I used to LOVE my job, and I enjoyed every aspect of Devon. Then came "the announcement" and things changed instantaneously. People became paranoid, people were were scared, and everyone assumed they were "on the list" Then came the big day and a large number did leave, and I was safe. But my relief was short lived. The "re-org" was a disaster in my department, and now everyone left is miserable (a lot of them did not deserve to stay either). On top of that, I still wake up every morning assuming there will be another cut in June, and still get to wait for the second ax to fall. Any other departments/employees agree, or am I alone here?
14 replies (most recent on top)
The party days are over. Less money - if you can find a job - will be the rule. Bitter reality of a petroleum geologist or someone working in the oil patch. There's always teaching.
Need to unionize. Blind loyalty will get you nowhere.
Now is the time to look for a new career in a new industry... times were good and you got fat and happy (and lazy) . Admit it now and this transition will be easier.
Manage your career....even for those of you left, build your network, keep your resume current, stay in touch with headhunters. "you" decide when and how you want to leave your current job...not some VP who knows nothing about your values.
I worked long hours, never used my allotted PTO, and also lost the balance between work and life. Never again. Devon was good to me while I was there. No regrets. I should have been better to myself. I knew the risk versus rewards. I am stronger and wiser now.
I do believe we are in for abundant, cheap oil for a long time. The current rise in WTI futures is more of what they call an adjustment. A "dead cat" bounce, with the shorts covering their positions.
Let me tell you it is not fun losing your job and benefits when you're fighting for you life.
Hager's leadership has everything to do with this and the ethics of how people were chosen. The culture at KM was to make money at all cost. Devon is suppose to have integrity, but they no longer do. Contractors were suppose to be the work force that scaled up and down to protect Devon FTEs but they kept contractors over Devon employees and out sourced jobs to India and Mexico. They released people who had dedicated years and years of service to Devon for green college grads. IT was the worst. Ben kept his beer club buddies over hard working individual. Numerous employees battling illness such as cancer were termed as well. How does Devon and Dave have any integrity when they lay off people battling for life. Yes the industry is down and Devon had to cut cost, but the way they went about is was extremely low class
Blah. Hagers leadership has nothing to do with the layoff. Everyone of our peers are laying off too. BTW. He wasn't even a part of KM when the Silkwood case was there. Ancient irrelevant history. Move on already.
Dave Hager is a horrible leader. Let's face it he doesn't care about any of the workers. It is all pretend. Remember he came from Kerr McGee ( Silkwood) .
I bought into Devon and all the attributes, thought I had finally found the job that I was meant to do, bust your ass, do the best you can, get laid off. Kind of sad that they have contractors completing my projects. Maybe they should take a long hard look at their attributes?
As John Belushi said in Animal House, my advice to you is to start drinking heavily.
I have definitely had a priority shift. I used to take such pride on the name Devon, so much so that I let my social life slip away in lue of my job. This process made me realize that they don't have the same pride in their employees as most of them have for the business - therefore I will no longer let my job define me, and family and most friends will come first, and this place is now just a place I go to get paid. I know it may sound like a bad attitude, but I see it as an awakening that shifted my priorities where they should have been from the beginning. I feel like I am pretty damn good at my job, so if that isn't enough then so be it!!
I agree with you, I used to love my job, but it is what it is. If you can't cope with the change, apparently it is time to do some soul searching and determine what is best for you and not what is best for Devon.
Try to relax. I was let go and it is not nearly as bad as people think. I have had a few job offers and I am taking my time to find something that is the right fit. Devon was very generous with the severance package. What I would say is now is the time to pay off bills and make contacts. Start looking around at job options. If you are released and can find a job quickly you will be in better shape to use the severance to pay off bills and lower your monthly expenses. I loved working at Devon but it I am happy not to have the stress of more cuts looming over my head. It was hell for a few weeks. Try not to focus on the negative. Those of us that were released are doing fine. You will too.
welcome to life in a downturn. You will be under more stress each day and asked to do more than you did before. Your desire to work in O&G will be severely tested. If you love the industry in spite of the cycles, you will survive. If you are only here for the nice paycheck, better off to leave asap.
Pay more attention to your physical condition to reduce the impact of the stress. Good luck.