Yesterday afternoon I was at the ICA building waiting to talk to someone about PR and giving it up. I was almost glad that it was a little crowded so that I could see the kind of people that were applying for PR. They seemed to be certainly a lot younger than myself (I’m 67), and if I had to make a subjective observation, they were people WANTING PR for work related advantages. I really do understand that, as I was the same.
As one who is trying to experience retirement for the first time, I have enjoyed walking along the streets looking at help wanted ads in the windows of many stores, and wondering if I should try that type of customer service job for fun. That’s the advantage of being a retired PR in Singapore. However, when I look at the salary of $5 or $6 per hour, I think that regardless of part-time work being fun, a respectable salary would be nice also. I smile at those signs, and walk on.
I asked the lady at the ICA building if she meets a lot of people that do what I am doing, renounce PR status at an older age. She said of course, but also many of those that retire as PR’s, have a home that they’ve bought, or have family still remaining. That keeps them tied to Singapore, and I can really appreciate that. The prospect of me living as a single PR retiree, perhaps being a substitute teacher, just did not seem exciting. Even as a sub, you are on the outside of interactions at a school, because you’re not permanent. I crave good interactions with others, and being here now does not offer that.
Sometimes it’s better to just sever the ties. I’m now on a tourist visa for a month. When I put everything in perspective, it was the right thing to do. I will buy a permanent home in the States (Washington state), near family and close friends, and finally have a home base from which to venture out and still teach. I’ve never liked going for overseas trip from Singapore knowing that I’m leaving my expensive apartment unused. When you rent like that, it cramps your travel opportunities.
I’ll still pop in here now and then to find out what is happening in Singapore from this forum. However, I am looking forward to change of seasons, travel, and even working (teaching) in Central and South America if something comes up. I crave taking continuing courses at the university, taking the Amtrak train up to Vancouver, Canada, gardening, and walking my dog(s). I can still visit Singapore as much as I like.
Cheers.
RobSg