Moving OUT of Singapore

[project1980]

Unlike many of you on this forum, I'm local wanting OUT of Singapore. Not that I don't love this country, but I've been here all my life, I need a change of scenery, I need a challenge.

My question is, did you get a job and then move to Singapore, or did you risk it and just moved and later found a job? I hope this isn't sounding too silly, as I have never ever worked abroad before.

But I would like to.

And while I'm at it, where do you reckon would be a good place/country to work?

[Strong Eagle]

I decided to start a business here.

I think you will need to have a job lined up to be able to move to most countries. They are far more restrictive about letting people in than is Singapore.

[earthfriendly]

And while I'm at it, where do you reckon would be a good place/country to work?

It really depends on what you are looking for. I am an SGean living in USA for many years. Not that I dislove USA as I consider it a second home. It was fine and dandy in the beginning but my priorities have changed since and am looking towards moving back to an Asian country. Not to mention much had changed over the years where I live (near silicon valley), witnessed and seen to much vulture-like behaviours.

So if you provide a little insight into what you are seeking for, people may be able to offer better advice.

[GordonGekko]

Hi project,

I will try to go jobhunting in Singapore, and then move there. I'm quite well-traveled, and I have an international background. Maybe it's rootlessness, but I have never felt at home anywhere so much as in Singapore.

There is a bunch of countries that are nice, but it's always easiest to move to countries with an Anglo-Saxon culture and where English is widely used, considering your educational system and society in Singapore. I would personally go for Australia.

[earthfriendly]

Gordongecko, I get your point. Even though SG blood runs deep inside me and If it ever runs into trouble (hypothetically war), there is no doubt that I will there in a heartbeat to offer whatever minitecuous help I can. In fact, I find it improtant to take my daughters back for yearly visit so they will develope this love, like mommy.

Guess what, I feel more at home in Xiamen, China. Felt really at peace with myself and a sense of hominess. I love all the cultural and historical structures surrounding me. I feel a romantic connection to my historical past. Xiamen is where my mom's mother came from and my mom used to tell me stories (imparted to her by her mom) about how her mother would peddle goods in the streets of xiamen city. My paternal grandfather also from Fujian province but not city of xiamen though. It was the impoverished countryside and that's why he headed for Singapore in nanyang. My sis thought it was important for me to visit granddad's hometown so I can see how people there live. Unfortunately, could not squeeze in that side trip last time I was there. I also share her sense of continuity and think it is important to take hubby and daughters to our ancestral home in China. Last time I visited SG, took hubby and my toddlers to pay respect to my deceased grandparents whose ash sits inside an urn in the buddhist temple.

So yes, I understand the importance of rootedness and think it is important for people to understand and learn about their language and culture (not just chinese, but malays, indians and others). Sadly, many SG Chinese do not have a very good grip of their own culture. That's not to say everyone is defined by their culture but in my case, it sure does and so does many of the Chinese I meet in overseas.

I also know of whites who spent a long time in Japan and feel more at home there than in their own western country. They feel more at one with the Japanese philosophy of life. So I say, go for it, whichever makes you feel more at peace with yourself.

Good luck in your quest to find the ultimate happiness.

[GordonGekko]

Hey earthfriendly,

Thanks for your input and encouragement. Feels like you understand what I'm talking about.
If you want more on the subject, please read the book "Proudly Singaporean: My Passport To A Challenging Future" by Alain Vandenborre, an ex-expat, who decided to take up Singaporean citizenship.

[project1980]

So if you provide a little insight into what you are seeking for, people may be able to offer better advice.

Would I sound terribly directionless/clueless if I said I don't know and that I'm just seeking a new environment to learn new things, experience more, instead of growing up and old in one safe place called Singapore?

[G'Day]

Hi project,

I agree with earthfriendly. Tell us more about yourself and what you want in more specific so we can advise you better. Unless you're filthy rich, I suggest you put job-hunting as your 1st priority. Research on your area of expertise and find out what's their demand like in the those countries you're interested in. I know if you're a chef, toolmaker, or a plumber you won't have much of a problem finding jobs in Australia...because these professions are in the countrys' demand list (at least the last time I checked).

Another thing, I suggest you find out more on immigration matters in the destination countries..typically, developed countries tend to be more strict than the developing ones.

Tell us what's your background like (education, work experience etc). What's your short, medium, and long term plan like term. I know nobody can predict the future but planning is so important so that you won't end up in this state we call 'REGRET'.

Oh ya, I myself currently looking forward to move to down under.

You guys care to comment on my earlier post pelase?:
http://www.singaporeexpats.com/forum/ft ... +australia

Thanks.

G'Day!