Don't want to go

[Repatriation Blues]

Hi,

After more than 4 years here in Singapore, my company decided to move us back to the HQ/home. My wife and I are not thrilled about the prospect of leaving.

I am sure that some of you have been in a similar situation before and perhaps played with the idea of finding another job with another company here in Singapore or even somewhere in the region.

I was wondering how easy/difficult was it to actually do it? After spending most of my working life (I am in my late 40's) with the same employer, I feel that I am in a rut.

Appreciate any feedback from people who have done it or tried doing it.

[Go solo?]

I don't know if it's applicable to your field or occupation, but can you start your own business? I  know people who've done it.

[jalanperak]

I know of at least two people who have either changed employers or started their own consultation business rather than move back to HQ-land.

I'm one of them.

[Old Mike]

It all depends on what your job is.
If you have developed a network of contacts in your field you could apply to other companies.
But remember that they will know that you want to stay, so they will not offer you an expat package.

[Me too]

I know of at least two people who have either changed employers or started their own consultation business rather than move back to HQ-land.

I'm one of them.

Actually I know of 3 people who, having come here with one employer, have found another.  I'm NOT one of them!

[Repatriation Blues]

Thanks for the answers so far.

I would like to be more specific about my line of work but Singapore is a small place, let's just say that I am in Operations Management.

[for what it's worth]

We work in advertising where tons of people job hop every couple of years. I think any new employer that you would approach would be really chuffed with your loyalty and me thinks that would give you a nice negotiating position? Just try... you've got nothing to loose!

[for what it's worth]

... and forgot to add that if you can you might want to go thru a headhunter to see as quietly as possible what's out there for you?
And if there's nothing here... maybe some other place altogether? Not your home country? Shanghai? Sydney? New York? San Fran? It's a great big world out there! We're just in the middle of doing the same thing. This time round it will be the big apple and i can hardly wait!

[Roamer]

... and forgot to add that if you can you might want to go thru a headhunter to see as quietly as possible what's out there for you?
And if there's nothing here... maybe some other place altogether? Not your home country? Shanghai? Sydney? New York? San Fran? It's a great big world out there! We're just in the middle of doing the same thing. This time round it will be the big apple and i can hardly wait!

Totally agree with this - where's your sense of adventure?   Singapore is one of the most boring places I have ever lived - no soul ...   Have managed to last four years and can't wait to move on to newer horizons - there's a whole world of experience, culture and excitement out there!!!!

[Takes time...]

I have a friend who was posted to Singapore. He has 3 kids plus wife, and got a very comprehensive package when he is in Singapore. He know that this company is trying to find a more junior (and cheaper) person to take over his role in APAC, so he tried looking for another position for at least 1 year, without success.

I do not know how he went about in his job search, but he is one of those who stays in contact with everyone in the industry, very regularly. In fact, I was actually surprised that he didn't manage to find another position within APAC. Nonetheless, he returned to Germany at a significantly lower package (compared to what he is receiving in Asia).

My bf also came with a reasonably good expatriate package and has been looking around for opportunities (more for career development). He have been looking around for about 6 months, and nothing really exciting pop up.

If you are looking for another position, you might want to start early, and manage your expectations.

[icat]

Age discrimination is not prohibited by law in Singapore. You need to accept the fact that age discrimination is rampant in Singapore. The mentality of the Singaporeans is not so different from that of the mainland Chinese. They are basically Chinese who speak Singlish!

[$Pripps]

Age discrimination is not prohibited by law in Singapore. You need to accept the fact that age discrimination is rampant in Singapore. The mentality of the Singaporeans is not so different from that of the mainland Chinese. They are basically Chinese who speak Singlish!

I don't think its so much age discrimination as they don't want to pay high salaries and the mindset that experience isn't that important. Better hire two for that salary, maybe one will turn out good.

[Moreaboutyou]

Roamer

So why are you still here? 4 years in the same place and position says more about you then SG!

[alohadude]

Maybe he enjoys eating dogs and cats.

[Repatriation Blues]

Again, thanks to everyone who replied.

My sense of adventure is such that I jumped on every expat posting my current employer had offered in the last 15 years. We loved Europe and we enjoyed Mexico. Wether Singapore is boring or not depends on your point of view. For my wife and I, we loved being here. Nevertheless, I would take a position in Australia or anywhere else in the world, just the fact that our expat/global lifestyle comes to an end is what we are struggling with.

HQ are in the US and it no longer feels like home.

I think the idea to contact an international headhunter is a good one. I am a bit angry at myself for being so hesitant, after more than twenty years with the same company, I feel somewhat reluctant to go out there and explore other opportunities. Yet, this is what I want to do.