Just Thinking

Currently, I am fighting the first spat of loneliness that I have felt since being here in Midland. I have been running around like a crazy man since I started my job some 2 months ago. There have been times of relaxation and chilling out, but I have been very active and have not allowed myself to settle in. For some reason, this place still feels transient to me, even though I could be living here for the next 4 years. But today, I have finally slowed down. I am not going anywhere this weekend, nor do I have big plans like I have most of the time that I have been here. That’s partly why this has come on. Also, my time in the Word has suffered this week, and therefore I have suffered. I knew that rough times were coming and were inevitable, but I never seem to see them coming.

This week at work, I have been in Horizons training, which is the training program for new-hires at Chevron. We spent most of the week talking about who Chevron is, how we fit into the organization, and how to maximize our time with Chevron. Overall, it was the best training that I have had thus far. This was the first time that I was around 20-something year old new-hires and not 30-year veterans of the company. We spent a lot of time talking about career management, development as individuals, and adding value to the company. This training has got me thinking, so I am going to process some of it here.

Career of Moves – One major theme that was shared was that Chevron hires people for a career and not just a job. The company rewards longevity and perseverance. They are making an investment in people, and want us to return on that investment with a long, productive career making money for Chevron. One thing that I have become aware of is that I could have a ton of different jobs within Chevron in a ton of different locations all over the world. Chevron likes to move its people around to develop them into well-rounded people. At this point in my life, I know that this is where God wants me to be, but I really need to pray about if I really want to be moving my family (assuming I get to that stage) every 2 years and dragging them around the world. That’s going to take a trusting, loyal and patient wife to put up with me chasing the oil fields. Is it worth it? How could God use that? Is it something that I want?

Set for life – Needless to say, Chevron compensates its employees very well, especially if you stay with the company your whole career. A comment was made at one point that struck me. One of our upper managers said that we are set for life. We have every opportunity within Chevron to make tons of money, grow as a person, and be successful in other areas of life. By all measures, the path is clearly laid out to retire rich, fat, and comfortable. Is that what I want? Do I want the burden of having that much? Would this be the best way for me to glorify God? I know that God will use me no matter what, but is this my path?

Talent, Organization, Passions – One of the models discussed was the T.O.P. model. The point was to determine what your talents are (skill set), what your passions are (interests), and what the organization needs. Where all three of these match up in your job, then you are going to be very satisfied and useful. Another way of saying it is that the company has a need for you to do something that you are good at and enjoy doing. That really got me thinking. I have hated the question, “What are you passionate about?” my whole life. For some reason, I can never put into words the aching of my heart most of the time. I have begun to see some of my talents, skills, and potentials, but I am not fully certain as to what my passions/interests are. I know that whatever I put my mind to, I can find a way to accomplish it, and so the talent portion does not worry me. However, I could spend years doing something that I only do because I have the capability to do it. I want to do something that I am passionate about, whatever that means. I want to want to do what I do. I know that ultimately my life will be about spreading the gospel, wherever I find myself. I want to help people. I want to be on a mission. I want to do something epic with my life. I want to have a major impact. I want to be unknown though. I want to be a giver. I want to be radical.  Is Chevron a company that will allow me to align my passions and talents with their needs? What are my passions? Can I be in the oil industry and have the Kingdom impact that I want to?

Sorry if this is really scattered. I mostly just wanted to get this out of my head and onto paper. I also wanted to give you a glimpse into what’s going on. If you have any thoughts or ideas, please respond. I would love to hear some wisdom and understanding.