What next? Laid off in oil & gas...
Everyone has their own experience but I was fortunate to be in the workforce over 20 years and with the oil and gas industry 12 years before my position was eliminated recently. I hope it is helpful to others if I share (even if it is very different from their experiences).
Be Thankful - I have to be thankful. I worked with smart, loyal, considerate professionals. Many times during my employment, I felt lucky to be at the table. Colleagues were kind and empathetic with my departure and I hope to call them friends for life. I appreciated the good times and knew I was fortunate to work in the energy industry in the wonderful state of Texas. I have bragging rights that I know some of the brightest and most talented in the business.
Learn - It was my turn to learn about the market and how a change in strategy impacts even strong performers. I cannot say that I did not take it personally. I take my career and everything related to it personally. I am a business person though and it is important to understand the cycles in oil and gas historically and recently. I finally finished reading The Prize by Daniel Yergin. The patterns of supply and demand continue with different players in power. The good news about this round is the relatively strong position of our country with an abundance of oil, natural gas, coal and alternative fuel innovators.
Connect – I have deep-rooted beliefs about energy production from my father, who was a Coal Miner in West Virginia, and my experiences with the broader energy industry. I am reaching out and connecting more with people who have different perspectives. While shale production is one of the greatest technology developments of the century, there are many other progressive developments and innovators out there. Learning about what Toyota is doing with hydrogen vehicles, what a young inventor is doing to try to remove our dependence on power cords, what a friend who is passionate about solar is doing as she finishes her doctorate…
Improve – I am Type A 100% dedicated. Anyone who knows me knows I loved my job. While we can always expand and improve at work, my unique opportunities to improve are a higher priority with my son, boyfriend, family and friends. It is time to look around, be present and focus on the needs of those who have always supported me.
Volunteer – I recently thanked my former boss who steered me to natural gas vehicles years ago. I used to say I would do it for free and recently I have proved it. I took a short sabbatical and with extra time and the freedom to choose my daily activities, I still want to be involved in the exciting and ever-changing world of fuel and transportation. I have volunteered to write white papers, participate in research studies, and testify with state legislators.
Move Onward and Upward – When big changes come, it is time to move on. For some that means a different role, industry, or location. With market changes, some shifts are obvious and some subtle. Where one market suffers, another market benefits – manufacturing and the chemical industry have done well with lower priced fuels. Thinkers and doers are valuable across industries. Finding the business need and being flexible is key to finding the next opportunity and feeling productive.
I am working on a new endeavor that I plan to share soon. I want to maintain my strategic view of the energy industry, continue to collaborate and find the right social impact at this point in my career. I am talking with market movers, keeping active in Austin and trying not to stress out when I don’t have a big deadline next week with yoga. Namaste.
Like you, I have been through a change in companies due to what some might call downsizing. It is never easy, but does allow for the opportunity to take a step back and look at what is next. I debated long and hard about whether I wanted to stay in this industry, and decided that for me, it was what I wanted to continue doing. The passion that people have for this industry is second to none, and I decided that I still wanted to be a part of it. I know that you will come to a decision for what is best for you, and from a selfish standpoint, I hope your decision is to remain in this industry. It needs people like you, and I hope you continue to be a part of this industry, as few have made more of an impact.
Wow! That's a really positive way to look at your situation. You should be highly confident that whatever your new venture it will undoubtedly be a success - I don't believe you will be anything else. So you should enjoy this very short period of downtime as it won't last and you will look back on it occasionally and wish you could do it over! That will be the next time you have a horrendous and seemingly unachievable deadline next week :))
Senior Acquisitions Editor - Geothermal Energy, Thermal Engineering, Nuclear Energy, Oil & Gas in Transition, Energy Transition
9 年Appreciate your positive, proactive post. Your outlook, in the midst of tumult, is solid. You will surely rise above this recent downturn to land on even higher ground. It's great to encounter another energetic, encouraging female in the energy sector right here in ATX. Look me up b4 your next yoga class. Chin up, and keep your spirits up, so they can take flight. Blessings to you & your son. Namaste!
CEO, Energy Futurist, AI Nerd, Board Director, Builder in the Purpose Economy, Marathoner, Mom, Wife. I do hard things.
9 年Lynn Lyon, you better get signed up on Tuesday. We need your voice. :) Love this post.
President at Icon Containment Solutions
9 年Thank you for sharing this. I love your outlook and confidence. You obviously have many talents that should be well received, utilized, and recognized as you move forward. I wish you the best.