Tell my girlfriend that Singapore is a good place to move to

[lookslikeimmovingtosing]

Hi everyone,

I currently have an offer on the table to relocate from Sydney to Singapore. The negotiations with the company are almost done but the most important thing is for my girlfriend to be happy with the move as well. No job is worth losing her for, so this needs to be a fully mutual decision.

Her main concerns are the ability to find a job so she has something to do. If it makes things easier she will have a ring on her finger before we move, otherwise I foresee the same thing in about 6 months time anyway (just don't want her to think the two actions need to be related).

Other than that, are there any expat women out there that can comment on what the change has been like. I really want her to know what she might be getting into before any decisiosn are made.

Thanks for responding.

[sydney]

For many people who come from places like Australia, where there is plenty of land and space, Singapore is not a place to spend the rest of your life with. It may be a good place to work for a year or two but not for life.

Just my opinion.

[ohhlala]

singapore is abt the size of sydney CBD ...well..if u can live with that..u can live in singapore....

[koala]

I was working in Sydney, and it's damn difficult to land in a job here at Singapore. I couldn't do it.... Of course, unless you are happy with a ridiculous pay and a position. The area of work is also important. My advice is, don't rely on finding a job here. If she can do without one, then no worries. If she can find one, then bingo!! Good luck.

[DespeRuth]

She should try getting a job for an aussie company who will send her here, getting one here is kind of hard and the pay is lousy.

Or she could just start having babies, like lots of other expat wifes do after a few months here...

[Guest]

Thanks for the comments everyone. Sounds like finding a job for her will be tough. Looks like it's going to be shopping or babies. :

[huh?]

HUh, my husband is thinking of making the same move and I (his wife) am totally excited about it.
Take a look at some of the apartments, they all come with resort style pools, much nicer tha the sydney suburbs.
The cost of living is great, get a maid! Tell her no more washing and ironing.
Trips all around asia for shopping bargains. Hollidays in interesting locations all close to your door.
it's a whole new experience and would be exciting for a couple of years definately.

Having babies could also be a great idea.

I don't know why every-one is being so negative. I am totally looking forward to it.

[gigi]

Hey, i'd love to be an expat wife and lead the kind of life mentioned below... i mean if i dont have to work for a living..,. yipeee!!! ..! I'm single, ready to get married and have babies or adopt some!!!I alredy live in Singapore and hate being single and broke...whoa,,yeah, get me guy who's going to get an expat salary....cool!

HUh, my husband is thinking of making the same move and I (his wife) am totally excited about it.
Take a look at some of the apartments, they all come with resort style pools, much nicer tha the sydney suburbs.
The cost of living is great, get a maid! Tell her no more washing and ironing.
Trips all around asia for shopping bargains. Hollidays in interesting locations all close to your door.
it's a whole new experience and would be exciting for a couple of years definately.

Having babies could also be a great idea.

I don't know why every-one is being so negative. I am totally looking forward to it.

[pl_saw]

Hi Chris,

You are such a considerate and sweet guy. She must be a lovely lady. What are you waiting for? Put the ring on her before she changes her mind!


Getting a job is never easy no matter where you are. But if your GF has portable skills and a great personality, you needn't worry for her. As for the salary, don't worry about it. Doing what you love gives more meaning to one's life! Also, there are plenty of volunteering work to be done for those who are into helping others. Who likes being tied down by a 9-5 job?

Oh and Chris, you musn't sound worried or anxious when discussing with her about the MOVE. If you are, she can sense it. She may not wanna be a burden to you. So YOU have to be convinced that Singapore will be great for the two of you! Plan a Beach Wedding in Singapore :

good luck,
Ling
pl_saw@yahoo.com.sg

[DandyD]

Hi Chris,

When will the move be taking place?
It sounds like I am in a similar situation to you, my boyfriend has been offered a job in Singapore, we are from Sydney. He really wants the job & it will be a great career move for him, but I am worried about me being able to find a job once there.

He also wants to get married, if it makes relocating easier, due to permits etc, but doesnt want me to think its just because of the job offer.

Have you found any info on relocating costs? Or how your girlfriend will look for work? Are there any agencies in Sydney that might have job offers for Singapore?

I will keep you posted with whatever useful information i find out.

[DandyD]

Hi Chris,

After doing some research here is my understanding of the whole work permit process for your girlfriend. But anyone can feel free to correct me if i have gotten it wrong.

Scenario One - Unmarried before the move
1) You obtain your work permit through your prosepective employer
2) You need to apply for a Long Term Visitors Pass for your girlfriend through your employer
3) You need to have a stat dec from both of you to prove you were in a common law marriage
4) You need a letter from the AUS embassy confirming the status of common law marriage
5) If she wants to work she needs to obtain a work permit, like you have by being sponsored by a prospective employer (I hear this is hard to do once in Singapore)

Scenario Two - You get married before the big move
1) You obtain your work permit
2) You apply for a dependents pass for your spouse
3) If she wants to work she needs to complete a Letter of Consent from the MOM, but again needs a prospective employer to complete the form

Hopefully this info helps with your decision

[hopefull girl!]

Huh? - I'm with you!

To the OP - if your girlfriend cannot find work then she doesn't have to be completely idle. She can do volunteer work at the Zoo, botanic gardens etc, this may lead to paid work... Also the idea of shopping & swimming in the condo pool can get a bit boring after a while but if she wants to make the most of it she can! Is she interetsed in a sports? she can joina club (dragonboat??) or if she likes games then marjong?? It's up to the individual to get the most out of it. It's really a time to develop your personal interests & you don't get that oportunity often!

Me? I'm looking forward to our move (if it happens, I have my fingers crossed).

Good Luck, I'm sure she'll love it once she's there. I hope your job goes well.

[sweetangel]

Hi there: I am a singaporean myself, yes i do agree that singapore is not a place to stay for life, is a stressful country, standard of living is high and majority of singaporean are chinese, finding a job here may also be a problem cause most companies employed staff who understand or communicate minimum chinese that is because most companies are dealing with china and taiwan markets for their business.

You may wish to come and work for a year ot two to see for yourself.

In fact, i may move to australia or canada in the the near future. Let me take this opportunity to wish you and your g.f. You may also forward me email at sweetangel_elegant@yahoo.com.sg if you require further advise on this "relocation to singapore" issue.

Cheers!
angel