I was jobless - for minus one day

[PNGMK]

25th I got the call (HR and boss on teams - dead giveaway). Paid out 13 months per MOM recommendations (1 month per year prorated, leave and some other bonuses) and told last official day was the 31st so I'd get my sales bonus - I was 300% of Q1 target so it was not a performance issue but cost savings - my job was rolled up into KL guy above me.

I panicked for a day but then went back through my savings and retirement plan. I made a really simple spreadsheet that shows when various retirement schemes kick in or are accessible which calmed me down. For example:

Cash / Stocks in hand - a lot right now
CPF OA - 55yo - 252k avail now.
Aussie Super - 100k - 60yo avail
SRS - 175k - 62 avail
CPF SA Life payments - 65

I then did the worse thing and started looking in on LinkedIn. Regardless of my previous success on LI (two jobs) I was not feeling the love, and frankly found it depressing to be applying for certain types of roles.

I then did the right thing and tried to imagine what I wanted to do and it was projects - with a specific goal and end date and no more bloody corporate for awhile. I then started networking via Whatsapp and started getting some love. I happened to scroll past a name from the past and sent a quick note. "I've left XXX and am available, do you need any help? I'm still a PR and here". Within minutes I was told where to show up Tue for a review (on the spot competency test) and by that afternoon I had a contract in hand as a freelance engineer with a view to going back offshore in the longer term. First official day on hire was Wed which was the 31st so I was doubled up that day! Fortunately my previous employer dropped their non-compete and garden leave requirements due to the current employment climate.

Maybe I'll do one hitch only, it doesn't matter though. I am working outside like a red neck, suffering heat stroke and have dropped 4kg already. I've fried a few fuses already so am a little rusty but it's like riding a bike.

The really nice thing has been people calling and some actually coming by to say hello and "what the heck? You're back offshoreoildude!".

I was just wanted to throw some positivity out there. Also going for a jab and seeing just how well run this little city-nation-island has it's act together warmed my heart.

I love you all. Life is good and precious and I wish you all a wonderful Easter. For those of us who believe, He is Risen and Alive!

[BBCDoc]

Happy Easter! Glad to hear the good news and most importantly, a reasoned and positive mindset.

May you enjoy a prosperous future as long as you desire here in SG


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[bro75]

Great work PNGMK! Happy Easter!

[the observer]

Thinking aloud that it’s good for you that you’re a PR - stay employed in a relatively low tax ctry.

From a casual conversation with a colleague, the implications on all these reliefs and wage support schemes globally will definitely lead to a rise in taxes/vat. It’ll start with the western world.

There’s no free lunch, as they always say

[PNGMK]

Agreed. Already started in the USA and actually Singapore raised taxes Already.

[tiktok]

Glad it worked out for you. Notwithstanding a couple of potentially important factors - property ownership and dependants - your financial situation looks pretty strong, so curious why not pack it in and take early retirement?

[PNGMK]

Glad it worked out for you. Notwithstanding a couple of potentially important factors - property ownership and dependants - your financial situation looks pretty strong, so curious why not pack it in and take early retirement?

My wife is still working and I would find it hard to wait at home all day. Even the occasional project is better than that.

[Lisafuller]

Happy for you PNGMK, unemployment can be really scary!