I’m currently an expat, but soon to be repatriated. Considering resigning while still in the host country and taking a new job in the region.
Does anyone know anyone who has done this before? Any major considerations? Any big pitfalls? Any big reason not to do it?
I know of someone that did that. He did repatriate with EM and EM packed up his shipment from Company housing but he asked them to keep the shipment stored for few weeks instead of putting on a ship. His new employer mobilized him and his family with new work visa 3 weeks later and he just had his shipment delivered locally.
My strong advice - Get your next position lined up, tell them you need a few weeks and then fly back to your home country to tender your resignation. Get all the paperwork in hand, most importantly close out from Deloitte, as the others have mentioned. Then you're a free agent. Call your next employer to make visa arrangements and enjoy. I would not mess around with trying to do it in country, too many pitfalls and it will cost you a lot of money somewhere.
Besides the company moving you back to the US no. It will save them money. You may be required to at least fly back but maybe that can be waived too.
Just make sure you have your next visa lined up if needed.
A sticky spot, but some good advice below.
Had the US election gone the other way, and depending on the country you are in - you might have applied for Refugee status. Might have been less sticky.
There are too many variables in each person's decision to do this.
Are you early retirement (15/55) eligible or close to it? I'd wait if close and then retire. Pension is based on home country base, not including premium, so if the new domestic assignment with XOM is secure to 15/55, I'd wait. Resigning you would wait until 65 to get a small annuity. By retiring at 55 eligible for Lump Sum.
Taxes... Not as big an issue as you'd think. Deloitte's going to handle for 2 to 4 years regardless, as mentioned previously. If new company also uses Deloitte for Expats, no problems whatsoever.
Been where you are and made the tough decision both ways, from and back to XOM.
🙄 really stop wasting time on here
If you have a valid visa to work for other employers in the host country, why not. Otherwise, before you resign, make sure you have an new employer who is willing to sponsor your work visa.
without all the info, i'm guessing you'd have a little shock coming off of expat perks and getting a "localized" salary (assumption is your next job wouldn't be as an expat).
Xom pays to repatriate you if you resign while in your assignment. Why don't you just have them move you back to the US and then return to the other country and start your new job?
You'll probably have visa issues anyways as your current work visa is sponsored by xom and will need to be closed. Most likely easier to return home and apply for a new one.
I wouldn't make my decision based on tax assistance. I think Deloitte is still bound to do your taxes even after separation as long as the TEGA remains in effect.
Taxes will be complex. Get a good tax account or lawyer and start the process early, IMHO. Good luck!
The company will not help you with taxes if you do not repatriate.