I decided to start this thread after I received a PM about settling down in this state. My Inbox is running out of space, so I write here.
Singapore settlers think of getting another qualification as part of plans to settle down.
I think Singaporeans are already qualified to take on any jobs here. It is more important to learn to adapt. Put communication skills to practice.
Eg
- Forget about Singapore, you are in a very different country where things may not work - more inconvenient, so stop think how to do things the Singaporean way (well, at least until you are comfortable with Perth way of life)
- Observe how this place works. Eg when driving, drive like a Perth driver. How to survive with 100point ID Check, etc. And very soon, you will build up confidence.
- It is good to ask, but not all advice are good for you, esp from Singaporean migrants. I past by an Old Chang Kee outlet in a shopping centre near Curtin Uni. Should try one day
Unless your qualification is not recognised here, getting another qualification just make you feel better but I am not sure if it helps opening doors to employment. It is sometimes better to go to the campus and see their Employment Noticeboard for students/graduates.
Taking up another degree may be a waste of time because while you are studying, an Indian, Israel, Irish or Chinese migrant would have gained a job and looking out for the next opportunity. At the same time, having found a job means you qualify FASTER for rental, bank loan, etc (eg How long have you worked here?)
Also, people here are not paper qualification crazy so that extra degree may even harm your job prospects if the potential manager you report to has less qualifications. It is more important to show that you can do the work.
To be frank, I find it tougher to settling down here now compared to say ... year 2000. (dotcom/telco maybe)
The main concerns are:
1. Cost of living
2. Accommodation
3. The Strong Aussie dollar
4. Jobs (competition from eastern states & other migrants)
Perth is a more tolerant society and do not have to say Sorry too many times for your mistakes. Don't be stupid like the arrogant Koreans looking for perfection or looking down on others because they are "senior". It does not work here.
But certain industries here are crying out for qualified people. Something we do not see in 2000.
Hope other recent migrants can share to help those with jitters about settling here.
Moving here in May should be fine, it will be colder and the days will get shorter. We are having Exmouth type of strange weather this year, with high humidity, etc. But this is Perth weather, no mountains to protect us. Open to climate change. Al Nina effect.
Getting the Jitters:
1. Perth is full of migrants, the angmo person you talk to may turn out to be a Greek or Italian Australian.
2. Singaporeans are lucky, 15 years ago, it is hard to find decent asian food, now, you can get everything here, at a higher price. But if you earn Aussie $, it should be OK.
3. You are not alone. There are a number of services from govt to community based, that can offer help. You just have find them. (Eg True certified copies - can get it free from the Justice of the Peace at several police stations or legal aid)
4. Perth is build for dumb people. If you have seen the Migration Application Form, you know what I mean.
I have reached a point where I feel more jitters returning to stressful Singapore to visit than living here, esp when filling up forms. Living in laidback Perth makes me a bumpkin! (It is not like Sydney)
(Offensive to Malaysians) I think I will get more jitters if I need to settle in KL than Perth (I can scold very well in Bahasa). I can pay money to smoothen a lot of things, but not driving.
Hope this helps reduce your shakes of making the big move. The earthquake here (touch wood) do not go beyond 4.5 Richter scale, and much lower in Perth metro areas. A lot less frequent. So please don't get jitters
Singapore settlers think of getting another qualification as part of plans to settle down.
I think Singaporeans are already qualified to take on any jobs here. It is more important to learn to adapt. Put communication skills to practice.
Eg
- Forget about Singapore, you are in a very different country where things may not work - more inconvenient, so stop think how to do things the Singaporean way (well, at least until you are comfortable with Perth way of life)
- Observe how this place works. Eg when driving, drive like a Perth driver. How to survive with 100point ID Check, etc. And very soon, you will build up confidence.
- It is good to ask, but not all advice are good for you, esp from Singaporean migrants. I past by an Old Chang Kee outlet in a shopping centre near Curtin Uni. Should try one day
Unless your qualification is not recognised here, getting another qualification just make you feel better but I am not sure if it helps opening doors to employment. It is sometimes better to go to the campus and see their Employment Noticeboard for students/graduates.
Taking up another degree may be a waste of time because while you are studying, an Indian, Israel, Irish or Chinese migrant would have gained a job and looking out for the next opportunity. At the same time, having found a job means you qualify FASTER for rental, bank loan, etc (eg How long have you worked here?)
Also, people here are not paper qualification crazy so that extra degree may even harm your job prospects if the potential manager you report to has less qualifications. It is more important to show that you can do the work.
To be frank, I find it tougher to settling down here now compared to say ... year 2000. (dotcom/telco maybe)
The main concerns are:
1. Cost of living
2. Accommodation
3. The Strong Aussie dollar
4. Jobs (competition from eastern states & other migrants)
Perth is a more tolerant society and do not have to say Sorry too many times for your mistakes. Don't be stupid like the arrogant Koreans looking for perfection or looking down on others because they are "senior". It does not work here.
But certain industries here are crying out for qualified people. Something we do not see in 2000.
Hope other recent migrants can share to help those with jitters about settling here.
Moving here in May should be fine, it will be colder and the days will get shorter. We are having Exmouth type of strange weather this year, with high humidity, etc. But this is Perth weather, no mountains to protect us. Open to climate change. Al Nina effect.
Getting the Jitters:
1. Perth is full of migrants, the angmo person you talk to may turn out to be a Greek or Italian Australian.
2. Singaporeans are lucky, 15 years ago, it is hard to find decent asian food, now, you can get everything here, at a higher price. But if you earn Aussie $, it should be OK.
3. You are not alone. There are a number of services from govt to community based, that can offer help. You just have find them. (Eg True certified copies - can get it free from the Justice of the Peace at several police stations or legal aid)
4. Perth is build for dumb people. If you have seen the Migration Application Form, you know what I mean.
I have reached a point where I feel more jitters returning to stressful Singapore to visit than living here, esp when filling up forms. Living in laidback Perth makes me a bumpkin! (It is not like Sydney)
(Offensive to Malaysians) I think I will get more jitters if I need to settle in KL than Perth (I can scold very well in Bahasa). I can pay money to smoothen a lot of things, but not driving.
Hope this helps reduce your shakes of making the big move. The earthquake here (touch wood) do not go beyond 4.5 Richter scale, and much lower in Perth metro areas. A lot less frequent. So please don't get jitters
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