Thread regarding Nexen Inc. layoffs

The best thing Nexen ever did for my career is let me go. I wasn't surprised when it happened, as I was never part of the close clique that exists at the company. I must say, watching the interactions of that group sure was interesting. Best buds that would stab each other in the back whenever an opportunity to move up the ladder would present itself. It is the most pathetic example of a "team environment" that I've ever come across in this industry. You've got to love it when you're asking a team member for support with a project, but instead of working together, a competition develops. I found that particularly common among the younger people at Nexen. That group seems to know much more about life and the industry when compared to the same demographic at other companies. I always found this attitude strange given Nexen's performance over the past five to six years. By the way, that reputation is now well known, and I remember being asked about it during job interviews. So, if you believe that having a long tenure of Nexen-related experience on your resume is going to help you, think again. If you can get out, DO IT. Trust me when I say that the grass is MUCH greener on the other side. People actually work TOGETHER at other companies. Who knew?!?!

Anyone left at Nexen Calgary has one role: that is to support Chinese companies in Canada. There is a real focus in hiring Chinese companies whenever possible, even if other companies are more qualified. Also, there is a knowledge transfer occurring: Canada to China. We are there to train our Chinese counterparts. Fun fun.

The nickname around the industry for Nexen is "house of pain". At least in the Calgary office. Everyone seems to know that there are no long term prospects in Canada, but some people are better actors than others and pretend that everything is good. People are so mean there - all just competing to survive for their jobs. And, there are many incompetent people still there, while some good people have been let go. It is shocking.

You are not alone. Too much politics and chit chat over the coffee. Good people from senior management are gone long time ago. Some managers take their folks for coffee and ask them each time what do they think about. And if you say something wrong, you are blacklisted.