Many companies, not just in the energy sector still turn to outsourcing and contracting which often leads to the reduction off in-house staffing numbers. With the high energy costs affecting everyone and everything some companies are laying off workers, moving away, and even closing shop all together. Having a skilled workforce on hand is critical in many operations, but every technician and worker knows that anything can and often will change depending on the perceived needs of the company. One minute everything looks great and the next you find yourself wondering how long you'll have a job. This is a common theme everywhere. What it does mean is that you better have a backup plan if you find yourself in such a situation. The first thing you need to be is very good at what you do, and have a whole bag of skills. You don't just acquire this overnight, you should always work at improving your knowledge and skill set. It doesn't always have to pertain to your present work situation. Maybe your back up plan has nothing to do with where you are, but is focused on where you want to go and what you really want to do. No matter what you need a plan and confidence in your abilities to work things out. Sometimes change has a way of bringing out the best and worst of people. You need to focus on bringing out the best. If you're good at what you do and it's a marketable skill then you'll have a much better chance at moving on then if you don't have a marketable skill. This means you might want to think about what you have done, and what you can do. Whatever happens you may be able to think of this as an opportunity. Stan Lee of Marvel comic fame has some great advise for people just starting out in there career “ Whatever you do, make sure it's something you really want to do!” It's great advice for anyone at any point in their career, but it's also not the easiest advice to follow. Good luck and keep your stick on the ice!