Exploring Career Decisions at Exxon: Insights from a Decade of Service

EXXon, a legendary company renowned for its global reach and technological advancements, presents a unique challenge for employees, especially those seeking personal and professional growth. Over my 86 years of service, I explored various paths within the organization, ultimately discovering my own style of engagement and the reasons behind my decisions. This article aims to share insights from my journey, focusing on the choices I made and the implications they had on my career.

Personal and Professional Growth at EXXon

Joining EXXon was a highlight of my career. It is a vast company where individuals often serve as small cogs, a metaphor for the need to either advance or find contentment in the current position. My early years were spent as a productive member of the team, growing and expanding my role, which brought me satisfaction. However, as time passed, I faced frustrations that led to a shift in my approach to employment.

Working within the EXXon ecosystem, especially as part of its subsidiaries, I encountered situations where decision-making seemed opaque. While the reasons behind certain policies and actions might not be fully transparent, the decision to leave became a choice to prioritize my well-being over staying in an environment that no longer aligned with my professional goals. I also occasionally participated in research initiatives that EXXon was deeply involved in, sometimes collaborating closely with its scientific leaders. Despite these opportunities, I chose not to pursue certain roles, leading to a complex set of experiences that profoundly shaped my career trajectory.

Deciding Not to Apply for Research Positions

During my tenure, I encountered several instances where opportunities to collaborate more closely with EXXon’s research departments presented themselves. One such opportunity arose when the lab director actively encouraged me to apply for a position in their team. My response to these offers was always a decision not to act on them, primarily due to the intricacies involved in relocating to the United States. Health care, for example, continues to be a significant concern for many expatriates in North America, and I was not willing to face these challenges.

I reflected on the path I took and considered forming a wish “What if?” scenario. My friend, who worked in a similar field, took advantage of a different research position and lived in the United States for a few years. He testified that the position was excellent, with outstanding colleagues, yet he still found it attractive to return to Canada for the amenities and support systems he was familiar with. For me, the allure of the research role was mitigated by the practical considerations of maintaining my quality of life, including access to health care and familiar resources.

Lessons Learned and Reflections

Throughout my career at EXXon, I have learned the value of personal alignment with one’s work environment. Each decision I made, whether to stay, leave, or pursue other opportunities, was deeply personal and reflective of my values and priorities. While it is easy to contemplate alternative paths, the realities of relocation and attunement to one’s personal circumstances often dictate the path. My experience also underscores the importance of considering the full range of factors in any career decision, not just the immediate opportunity.

My colleagues at EXXon span a spectrum of experiences, from those who found their roles immensely fulfilling to others who faced challenges. Despite the differences, we held each other in high esteem, recognizing the diverse paths that can lead to personal and professional success. Even the occasional challenges faced by some colleagues, such as the need to navigate job changes and the unfortunate case of a former thief, served as reminders of the complexity of human interactions and the importance of integrity.

In conclusion, my journey at EXXon teaches us that career decisions are deeply personal and should be rooted in a thorough assessment of one’s circumstances, preferences, and values. The experiences I shared illustrate the complexity of these choices and the importance of finding a work environment that aligns with both personal goals and practical needs.