set in, and after visiting him and discussing where he stands financially right now, and knowing he will be able to hold off on tapping into that SS early, I feel more accepting of the decision. It's not the happy bonvoyage send off he or we had all imagined, but that's okay- we can give him one. I believe this will unravel to be the best thing for him, because the man was a hard worker and traveled an 1 1/2 every day to and from work (thank god without an accident). I truly believe if he had been spared he may have worked himself to the grave. "2 more years" could've turned into 3, and so on. Like any new beginning, it's scary, and adjustments to my parents' lives will be made, but he has been here for us (my family) and we are here for him now. Thanks again everyone, and best of luck to all those affected by this unfortunate situation- including the ones spared, because I know it is not an easy road ahead for anyone. God bless!

It's a tough thing if you don't expect it, but this industry in particular is known for sharp downs and slow ups, so everyone should at least consider that. As for your dad, let him know there is a wonderful world outside Anadarko and full time work, even at the ripe old age of 63. I retired voluntarily at 60 and the last 3 years have been some of the best of my life. There actually is work out there if you want to seek it out, but now it can be on his terms and time. Anadarko usually has been very generous with layoff packages....if he didn't get bridged to full retirement benefits after 40 years in the business he needs to see a lawyer, but I'd guess that financially they treated him well. The hit in the gut of being told you are no longer needed will fade after about a week, believe me....when you can sleep in, not worry about powerpoints, performance appraisals and endless meetings... now spend more time with your spouse, your kids, your grandkids and your friends, travel go to the gym more often, hang out with folks at Starbucks on weekday mornings and watch the rest of the world scurry off to gut-grinding stressful office jobs. I am sorry to see all the mean-spirited comments from people about poor planning etc. Why not kick a guy when he's down? If he's been in this business for 40 years there have been times when no matter what the plans are, setbacks happen...I'd guess the folks who made the comments have been lucky or haven't been around long enough to know what it's like to raise a family, put kids thru college, and maintain a home through the cycles we have all been through. Best of luck

You obviously posted your dad's situation on this site for sympathy. Life is not fair, just life. If he got 40 years in industry (without layoff anytime?) he was darn lucky.

Let him grieve, be angry, blame and deny; eventually he will come to remember the good times and move on.

I am 62 and will be laid off for the third time since the 80s as my company is headed for BK. Its been a great ride in spite of the cycles and I will be trying to find more work, one more time. Good luck to you and your Dad.

I'm sure he is a proud father and you are one of his greatest achievements. Best of luck!

Thank you for the kind thoughts on my father's situation. To those dissing the man for not having his home paid off yet- NO, he was not one of those "young kids with new toys all the time". You know nothing of my father and where he comes from- he grew up dirt poor, and when me and my sister were younger- he wanted to give us a better life, and did not save as wisely as he could have. He's never needed more than his company truck, and just one other family vehicle. He is human and made some mistakes financially, and waited until late in his career to start stashing away his egg, and purchase his home. I'm not asking for YOUR sympathy as it is obvious callous hearts and simple minds do not understand. I also realize it's company belongings- I made that clear that I understood it's simply protocol- what I was saying is this man dedicated his life to the field, now its over, and it's not the celebration he deserves. It was a swift quick boot to the behind, and it's sad. He feels incomplete. My sister and I will be coordinating a retirement party for him this summer with all of his past co-workers through the years, to help give him the send off he deserved to have. He will be okay; I visited him last night, and things will be fine with the home, but the initial shock was a blow to the gut, and he is very much entitled to feel that way. I truly believe this and everything happens for a reason, and perhaps his health wouldn't have been able to go on the extra two years he'd envisioned, but it doesn't make this situation any less sad. Negative comments aren't needed from the peanut gallery- this was just to share our experience.

Interest rates are so low that it can be better to not pay off your house. Also don't rob you retirement unless you absolutely have to. It's a big mistake and costs you more than it's worth in the long run.

Hi it'sfresh. Make sure he stays healthy, exercises and eat light. I know heath is at risk with stress. Got to let go of the stress.

I have been in and out of Jobs for 4 years, it's a mental change, your value is not based on just work.

Some of these responses are clearly from people that don't realize much about life. To say that a lack of planning because house isn't paid off is ridiculous. Since they don't know anything about this family's situation it might be just better to keep their uneducated opinion to themselves.

to xxu- I've been in the industry for 13 years and this is the 2nd slow period that I go through. I'm 32 years old and have enough money saved up in my retirement plan that I can cash out and pay off my house if I have too. I'd then have plenty of time to rebuild my retirement savings for when that day comes, if ever, 35+ years from now

Your dad should apply for his social security benefits and get APC to give him a lump sum payment of his pension. He could invest that and with his SS he should be able to live quite well. Just my opinion.

To yqf - either you're not in this industry or you're too young to understand how much of a rollercoaster this industry really is.

Yeah I don't feel sorry for him. If he has 40 years in the oil patch he should have at least a million bucks or so saved up, and a paid off house. Add SS benefits he is set. Who cares whether he quit or was let go? Nobody cares anyway.

if you're 63 and don't have your house paid for by now, you've clearly not been planning ahead and was probably one of the guys that had all nice new toys every few months when he was younger. And why are you upset that all company belongings were stripped, THEY'RE FOR THE COMPANY!!!!!!! not your father

Things are not so bad. . . Your Dad is old enough for early retirement. There is "life after work" and for sure chances are things will all turn out better.

People really need to understand that there will be a life after 'work' and starting planning for it. I'm very sorry about your father. I saw the same thing happen to my father (he was an engineer). In the end, after his retirement, I watched hm fade away and finally die. It was not a pretty sight; it was hard for me to watch. Based on that, by the time I retired from ExxonMobil (as an engineer), I had turned a hobby into a second career . I've now got more work than I can handle and will never return to the oilfield. And yet, I will never really 'retire' as I'm having way too much fun 'working'.

www.WaterFireRock.com