Hope in a Time of None

As we prepare to enter 2017 many of us look back over 2016 and for some 2015 and 2014 and face the prospects of starting another year without a job. It seems for many that rejection has become their portion in life after many years of hard work and sacrifice. We all know or are related to or ourselves have been the victims of what has been called the “downturn” in the oil industry.

After leaving families for days, weeks and even months on end to work and provide for them many were left, quite unexpectedly in some cases jobless. When a man is unable to provide for his family and faced with the reality of being unable to pay the bills and meet the family’s needs, it is especially difficult for “oil men” because they are accustomed to “finding solutions” and “making it work” in situations and environments where few others have set foot.

Depression, despondence, feelings of inadequacy begin to pick away at the once strong, can do anything, can solve any problem psyche leaving many unable to carry on in a world where “he who has the most” wins and the “dust in your face” attitude of those who brought the banking, real estate, oil, steel and other industries crumbling down as they drive off in their palatial homes and grand Christmas dinners leave many to wonder of the condition of the hearts and consciences of men.

In the quest for profit and to maintain the profitability that their shareholders had become accustomed to in the many years of $80-$100 a barrel oil many a management team had forgotten the very people that A) Found the $100 a barrel oil, B) Drilled and produced the $100 a barrel oil, C) Sweated toiled and overcame every obstacle they faced to bring that $100 a barrel oil to the surface. D) Cut the best deal to get the $100 for that barrel of oil.                                                                         Instead they cut deals to maintain their bonuses (cash and shares) and profit sharing schemes at the expense of the men and women who worked for a salary to sustain their family and had no bonus, shares or profit sharing to look forward to.

Many say that this is yet another cycle in an industry which has seen many over the years and things will turn around. One can only pray that it does to alleviate some of the suffering and heartache that many have suffered over the past year. Unfortunately, they look to the same men and boards who laid them off and took the lively hoods, the hopes and aspirations of hundreds of thousands to restore what was taken from them.                                                                                                                  

Is it safe and secure to place such trust and hope in those who gave up nothing? Not a perk, salary cut, bonus or share while so many were forced to give up everything?        I fear that hope and trust is misplaced.

This is the only time of year when all regardless of colour, race, religion, status or any other differentiating characteristic experience an outflowing of what can only be described as “love and good cheer” towards others. Smiles and greeting that were not forthcoming during the preceding months brake forth spontaneously and with more frequency.

Let us take the time to remember all our brothers and sisters who want the most basic of human needs “a job”. Take a minute and lift a prayer for them, prayer never fall on deaf ears. Speak words of hope into their lives. Love not in words only but let there be a tangible manifestation of your concern and your love. Invest in others where there can be no return but appreciation and gratitude.

Christmas Greetings and New Year Blessings to all my LinkedIn connections and friends.                

May my God, Jesus Christ, the only One who died to give you a hope that would not fail you, give you the answers to your prayers and long life to enjoy them.