Any Exxon operators here?

[smr91481]

I'm looking for a description of what it's like to work at Exxon as an operator from the perspective of someone who actually works there. I've heard from people that might/might not know what they're talking about, so I'd like to hear from someone who has experienced it.

My situation: I've worked for a company for about 6 1/2 years in distribution, and I'm about to start a new position in operations. At the same time I was applying for my new position, I applied to a few other plants in the area just in case this one didn't come through. I took the test for Exxon and found out I passed. Almost immediately after I accepted my new position with my current company, I received two e-mail notices from Exxon that there were positions available that I was interested in. I guess the next step in that process would be to get interviewed, so I'm not sure how close I even am to a job.

So here's my dilemma... Do I stick where I'm at with the company I already have time invested in? I have a decent 401k, good benefits, plenty of time off. Or do I pursue the Exxon opportunity? To make an informed decision I'd like to know more about what they have to offer... retirement, benefits, vacation, pay (starting and top pay), and anything else that someone might be able to offer info on.

Thanks in advance.

 

[2B]

I'm a former Exxon (pre-Exxon Mobil) plant engineer but I'll give you my thoughts.

Your location and type of unit (chemical or refining) will be a big factor in what it will be like to work as an operator. You will definitely be working a rotating shift - probably 12 hr shifts with a nominal 7 day long change once per month. You will work outside in all kinds of weather. If something goes wrong, you could die. (This really bothers some people - some people are so worried they can't function. That in itself makes it unsafe.)

Exxon is a great company but you definitely need to conform to their way of doing things. You will probably hear that there's a right way, a wrong way and the Exxon-Mobil way.

Back in my day, we interviewed 3 or 4 operator candidates for every real open position.

 

[smr91481]

Here is an idea of what I'm looking at with the job I'm about to take with my current company.

Probably won't do more than $60k the first year. Should progress to $90-100k but probably won't go any higher than that. I have 120 hrs of vacation now. My company contributes 8% to my 401k, while I'm contributing 6%. I will be working 12 hour shifts with every other weekend off (shift work). I'll be working in the weather when needed, but the job is generally clean work.

I got two notifications from Exxon... one from the chem plant/refinery, and the other from the plastics plant.

I understand that there are risks at Exxon, but there are also risks with the product I'm currently working with and they can absolutely kill you.

 

[Fermion]

No experience with operators, but as far as the risk factor, I wonder how many desk job people die of heart disease or other possibly work related factors vs someone who does field work?