Retirement Decisions, decisions, decisions

[Mad Scientist]

I gave up my SG SC years ago as I cannot keep up with the PR BS for the wife as she is non SG and has been a PR for a long time. As you said you need to be more than 184 days a year in order to keep the PR which is a hard act to follow for us. Our children are all over the world. One in US , One in UK , the two girls back in OZ. All single pursuing their own careers.
I have homes in Motala, Melbourne and Semarang. The wife and I decided to let go our SC citizenship as we find there is no more feelings of "home" for us in SG.
Did we make the right call ? I do not know but I am glad it was done
Did we regret for making this call ? Not really .
For me once you make a decision, through thick and thin you stick with it like a glue.
A General in the army did advise me once and till this day it is always been my principle
He said

A Bad Leader is not a leader than makes bad decision but a Bad Leader is a Leader that does not make ANY decision at all.

[RobSg]

Mad Scientist, I feel the same as you about Singapore not really being home for me anymore. I came here in 1988, and frankly, I loved it. Over the years with the cost of living and population rising dramatically, it's not home anymore. My problem is letting go of something I used to love.

Excuse me for asking, but what is "SC"? I think I know what "PR BS" is, but it's ok. The point is I really enjoy hearing from others my age. Being single and not having a group of older friends in Singapore has forced me to rely on forums like this to share opinions and ideas. That's probably one main reason why I look forward to returning to my own culture.

I've lived and taught in schools in 12 countries, and it's been a great experience. For several years I even rented a place in Singapore while teaching in Egypt for a year, Jordan for a year, and Nigeria for a year. It was costly, but I also felt attached to Singapore that way.

An observation about myself that I've made is this. In spite of being an expat for 40+years, the only profound and deep conversations I can ever have is with people of my own culture. For example, when I am talking to a Singaporean, it's enjoyable and pleasant, but it's never completely sincere. I'm not sure if that is understandable, but I hope it is.

Thank you again,

Rob

[sundaymorningstaple]

Rob, you have hit it on the head. And I've got family here, but I still don't feel like I'm 'home' even after 30+ years.

SC is Singapore Citizenship.

People sometimes wonder why I've been on this board for so many years. It's the ability to talk to people with whom I don't always agree, but at least for the most part, understand from where I'm coming from. I always called this little red dot my residence but never my home.

[Mad Scientist]

I am not white and mixed blood but the wife is and I understand where you are coming from.
Why don't you take a few months break and visit your mate in Canada. Then go from there before you decided to let go your SG PR
Renting a room in SG if you are living alone is much cheaper than forking $2.5 for an apartment in SG.
Something has to let go in order for you to pursue your dreams.
I know you are worried if you take the plunge and things might turn to custard and you do not have something to fall back.
But hey life is a bitch, either way you have to make the best of any situation

[RobSg]

SMS, Mas Scientist,

Thank you. It's good to get some input. I appreciate that very much.

Sincerely,
Rob