Is it even worth living in SG anymore as a foreigner?

[Max Headroom]

Anyways man, when I was in India some 15 years ago with my networth just 2% of my current networth I was feeling like a winner there. Top of the world, I used to drive a car and go on lot of vacations. But ever since I have come to Singapore I have been treated like a loser and even I have been treating myself like a loser. Hell with it man, I have 1 million USD, I am probably in the top 10% richest in the world.

Yet you decided to stay in Singers?



I mean, I get the draws here, but you work to live, no? Looks like you've accumulated more than enough dosh to live it up for the rest of your life in India. Or even Malaysia if you're looking for a kind of halfway scenario between Singapore and India to give you a transition period.

Anyway, that's just my take eh.

[Wd40]

Anyways man, when I was in India some 15 years ago with my networth just 2% of my current networth I was feeling like a winner there. Top of the world, I used to drive a car and go on lot of vacations. But ever since I have come to Singapore I have been treated like a loser and even I have been treating myself like a loser. Hell with it man, I have 1 million USD, I am probably in the top 10% richest in the world.

Yet you decided to stay in Singers?



I mean, I get the draws here, but you work to live, no? Looks like you've accumulated more than enough dosh to live it up for the rest of your life in India. Or even Malaysia if you're looking for a kind of halfway scenario between Singapore and India to give you a transition period.

Anyway, that's just my take eh.

I mean it is just about expectations and perspectives. It is mostly in my mind this feeling of a loser, just because I didn't get PR. But I can turn it around and just treat this as an expat posting and continuing working here and making money.

Like I said, money talks and enables a lot of things. My wife and daughter love it in SG. So I could continue living here as long as this run lasts and hopefully stay until my daughter reaches college. I would have accumulated enough money to fund her education anywhere in the world and then move back and relax in India.

[malcontent]

I totally understand the loser feeling, despite being able to amass that wealth, it is not without major sacrifices in lifestyle… and you still can’t really enjoy that wealth here, as it would evaporate in no time. It’s why I’ve often said: Singapore is a place to make money, not spend money.

[emergency234]

I totally understand the loser feeling, despite being able to amass that wealth, it is not without major sacrifices in lifestyle… and you still can’t really enjoy that wealth here, as it would evaporate in no time. It’s why I’ve often said: Singapore is a place to make money, not spend money.

yup.That 1.4 mil SGD can evaporate in the blink of an eye if he buys a new car + flat .

Definitely a nice nest egg if and when he moves back to India

[Wd40]

I totally understand the loser feeling, despite being able to amass that wealth, it is not without major sacrifices in lifestyle… and you still can’t really enjoy that wealth here, as it would evaporate in no time. It’s why I’ve often said: Singapore is a place to make money, not spend money.

I think as humans we worry about things we don't have rather than things we have. So it is a matter of perspective.

What we really enjoy over here and take for granted is the awesome public transport. My wife is not someone who likes to drive a car. In any other developed country she would be handicapped if she doesn't have her own car and learn to drive it. Same thing for my daughter. Right now, she can go on her own for any extra curricular activities, we don't need to ferry her everywhere. Also we can relatively rest assured that kids her don't get into drugs etc, no guns violence etc.

So although we don't spend a lot of money to have fun we can appreciate what we get for free.

I think if we will do well to spend another 5-7 years more over here so that my daughter's schooling is done here. That's like a major milestone. Then anyways college is something many parents plan to send their kids overseas, no matter whether they are Singaporeans or Indians. So we follow the same path. Meanwhile if I have made like 2 million, that money will go a long way as I would be around 50. I can take a relaxed remote job in India or do anything I want.

I am actually pretty much set, if I just change my perspective. There are so many Singaporeans with a 1st world passport but even they cannot afford to send their kids overseas for education. They would probably just be happy with a Poly or ITE. Nothing wrong with that, though.

[Wd40]

I totally understand the loser feeling, despite being able to amass that wealth, it is not without major sacrifices in lifestyle… and you still can’t really enjoy that wealth here, as it would evaporate in no time. It’s why I’ve often said: Singapore is a place to make money, not spend money.

yup.That 1.4 mil SGD can evaporate in the blink of an eye if he buys a new car + flat .

Definitely a nice nest egg if and when he moves back to India

There is no need to buy a car + flat. I can rent as long as I am here. I use public transport. So actually I can have the best of both worlds. Most people look to FIRE and retire early in an alien low cost country. I work and save money in a 1st world country and then retire in my home country, familiar people and awesome food.

[malcontent]

I totally understand the loser feeling, despite being able to amass that wealth, it is not without major sacrifices in lifestyle… and you still can’t really enjoy that wealth here, as it would evaporate in no time. It’s why I’ve often said: Singapore is a place to make money, not spend money.

I think as humans we worry about things we don't have rather than things we have. So it is a matter of perspective.

What we really enjoy over here and take for granted is the awesome public transport. My wife is not someone who likes to drive a car. In any other developed country she would be handicapped if she doesn't have her own car and learn to drive it. Same thing for my daughter. Right now, she can go on her own for any extra curricular activities, we don't need to ferry her everywhere. Also we can relatively rest assured that kids her don't get into drugs etc, no guns violence etc.

So although we don't spend a lot of money to have fun we can appreciate what we get for free.

I think if we will do well to spend another 5-7 years more over here so that my daughter's schooling is done here. That's like a major milestone. Then anyways college is something many parents plan to send their kids overseas, no matter whether they are Singaporeans or Indians. So we follow the same path. Meanwhile if I have made like 2 million, that money will go a long way as I would be around 50. I can take a relaxed remote job in India or do anything I want.

I am actually pretty much set, if I just change my perspective. There are so many Singaporeans with a 1st world passport but even they cannot afford to send their kids overseas for education. They would probably just be happy with a Poly or ITE. Nothing wrong with that, though.

It’s a trade off. Public transport is great if you have the time and don’t mind the inconvenience & discomfort (like wetness, from rain, sweat… possibly both).

There is much to like about public transport…

1. Don’t have to deal with bad traffic, lack of parking or jerks on the road

2. Don’t have to pay attention to the road and can catch up on my favorite podcasts, etc.

3. Forced to get some additional exercise, which is always a good thing, IMO

4. People watching, from all walks of life

Saving money is just the cherry on top.

But not everyone can appreciate the above or get over the inconvenience, discomfort and additional time it can take.

[Wd40]

It’s a trade off. Public transport is great if you have the time and don’t mind the inconvenience & discomfort (like wetness, from rain, sweat… possibly both).

There is much to like about public transport…

1. Don’t have to deal with bad traffic, lack of parking or jerks on the road

2. Don’t have to pay attention to the road and can catch up on my favorite podcasts, etc.

3. Forced to get some additional exercise, which is always a good thing, IMO

4. People watching, from all walks of life

Saving money is just the cherry on top.

But not everyone can appreciate the above or get over the inconvenience, discomfort and additional time it can take.

Actually the fact that I don't have to ferry my wife and daughter and they can be on their own, saves a lot of time for me. Regarding rain or sun, I have never been affected because I stay near MRT and the whole path is sheltered

Imagine living in a cold country like Canada and then you need to manage the driving in the snow. Both my wife and my daughter don't like cold weather. Singapore even though we complain that it is hot, my wife and daughter I have never seen them sweating and they bath hot water in this weather, I just don't get it. I bath in the night cold water, as I am always sweating. We don't use the Aircon, just the stand fans.

Ever since the pandemic started, things have really improved from the public transport front. Due to hybrid working, trains are not as crowded, also now we go to office only 3 days a week, so it doesn't feel as stressful.

[malcontent]

It’s a trade off. Public transport is great if you have the time and don’t mind the inconvenience & discomfort (like wetness, from rain, sweat… possibly both).

There is much to like about public transport…

1. Don’t have to deal with bad traffic, lack of parking or jerks on the road

2. Don’t have to pay attention to the road and can catch up on my favorite podcasts, etc.

3. Forced to get some additional exercise, which is always a good thing, IMO

4. People watching, from all walks of life

Saving money is just the cherry on top.

But not everyone can appreciate the above or get over the inconvenience, discomfort and additional time it can take.

Actually the fact that I don't have to ferry my wife and daughter and they can be on their own, saves a lot of time for me. Regarding rain or sun, I have never been affected because I stay near MRT and the whole path is sheltered

Imagine living in a cold country like Canada and then you need to manage the driving in the snow. Both my wife and my daughter don't like cold weather. Singapore even though we complain that it is hot, my wife and daughter I have never seen them sweating and they bath hot water in this weather, I just don't get it. I bath in the night cold water, as I am always sweating. We don't use the Aircon, just the stand fans.

Ever since the pandemic started, things have really improved from the public transport front. Due to hybrid working, trains are not as crowded, also now we go to office only 3 days a week, so it doesn't feel as stressful.

Sounds like an ideal setup for you. And who knows, in 5-7 years you might have finally gotten PR or even SC by then. From what I’ve observed, most of my Indian friends only aspire to go back… few actually do. Since you’ve achieved FI, you have less incentives to move back - because no pressing need to reduce spending. And with your investments, that is only going to improve.

[truthhurts1]

Anyways man, when I was in India some 15 years ago with my networth just 2% of my current networth I was feeling like a winner there. Top of the world, I used to drive a car and go on lot of vacations. But ever since I have come to Singapore I have been treated like a loser and even I have been treating myself like a loser. Hell with it man, I have 1 million USD, I am probably in the top 10% richest in the world.

Yet you decided to stay in Singers?



I mean, I get the draws here, but you work to live, no? Looks like you've accumulated more than enough dosh to live it up for the rest of your life in India. Or even Malaysia if you're looking for a kind of halfway scenario between Singapore and India to give you a transition period.

Anyway, that's just my take eh.

I mean it is just about expectations and perspectives. It is mostly in my mind this feeling of a loser, just because I didn't get PR. But I can turn it around and just treat this as an expat posting and continuing working here and making money.

Like I said, money talks and enables a lot of things. My wife and daughter love it in SG. So I could continue living here as long as this run lasts and hopefully stay until my daughter reaches college. I would have accumulated enough money to fund her education anywhere in the world and then move back and relax in India.

Bro it’s all about money.. most countries will open you with open arms when you have a million USD in the bank account.

[truthhurts1]

Yet you decided to stay in Singers?



I mean, I get the draws here, but you work to live, no? Looks like you've accumulated more than enough dosh to live it up for the rest of your life in India. Or even Malaysia if you're looking for a kind of halfway scenario between Singapore and India to give you a transition period.

Anyway, that's just my take eh.

I mean it is just about expectations and perspectives. It is mostly in my mind this feeling of a loser, just because I didn't get PR. But I can turn it around and just treat this as an expat posting and continuing working here and making money.

Like I said, money talks and enables a lot of things. My wife and daughter love it in SG. So I could continue living here as long as this run lasts and hopefully stay until my daughter reaches college. I would have accumulated enough money to fund her education anywhere in the world and then move back and relax in India.

Bro it’s all about money.. most countries will accept you with open arms when you have a million USD in the bank account.

[jalanjalan]

I mean it is just about expectations and perspectives. It is mostly in my mind this feeling of a loser, just because I didn't get PR. But I can turn it around and just treat this as an expat posting and continuing working here and making money.

Like I said, money talks and enables a lot of things. My wife and daughter love it in SG. So I could continue living here as long as this run lasts and hopefully stay until my daughter reaches college. I would have accumulated enough money to fund her education anywhere in the world and then move back and relax in India.

Well, PR isn't a reward, at least not for most of us mere mortals. It just means we fit the criteria of what SG wanted in its resident population at the time we applied. I don't think it makes anyone a loser not to get PR, especially if they have worked here for many years. That itself would be proof SG values them.

[malcontent]

Instead of an expensive citizenship or residency by investment program, another strategy is to have your child attend university in a country that has good immigration prospects for graduates - especially if their major is in demand. No guarantees, but it can be worth a try… and even if that doesn’t work, sometimes love connections do.

[malcontent]

I mean it is just about expectations and perspectives. It is mostly in my mind this feeling of a loser, just because I didn't get PR. But I can turn it around and just treat this as an expat posting and continuing working here and making money.

Like I said, money talks and enables a lot of things. My wife and daughter love it in SG. So I could continue living here as long as this run lasts and hopefully stay until my daughter reaches college. I would have accumulated enough money to fund her education anywhere in the world and then move back and relax in India.

Well, PR isn't a reward, at least not for most of us mere mortals. It just means we fit the criteria of what SG wanted in its resident population at the time we applied. I don't think it makes anyone a loser not to get PR, especially if they have worked here for many years. That itself would be proof SG values them.

Getting rejected for PR can make one feel like they aren’t valued, even if that is not the reality.

I was never hard up for PR, so the rejection didn’t mean much. It just meant I was stuck with my current employer - which wasn’t a bad thing, then or now.

But when my daughter was rejected for PR under her PR mother at age 6, I thought that was a little odd… my wife appealed and it was quickly approved, but it made me think… maybe they don’t give some rejections a lot of thought, it can feel like the default button.

[PNGMK]

I am counting down to leaving my self. I wish our place would go enbloc before then.