These days, when you meet people in the Houston energy sector, the first question is almost always the same: "Is your company doing okay?"

With names like Chevron and ConocoPhillips making headlines for layoffs, it's understandable. However, it's easy to make mistakes if you judge solely by the atmosphere. So today, I've compiled only the confirmed numbers.

First, let's talk about Chevron. In February 2025, Chevron announced that it would reduce its global workforce by 15-20% by the end of 2026.

The goal was to cut structural costs by $2-3 billion by the end of 2026. In simple terms, they plan to restructure how and where they work.

The direct hit to Houston came after the acquisition of Hess. Chevron reported that it would lay off 575 employees from the downtown Hess Tower, with the layoffs starting on September 26, 2025.

Ironically, Chevron is in the process of moving its headquarters from San Ramon, California, to Houston. This was announced in August 2024, with plans to gradually relocate corporate functions over five years.

So, while the headquarters is moving in, the workforce is shrinking. At first, I was puzzled by this situation.

Next up is ConocoPhillips. On September 3, 2025, they announced plans to reduce their total workforce, including employees and contractors, by 20-25%.

According to reports, the total workforce was around 13,000, and most of the layoffs are expected to occur within 2025. This seemed to be part of a cost restructuring following the acquisition of Marathon Oil.

ConocoPhillips has 2,700 employees in the Houston area, ranking 16th among local energy employers. However, the company did not disclose specific layoff numbers by region.

The company informed the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) that the scale of layoffs in Houston could meet state reporting requirements. A 60-day advance notice, severance pay, and outplacement support will be provided to affected employees, with layoffs starting in the first week of December 2025.

So, how many jobs have actually been lost? This is where the real data comes in.

According to the Dallas Fed, Houston's oil and gas employment decreased by 6.7% from February 2025 to February 2026, which translates to 5,000 jobs.

Honestly, I was a bit surprised by this number. A drop like that in just one year feels quite significant.

However, recent data tells a slightly different story. In the report released on September 4, based on July data, Houston's oil and gas employment decreased by only 1.1%, or 800 jobs, compared to a year ago.

Looking at just the three months from April to July, there was actually an annualized increase of 9.0%, or 1,500 jobs. During the same period, overall employment in Houston also increased by 2.1% annually.

One of the factors behind this is oil prices. In March of this year, concerns over supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz caused WTI to close at $99.64 per barrel on March 27, while Brent was at $112.57.

Of course, just because oil prices rise doesn't mean that permanent hiring will increase. Major companies have already set cost-cutting goals for the end of 2026.

For reference, the Greater Houston Partnership projected last December that Houston would gain 30,900 jobs by 2026, while the oil and gas extraction sector would lose 3,200 jobs. It's important to note that this projection was made before the surge in oil prices.

In my view, the key point is this: rather than the total number of jobs, the types of jobs are changing.

After the merger, overlapping headquarters management positions and redundant support departments were the first to be streamlined. During the Conoco layoffs, there was even a debate about how much AI would replace office jobs.

So, if you currently work for an energy company, I recommend that instead of getting swept up in layoff news, take a look at where your position stands. Is it in field operations, data, or is it in a support role that might be redundant?

I'll also share a few practical tips. First, check the WARN notices on the TWC website from time to time. Large-scale layoffs are generally reported 60 days in advance, and the company name and number of employees are disclosed.

If you receive a notice, don't sign the severance agreement right away. Take your time to read through the deadlines, insurance coverage, and non-compete clauses.

It's best to apply for unemployment benefits directly through the TWC. If you receive severance pay, the timing of that payment can affect your eligibility, so make sure to report accurately when you apply.

Also, keep your LinkedIn profile updated regularly. If you wait until rumors of layoffs start circulating to make changes, it might already be too late.

I don't view these restructurings as entirely negative. Companies cutting costs to maintain competitiveness is a way to survive in the market, and it can help preserve the remaining jobs.

However, individuals shouldn't wait for their companies to protect them. Those who analyze the numbers, assess their positions, and take proactive steps are the ones who ultimately seize opportunities. If I were in your shoes, I'd start updating my resume right away.