Transfer to SG from Silicon Valley?

[brian_singapore]

When friends back home ask me what the cost of living here is like, I tell them 'Three things are really expensive: Rent, Cars and Beer. Pick 2.'.

You forget cigarette.

Don't smoke

[lss]

Wow. I totally wasn't expecting so many honest and helpful advice after just 2 days. Thank you all for that - gives me a bit of that warm fuzzy feeling

All the posts here pretty much summed up all the struggles I am facing -

Pros:
- will likely have a higher disposable income at similar living standard
- the chance to explore the region
- San (Man) Jose vs. what is likely to be a healthier male:female ratio

Cons:
- the psychological factor of a cut and whether that will be permanent. Not great.
- the uncertainty and stress about the new work environment

To answer some specific posts:

zzm9980 - sounds like there is a lot that I can learn from you. As you had stated, I couldn't pm you. Do you mind sending me a pm? Will really love to meet up with you if you are in SV at the moment.

brain_singapore - totally agree with the part on standard of living more important than dollar value. I will be sure to post more about it if I do come. One thing that works to my favor is I don't drink much alcohol

GSMB - thanks for that. I spoke with some folks at other tech companies, and am generally hearing the same. A friend got a even worse cut (moving from NYC to there), but still didn't regret the decision a tiny bit.

And no, my skills set isn't specific enough that they won't be able to find a replacement in SG, but I would say this - me having worked in the HQ for a while can help bridge some of the gaps between here and there.

Btw, is employment pass a big problem in Singapore? I don't want to move there and be constantly haunted by the stress of getting/renewing an employment pass.

[uscate]

Not to be a Negative Nelly, but if your skill set is not unique and you can be easily replaced by a Singaporean, then I'd make darned sure your company has a contingency plan that will allow you to take a similar job back in the US if you have to be repatriated due to inability to renew your EP (this is assuming they're able to get you an EP in the first place). You don't want to be caught 2 years hence with the Singapore door closing on you and your current company not having a plan for your repatriation to a reasonably similar job back in the US.

[Strong Eagle]

Not to be a Negative Nelly, but if your skill set is not unique and you can be easily replaced by a Singaporean, then I'd make darned sure your company has a contingency plan that will allow you to take a similar job back in the US if you have to be repatriated due to inability to renew your EP (this is assuming they're able to get you an EP in the first place). You don't want to be caught 2 years hence with the Singapore door closing on you and your current company not having a plan for your repatriation to a reasonably similar job back in the US.

Very wise advice... you can no longer just drop one job in Singapore and grab another... and if you lose a job the 30 days to exit given for an EP really isn't enough for a proper search... plenty of my friends and acquaintances are feeling the squeeze and have bailed out.

[Siv]

So if you're still with the same company, and all remain the same as when you were given the EP, when time comes for renewal it isn't a given that it will definitely be renewed ?

[zzm9980]

And no, my skills set isn't specific enough that they won't be able to find a replacement in SG, but I would say this - me having worked in the HQ for a while can help bridge some of the gaps between here and there.

Btw, is employment pass a big problem in Singapore? I don't want to move there and be constantly haunted by the stress of getting/renewing an employment pass.

If you're over $8k sgd/month base then I woudln't worry about it. And don't undersell yourself. Just because someone can put the same words or acronyms on a Resume/CV does not mean they have the skills. Having interviewed numerous people in Singapore for technical roles that is extremely obvious.

[lss]

Not to be a Negative Nelly, but if your skill set is not unique and you can be easily replaced by a Singaporean, then I'd make darned sure your company has a contingency plan that will allow you to take a similar job back in the US if you have to be repatriated due to inability to renew your EP (this is assuming they're able to get you an EP in the first place). You don't want to be caught 2 years hence with the Singapore door closing on you and your current company not having a plan for your repatriation to a reasonably similar job back in the US.

Agree and thanks for the honest advice. The way I think about this is that the probability of me getting replaced is actually even higher in SV, given the rich talent pool here.