Thread regarding ExxonMobil Corp. layoffs

If you desire to work overseas, then make it happen, but that includes looking for another company to work for.

You will have to handle the upheavel and what that does to your family, and in return live in sub standard/inadequate accommodate to meet HR costs reduction targets. I returned from expat last year and those friends that remain continue to talk about the constant reduction in assistance. They no longer use the word benefits, because they tell me they need to pay our of their own pocket to find suitable accommodation for there family.

Current Expat in China
With the recent HR benefit changes the Expat situation is not that attractive. Also, the way EM evaluates the benefit package is outsourced and doesn’t account for actual situations. HR runs EM now and the LT doesn’t stand up to them and take care of Expats. The tickets have gone up to 12 to 15k for economy for round trip and EM makes no change. We have to quarantine on entry for up to 45 days so flying home to see family is impossible. Beijing and Shanghai are locked down and all public locations are closed with no end in site. They are not increasing the premium to reflect the current situation and never will because they are cheap and out of touch. The Houston LT is so out of touch they don’t care about sacrifices we are making for this one of a kind collaboration here in China.

So been with EM for 20 years and have been on many Expats like Russia, Korea and a few others on Upstream projects so I get all the Expat norms and benefits. This site now is worse than those locations hard to staff, mentally draining, and where a govenrment controls everything that we can’t control worse than Iraq so the benefits should reflect it like higher premium. Also, the project will be understaffed the entire time so the work load will be tremendous. Worse than any other project I have been on. The will keep all global project thinly staffed which will be a problem.

My advice stay in stay in Houston as Expat assignments compared to the last 20 years are not worth it. Most people here have never worked on a large project so that adds to the challenge.

The good ole days are gone.

Agree with below….if in manufacturing, unlikely to happen anytime soon. Much more likely in a Commercial role. Even then, you are probably talking 10-15 year career mark. EMRE is the only downstream organization I see move folks in their 20s, and don’t even know if that is common anymore. All that said, the expat package has really been pared down if you are moving as a single.

Keep asking, though. I disagree with the comments below saying it is impossible. ExxonMobil needs people everywhere. I dont think it is infeasible. Might just take constant reminding, and a little luck.

Don’t apply for XOM jobs through external boards. It will get back to your boss and you can kiss your expat opportunities good bye

I am now RE and have only worked as an expat for last twenty years except for a short stint in Greenspoint. Unfortunately, it's not happening for you. At your level it's considered a tremendous training opportunity. That's not going to you but to people from our low cost tech centers who also need the training. Forget it

Sarnia CA. Harburg DE. Oslo. Paris. Trecate IT. Budapest HU. Chad.
I've been everywhere, man. For at least 6 months in the above.
All between '83 and '99.
I'm over 60 years old and I've never seen anything outside the plant's fence line.

Days of expat assignments are over. Move on. Even if you get one they have cut the benefits to nothing.

That ideal Expat assignment that you want will be filled by an underpaid BTC employee.

There's a lot of openings for jobs in Belgium (outside XOM). Chances for expat assignment is slim to none.

Depends on what business group you are in.

If manufacturing pretty much zero chance before your first DH level or higher role and you might get the option for a manager role at an overseas site (so 15+ years in and u have a strong advocate that thinks u walk on water).

If in Upstream, Global projects, or Commercial role .....very doable. You simply need to be assigned to an overseas business unit or major project that has in country offices. Lots of early career folks in Guyana now, for example. EMRE engineers can also be assigned to tech support roles in Singapore, Brussels, Leatherwood, etc. Traders can move between Trading offices as well for global development.

In short....zero chance in manufacturing. Possible from many commercial roles. Somewhat likely from EMRE. Very likely within Upstream and Global Projects.

@OP Living overseas in an OECD country is great. No mass shootings, good public transit, and if you don’t feel well, you can actually see a doctor without breaking the bank.

Get a remote job, grab your laptop, and go for it.

• US Expat

XOM does not need US payroll expats in EU. There are plenty of qualified Europeans on the European payroll.

Unless you are a HiPo and sponsored, there is no chance for expat. Since you have dual citizenship, why not just apply and find a job directly in EU. It will be much easier.

Unless you’re a high flier and well liked by your bosses boss and their boss. You don’t have a chance

Not going to happen

Expat assigns for US employees is null and void at this point.
Yeah - a temp assign to Bangalore to train your replacement is possible.

You're an engineer. What are you doing in a commodity company?

Seems like they're trying to cut staff in Europe and every other high cost location, so not sure about the feasibility of expat roles there.

Regardless, it doesn't hurt to apply externally for jobs you actually want. EM tends to move pretty slowly on career development unless you're one of the special ones.

You have to perform and set your mobility location to unrestricted in the career connect. Also, consider that the Corp cut a lot of the benefits associated with expat so you have to ask yourself if it's really worth being away from your family and home (if they are in the US).