ExxonMobil

·2026-11-01T10:00:57.740414+00:00·1

Feeling uneasy about the 2025 outlook

It’s that time of year again where everyone is triple-checking their PDP ratings and acting extra 'visible' in meetings. Honestly, the culture shift over the last eighteen months has been brutal. With these minor layoffs showing up on the WARN tracker, it feels like the company is constantly trying to shave off headcount without triggering a mass panic. I’m tired of the 'ExxonMobil is transforming' emails that clearly translate to 'doing more with less.' My team is already stretched razor-thin, and the thought of another round of cuts in March is making me update my resume for the first time in years. Is anyone actually feeling secure right now, or are we all just waiting for the other shoe to drop? The disconnect between the corporate messaging about record profits and the constant undercurrent of job insecurity is getting harder to ignore.

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Is the Big Lake reduction just the tip of the iceberg?

Seeing that WARN notice for Big Lake pop up today. It’s only two people, which feels almost surgical or like a formality for a specific scope closure, but it’s making everyone in the office on edge. You know how XOM is—they love to drip-feed these notifications so the broader organization doesn't panic all at once. Anyone have any visibility on if this is part of a larger consolidation plan for the West Texas assets, or is this just standard end-of-year housekeeping? I’ve been hearing whispers about further efficiency targets coming down from Irving in Q1, but it’s impossible to tell what’s legitimate and what’s just water cooler paranoia. If you’re in the Permian or upstream ops, keep your ears to the ground. It feels like the calm before another round of 'streamlining'.

·2026-11-01T10:00:54.875648+00:00·2

Rant

Feeling the pressure in the downstream org

Is it just me, or does the workload feel unsustainable lately? Since the rumors started circulating about potential headcount adjustments, leadership hasn't said a word, but they sure have doubled down on 'doing more with less.' My team is burnt out. Every time a WARN notice pops up, even for a tiny headcount, the whole floor goes quiet for days. It’s hard to stay focused on projects when the internal chatter is all about who might be next in line. Does anyone know if there’s a town hall coming up, or are we just going to keep pretending everything is fine while people are being let go? I’m exhausted by the constant guessing game. Just wish they’d be transparent for once instead of the usual corporate silence.

·2026-10-12T10:00:51.669806+00:00·2

Big Lake WARN notice - anyone else hearing rumors?

Saw the filing for the Big Lake site regarding the March 31st effective date. Even though it's only two people, management has been tight-lipped about whether this is a localized operational shift or part of the larger downstream optimization push. I’ve been hearing whispers about some groups in Houston potentially getting absorbed or restructured before Q2, but it’s all office gossip at this point. Has anyone else noticed their department putting a freeze on new hires or suddenly tightening travel budgets? It feels like we’re waiting for the other shoe to drop, but nobody wants to be the one to ask HR directly. Trying to gauge if I should be polishing the resume or if this is just standard business as usual for the XOM asset lifecycle.

·2026-10-12T10:00:48.176401+00:00·2

·2026-09-24T10:00:55.358942+00:00·2

Any updates on the 2025 headcount strategy?

Management is playing it extremely close to the vest regarding the 2025 headcount targets. We keep hearing about how we are 'right-sizing' for the current commodity price environment, but the constant small cuts are driving morale into the dirt. Two people here, a couple more there—it feels like a slow-motion exit. Is anyone getting a clearer picture from their direct managers about the Q2 or Q3 outlook? I feel like we’re being squeezed to pick up the slack for the roles that have already been eliminated, yet the budget for any real support or tools hasn't budged. It’s becoming unsustainable to keep up this pace of output when there’s a persistent fear that we’re just making ourselves easier to replace or consolidate. If you’ve heard anything regarding potential restructuring in the Upstream space, please share. Honestly, the uncertainty is worse than just knowing one way or the other at this point.

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·2026-09-24T10:00:52.829933+00:00·2

Is the Big Lake reduction a signal for broader cuts?

Just saw the WARN notice for Big Lake effective March 31. I know it’s only two people on paper, but it’s hard not to feel like this is part of the ongoing optimization strategy. Every time one of these notices drops, the rumor mill starts turning about whether we're going to see larger RIFs across the Permian operations later this year. Management keeps talking about 'efficiency' and 'streamlining,' but we all know what that translates to in plain English. For those of you currently at Big Lake or surrounding assets, what’s the temperature on the floor? Are people bracing for a bigger wave, or does this seem isolated? I’ve been trying to keep my head down and focus on my deliverables, but the constant drip-feed of these small notices makes it impossible to shake the feeling that my role could be next on the list. I’d love to hear from anyone who has actually seen the internal messaging or has a better read on the 2025 outlook than what we get in the town halls.

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Feeling the pressure to do more with less

Is it just me, or has the workload become completely unsustainable lately? Ever since the end of last year, it feels like every time someone leaves—whether they resign or get caught in one of these 'efficiency' rounds—their tasks get dumped on whoever is left standing without any talk of headcount replacement. I’m spending half my day just managing tickets that used to be handled by a dedicated support team. I’m starting to wonder if this is the new normal or if the firm is just trying to squeeze the remaining staff until we quit on our own. I’m tired of the 'all hands on deck' mentality when there are clearly fewer hands available. Anyone else struggling to hit these aggressive targets with the current resources?

·2026-09-09T10:00:52.734197+00:00·2

Big Lake facility getting hit again

Just saw the latest WARN notice for Big Lake. Only two people listed for the March 31st cutoff, but honestly, it’s the optics of it that are frustrating. Management keeps preaching about 'operational excellence' and 'efficiency' while trickling out these small, surgical cuts. It keeps everyone on edge because you never know if your department is next on the chopping block or if this is just the tip of the iceberg. I’ve been hearing whispers that there are more 'adjustments' planned for Q2, but nobody is giving us a straight answer. Is anyone else seeing this kind of headcount reduction in other downstream sites, or is it just the smaller offices taking the heat right now? The communication vacuum is getting unbearable.

·2026-09-09T10:00:50.376103+00:00·2

Hiring freeze rumors or just slow onboarding?

Been trying to get some new folks onto my team for a couple of months now. The roles were approved, budgets allocated, and we even had some promising candidates in the final stages. But suddenly, it feels like everything's stalled. HR keeps saying "internal processing delays," and the managers are tight-lipped. It's not just my department; I've heard from a couple of contacts in other engineering groups that their open reqs are also sitting in limbo. It's weird because we're still actively working on major projects, and the demand for talent hasn't seemingly decreased. Makes you wonder if there's an unofficial hiring freeze in place, or maybe they're just being extremely selective and things are taking longer than usual. Anyone else experiencing this on the recruitment side, either as a hiring manager or a candidate who's gone quiet? This is really impacting our ability to staff up and deliver. Just want to get a sense of what's really going on behind the scenes. Any insights would be appreciated.

·2026-08-29T22:00:45.786086+00:00·2

Anyone else feeling the budget squeeze in their division?

Hey everyone, long-time lurker here. I've been at ExxonMobil for a few years now and usually, this time of year feels pretty standard. But lately, I've been noticing some subtle shifts. My team's travel budget got slashed pretty significantly with little explanation, and a few internal projects that were greenlit a few months ago are suddenly on "indefinite hold." My manager is being cagey when I ask about it, just saying "resource allocation priorities." It feels a bit like the tap is being turned down slowly, you know? Not a full shut-off, but definitely a noticeable reduction. I haven't heard any rumblings about actual layoffs, and performance reviews are still happening, but the overall atmosphere feels a bit tighter. Anyone else in different departments seeing similar things? Curious if this is a company-wide thing or just my corner of the world. Trying not to panic, but it's hard not to feel a little uneasy when the usual flow of things changes without clear communication. What are your thoughts on this?

·2026-08-29T22:00:44.009273+00:00·2

Performance review cycle feels…different this year

Okay, so the annual performance review cycle is kicking off, and usually, it's a predictable grind. But this time around, there's a weird tension in the air. My manager has been unusually cagey about performance expectations, and the usual constructive feedback sessions feel more like ticking boxes. I've also heard whispers from colleagues in other departments that 'impact' is being scrutinized much more heavily, with a focus on tangible business results. Doesn't feel like the 'develop your career' talk we usually get. Anyone else getting this vibe during their reviews? Is this just the new normal for how we're being evaluated, or is there something else going on behind the scenes that might explain this shift in tone?

·2026-08-24T22:01:36.438701+00:00·2

·2026-08-24T22:01:34.497794+00:00·2

Seeing reduced contractor headcount, what's the vibe?

Hey folks, been with ExxonMobil for a few years now, primarily in the upstream segment. Lately, I've noticed a definite slowdown in the onboarding of new contractors, and a few teams seem to be letting their current contract roles expire without renewal. It's not a company-wide announcement or anything, but there's a definite quietness around new projects that would typically bring in more external support. Just wanted to see if anyone else is picking up on this trend. Are you seeing similar things in your departments or other segments of the business? Could this be a precursor to something bigger, or is it just typical Q3/Q4 budget adjustments? Curious to hear your thoughts and experiences.

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Any intel on potential restructuring in downstream?

Been hearing some vague rumors circulating about a potential 'organizational alignment' within the downstream business unit. Not sure what that actually means, but it sounds like corporate speak for 'changes are coming.' My team hasn't received any official communication, but there's definitely an undercurrent of anxiety. Are any other downstream folks hearing similar chatter? Is it related to efficiency drives, or is there something more significant going on? Curious if anyone has more concrete information or has experienced similar 'alignments' in the past and what the outcome was. Trying to stay informed and not get caught completely off guard. Feels like things are shifting, and it's making me uneasy about job security.

·2026-08-19T22:00:47.969554+00:00·0

Is anyone else seeing a freeze on external hiring?

Hey everyone, been at ExxonMobil for a few years now in [your department, e.g., engineering/IT/finance]. Lately, I've noticed a significant slowdown in external job postings and the hiring process seems to be dragging incredibly slowly, if it's moving at all. My manager has been pretty cagey when asked about it, just saying things are 'being evaluated.' This is making me nervous, especially with the current market conditions in the energy sector. Anyone else in different departments seeing this same trend? Are you hearing any whispers or internal comms about hiring freezes or budget cuts that might explain this? Trying to get a read on the general sentiment and if this is a company-wide thing or just my specific area. It's hard to plan for the future when you feel like the rug could be pulled out from under you with no notice. Any insights would be appreciated.

·2026-08-19T22:00:45.78066+00:00·2

·2026-08-14T22:00:47.361451+00:00·0

Anyone Seeing Changes in Performance Review Process?

So, my performance review cycle is coming up, and I've heard some whispers about potential changes to how things are being evaluated. Not necessarily tied to layoffs directly, but more about how 'impact' and 'value' are being measured. Seems like there might be a tighter focus on tangible business outcomes, which, honestly, can be tricky in some of our roles. It feels like a more rigorous, maybe even slightly harsher, approach is being implemented. Has anyone else received communication or feedback about this? I'm trying to prepare myself and understand the new expectations, but the information feels a bit vague. Trying to figure out if this is a company-wide shift or just isolated to certain divisions. Any insights would be appreciated as I want to ensure my contributions are clearly understood and valued.

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·2026-08-14T22:00:43.716239+00:00·2

Morale Seems Low - Anyone Else Feeling It?

Been with ExxonMobil for a few years now, and lately, the vibe feels... off. Lots of hushed conversations, people seem more stressed than usual, and there's this general air of uncertainty that wasn't there before. Is it just me, or has anyone else noticed a dip in morale across different departments? Projects still seem to be running, and I haven't heard any official word about anything major, but the underlying tension is palpable. Wondering if it's just the general economic climate affecting the energy sector, or if there's something specific brewing within the company that people are picking up on. Definitely makes it harder to stay motivated when you feel like everyone's just waiting for the other shoe to drop. Curious to hear if others are experiencing similar feelings or if I'm just overthinking things.

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Anyone else notice a shift in project scope/priorities?

Lately, it feels like a lot of the projects I'm involved in, or even just hear about, have had their scope significantly trimmed or their timelines stretched way out. It's like the urgency has been dialed back on a lot of initiatives. And instead of new, big-ticket items coming online, it feels more like we're consolidating or focusing on 'efficiency' plays. This isn't a complaint thread, just an observation. But it does make me wonder what the bigger picture is. Are we seeing a more conservative approach being taken? Could this be a precursor to something bigger down the line, or is it just a typical business cycle adjustment? I'm not hearing any direct layoff talk, but the change in focus is pretty palpable. Anyone else seeing this kind of shift in their day-to-day work or the types of projects being pushed?

·2026-08-09T22:00:45.647231+00:00·1

·2026-08-09T22:00:43.874429+00:00·2

ExxonMobil - Is there a hiring freeze or are things just slow?

Hey everyone, just wanted to see if anyone else is feeling the chill at XOM. I've been keeping an eye on internal openings for a while now, and it feels like the faucet has been turned way down. It's not just my department either, I've chatted with a few folks in different divisions and they're saying the same thing. Makes you wonder if it's a strategic hiring freeze, or maybe just a general slowdown across the board. I haven't heard any official layoff news, and I'm trying not to panic, but the lack of movement is definitely noticeable. Is anyone else seeing this, or am I just overthinking it? Maybe it's just the usual end-of-year lull, but it feels different this time. Curious to hear what others are observing or hearing through the grapevine. Trying to stay positive, but the quiet is kinda deafening.

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·2026-08-04T22:00:46.086659+00:00·1

Rumors of potential cuts in R&D?

Heard some chatter through the grapevine about potential re-evaluations happening in some of the R&D divisions. Nothing concrete, and it's all very hush-hush, but the whispers are about budget reviews and potential shifts in strategic focus. Feels a bit unsettling, especially given the current market conditions. I know R&D is often seen as a long-term investment, but sometimes those budgets get squeezed first when things tighten up. Has anyone else heard anything similar, or have insights into what might be driving these conversations? Trying to get a sense of the landscape beyond my immediate team.

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Anyone else seeing fewer internal job postings lately?

Hey everyone, just wanted to see if I'm the only one feeling this. It's been a weird few months, and I've noticed a significant slowdown in internal job postings across the board. Usually, there's a steady stream, even if some roles are filled quickly. But now, it feels like a tumbleweed is rolling through the internal careers page. My team's been pretty stable, but we're also not backfilling positions that have opened up recently. Just wondering if others in different divisions are seeing the same thing, or if it's just a fluke in my area. Is this a sign of a broader hiring freeze, or just seasonal slowdown? Curious to hear what you all are experiencing.

·2026-08-04T22:00:44.103794+00:00·1

·2026-07-30T22:00:45.904013+00:00·2

Is anyone else noticing the hiring freeze creep?

Alright, so I've been keeping an eye on open positions within our department (Upstream Tech) and it feels like the taps have been slowly turned off over the last quarter. Roles that would have typically been posted and filled quickly are now either sitting vacant for ages or just disappearing from the careers page altogether. My manager's been pretty tight-lipped when I've asked about backfills for departing colleagues, just giving vague answers about 'resource optimization'. I haven't seen any official 'hiring freeze' memo, and we're still getting targeted recruitment for very specific, senior-level roles, but the general pace has definitely slowed to a crawl. It makes you wonder if this is a precursor to something more significant, or just the company tightening its belt in response to market conditions. Anyone else in different divisions seeing this trend? Is it just us, or is this a broader company-wide thing? Just trying to gauge the temperature.

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·2026-07-30T22:00:43.924968+00:00·2

Heard whispers about restructuring in Downstream?

Hey everyone, Been in the Houston office for a few years now, and lately, there's been a lot of quiet chatter about potential organizational changes within the Downstream division. Nothing concrete, of course, just the usual hallway whispers and people being cagey in meetings. Some teams seem to be under more scrutiny than others, with managers asking for updated project statuses and resource allocations more frequently than usual. I'm not sure if it's just a standard year-end push for efficiency or if something bigger is brewing. We haven't seen any official announcements, but the vibe feels a bit... tense. Anyone else in Downstream experiencing this, or perhaps hearing similar rumblings in other parts of ExxonMobil? Curious to hear if others are feeling this shift and what it might mean. Trying not to jump to conclusions, but it's hard not to overthink when things feel uncertain.

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Company-wide review impacting roles?

Been hearing whispers about some kind of 'organizational effectiveness review' rolling out across the board at ExxonMobil. No details, of course. It sounds like standard corporate jargon, but given the current climate in the energy sector, it's hard not to connect the dots. Has anyone actually seen any concrete information about this review? What kind of impact is it expected to have? Are we talking about restructuring, efficiency drives, or something more…final? My manager gave a vague 'focus on core priorities' kind of speech, which isn't exactly reassuring. Trying to stay focused on my work, but the uncertainty is a major distraction. Anyone have any intel, even rumors, on what this review actually entails or if it's likely to lead to any headcount changes? Just trying to prepare myself mentally if things start shifting.

·2026-07-25T22:00:37.851523+00:00·2