Not many millers make the move from upstream (mills) to downstream (refineries). It happens, but it’s rare. I was one of those who took the leap — and honestly, I made a few mistakes in my decision-making.
Why did I make the switch?
1️⃣ I trusted a close friend.
2️⃣ My family was tired of moving every few years, and my eldest child was about to sit for UPSR. Stability mattered.
3️⃣ HR at the new company painted a very attractive picture.
Looking back, I could blame these factors. But the truth is, the decision was mine. And I own it.
What Changed?
✅ Technology & Learning – Moving to a refinery meant adapting to new systems and processes. With determination, you can master them within a few years.
✅ Lifestyle – Mills are remote, quiet, close to nature. Refineries are in busy cities. The shift was huge, but it gave my family stability.
✅ Facilities – In mills, managers enjoy perks: housing, vehicles, domestic helpers. In refineries, those benefits are rare and depend on company policy.
✅ Team & Complexity – Mills may have 3–4 engineers. Refineries need large, specialized teams. Collaboration and coordination become critical.
✅ Pay & Rewards – Surprisingly, mill managers often earn more than refinery managers because upstream operations generate higher margins.
My Reflection
If you’re considering the move from upstream to downstream:
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Don’t fear new technology — you’ll adapt.
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Consider lifestyle and family needs carefully.
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Be realistic about perks and compensation.
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Remember: your problem-solving and leadership skills are transferable.
For me, the journey wasn’t perfect. But it gave me perspectives I would never have gained had I stayed in one place.
Sometimes, the value of a decision lies not in whether it was right or wrong — but in what you learned along the way.
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