Choices choices...

[mummachick]

I need some advice. I have the option to teach in Brunei or Singapore - fully qualified high school teacher with seven years classroom experience.

The salary is approximately the same - $5000pm - but the Brunei package includes all accommodation and utility bills, medical, school allowance, the salary is tax free and a 20% gratuity at the end of contract. Of course the standard of living (with specific religious differences) would be similar to Singapore but perhaps lacking some of the excitement.

The Singapore package offers an accommodation allowance which would go about half way to securing appropriate accommodation, medical, but no school allowance, which is not a huge deal considering our child is currently only two, gratuity (although not specificed how much) and is taxed.

Singapore is our first choice - better career options for me and I don't think the wife will be as bored - but I am really concerned about the high utility bills - I have read some people quoting more than $800 a month for electricity! With this, on top of the high rental market, is $5000 a month enough for two adults and a toddler (or two) to survive or should I go for sand and jungle in Brunei?

[taxico]

5,000 is enough in singapore for a family of 4, but i'd pick brunei if i were you.

never too late to come over to singapore after your contract ends. just my 2c.

[sundaymorningstaple]

I am inclined to agree as well. I believe Matney is currently in Brunei and teaching as well and has experience teaching here in Singers as well. Maybe she'll pop in with some info. Or you could try PM'ing her once you have 5 posts.

sms

[k1w1]

That's not a very good offer for seven years experience, in my opinion. And, if housing needs to come out of that, you can expect to not save a lot.

I am very frugal with electricity and only have a small apartment. My last electricity bill was $240. A family of three eating only some Western food (and by this I mean cheese, fresh cow's milk and bread - not luxury items or booze) can expect to spend about $150-200 a week on food. If you eat like a local it can be much cheaper of course.

You can forget about a car or a maid here, but those things would be feasible on that salary in Brunei. Also you would be renting a tiny apartment in the most inconvenient parts of town here, but housing offered to teachers in Brunei is an actual house. And as for excitement, I don't know if Singapore is really winning any contests in that department!

How do I know all this? I've started considering a move to Brunei too!

[mummachick]

Thanks for the replies. I thought the salary was a bit low for Singapore. I think that I will try to negotiate as far as I can and then consider the Brunei option as a fall back.

I am all for Brunei but my partner is not as keen. We also have some friends in Singapore already who may alleviate some of the shock of her going from a working mum to a stay at home mum.

The option of a maid and a car is not that big a deal for us so that cuts our costs quite a bit. We only have one car here and manage with fairly poor transport and we haven't had so much as a cleaner, let alone a live in maid!

[taxico]

bear in mind you'll probably be saving a lot less in singapore than brunei (given your situation).

if that's already been taken into consideration, then all the best and i hope you get what you want!

[Biogentic]

Thanks for the replies. I thought the salary was a bit low for Singapore. I think that I will try to negotiate as far as I can and then consider the Brunei option as a fall back.

I am all for Brunei but my partner is not as keen. We also have some friends in Singapore already who may alleviate some of the shock of her going from a working mum to a stay at home mum.

The option of a maid and a car is not that big a deal for us so that cuts our costs quite a bit. We only have one car here and manage with fairly poor transport and we haven't had so much as a cleaner, let alone a live in maid!

in just oct 08, Our electricity bill has just rise by another 22percent... bus fares going up, newspapers price going up..

More good years ahead in spore......