bethnalgreen wrote:When I first moved to London I was single and earning about the same salary as your offer and had an amazing time. I didn't find the cost of living on that income at all bad. I don't get the sense that you would have the same lifestyle in SG on the salary offered here. Recent data is showing that cost of living in SG is now higher than London. In London I also had 6.5 weeks annual leave (which is common) and travelled all over Europe. The working hours are much more manageable than in SG, so you can do things outside of work too. Although shops are not open as late if you are a shopping lover.
I would suggest you to reconsider wanting to live on your own at least at the beginning. In London many professionals live in shared accomodation and it is actually a great way to socialise and meet people when you are new to the city. It also enables you to live in a better location for reasonable rent. Shared houses in London are bigger than in SG, often with gardens as well. It is very common to get a break clause after 6 months rental, so you can always try shared accomodation and move if you don't like it.
Also, I agree with the other poster in terms of career opportunities. In my field having London experience opens many more doors than SG experience, so you will probably find it is better for your career in the long run. Anyway, the financial sector in SG frequently recruits from the UK, whereas the reverse doesn't happen often. So, if you hated London you could still easily come to SG at a later date. Getting a job offer from SG to move to London is less likely.
One thing to note is that no matter where you live, the first time you move from home is very difficult. It can take a year or more to adjust. Homesickness is very real and can be overwhelming. It doesn't matter whether you are somewhere similar or different to your home, you still feel it. In that sense it is helpful if you already have friends or family in your adopted home. Or, you could join groups like sports clubs or take a class outside of the office to meet people. I left my home country in almost 20 years ago and have lived in 7 countries since then... it does get easier - but the first time is the hardest! Good luck.
Some good points but not sure I agree with some of things you said.
The guy is in finance in middle office - you'll work much harder in London even in a middle office role and even if working for the same house. SG culture is very, very different in that respect, much more geared toward in at 8.30 and done by 6.00 on the dot. In fact you'll find the whole working culture across banking extremely different in SG - hours are much more employee friendly with the exception to HK which involves much more after work stuff. In London, do those sort of hours and you'll be out on your ar*e in a month!!
Not sure about your comment about living in London and travelling around. I think you need to travel frequently to get out of London, although people say the same about SG!!
SG as a hub you have flights to all over SE Asia, can reach Australia in 6 hours, India in 5, Africa and North Asia in 4-6 etc. In London you have the option of Europe within those flying times and thats about it.
But it's swings and roundabouts. Everyone is different. I find London so much less appealing than Asia and particularly SG; maybe because I lived there for 6 years and my priorities have changed somewhat. Give me better weather, fresher food, lower taxes, safer streets, more respectful kids, cleaner environment and more efficiency any day. For me, you can't put a price on your GF wanting to walk round to the garage at midnight and having the peace of mind that she is completely safe.
please help!!
