Singaporean family migrated to Sydney and regretted the move
Post Published: 10 April 2018
Author: admin
Found in section: Highlights, Latest Articles
Describe a little about yourself e.g. name, citizenship history (if any), educational background, work experiences.
My name is Hutch and I am a Singaporean female with Australian permanent residency. I previously studied in an Australian university and am now working in the education sector in customer service.
Where are you living now and why do you choose that location?
Am now living in Sydney, we chose that location as we have family here.
What are the general challenges faced in living overseas? (Housing, Food, Languages, Culture, Weather, Discrimination, Transportation, Schools, Community, etc…)
Initially it was work as we didn’t have much work experience in Australia. But given patience and time, we were able to succeed. Transportation was hard to get used to (cost wise as well as frequency of public transport) as we have it so much better in Singapore… transport is cheaper and buses and trains come by much quicker… And without any strikes or industrial action too!
Did your family moved with you and if so, how is your family coping? Are they happy or do they want to move back to Singapore?
We are quite happy working here, but would like to eventually move back to Singapore if given the opportunity.
Was it difficult to get jobs while staying abroad? Describe your job search experience and how different it is from Singapore.
Here, it is more about WHO you know rather than WHAT you know, which seems a bit unfair at times. In Singapore it is more about your qualifications and what you know, that gets you the job.
Was the work culture similar or different than Singapore? Describe the working culture, expectations and conditions.
People are generally nice and helpful here in the workplace. However they can be rather narrow-minded in their way of thinking. The work culture is good though… there is the work life balance here in some companies which seems to be lacking in some companies in Singapore.
What precious lessons did you learn from living overseas?
Lots! Getting along and respecting other cultures and their beliefs, budgeting for the family, learning more about networking in order to survive in the working world here are some of the lessons I’ve learnt.
What are your reasons for wanting to move overseas to work, live, study and/or migrate?
Better quality of life.
At this point, would you want to return to Singapore eventually or prefer to settle down in your new place permanently?
Yes would like to return to Singapore.
What are your regrets till date and will you do it again if given a choice?
Regret coming here in a way, as we would’ve earned a lot more if we had stayed in Singapore, in our respective industries. Also regret not spending enough time with elderly parents who are back in Singapore. Time is fleeting… spend time with your family before it’s too late!
What is your advice for Singaporeans aspiring to live, work, study or migrate overseas?
Keep an open mind and do remember to network, network, network!
What could possibly compel you to permanently return to Singapore?
Family.
Post Published: 10 April 2018
Author: admin
Found in section: Highlights, Latest Articles
Describe a little about yourself e.g. name, citizenship history (if any), educational background, work experiences.
My name is Hutch and I am a Singaporean female with Australian permanent residency. I previously studied in an Australian university and am now working in the education sector in customer service.
Where are you living now and why do you choose that location?
Am now living in Sydney, we chose that location as we have family here.
What are the general challenges faced in living overseas? (Housing, Food, Languages, Culture, Weather, Discrimination, Transportation, Schools, Community, etc…)
Initially it was work as we didn’t have much work experience in Australia. But given patience and time, we were able to succeed. Transportation was hard to get used to (cost wise as well as frequency of public transport) as we have it so much better in Singapore… transport is cheaper and buses and trains come by much quicker… And without any strikes or industrial action too!
Did your family moved with you and if so, how is your family coping? Are they happy or do they want to move back to Singapore?
We are quite happy working here, but would like to eventually move back to Singapore if given the opportunity.
Was it difficult to get jobs while staying abroad? Describe your job search experience and how different it is from Singapore.
Here, it is more about WHO you know rather than WHAT you know, which seems a bit unfair at times. In Singapore it is more about your qualifications and what you know, that gets you the job.
Was the work culture similar or different than Singapore? Describe the working culture, expectations and conditions.
People are generally nice and helpful here in the workplace. However they can be rather narrow-minded in their way of thinking. The work culture is good though… there is the work life balance here in some companies which seems to be lacking in some companies in Singapore.
What precious lessons did you learn from living overseas?
Lots! Getting along and respecting other cultures and their beliefs, budgeting for the family, learning more about networking in order to survive in the working world here are some of the lessons I’ve learnt.
What are your reasons for wanting to move overseas to work, live, study and/or migrate?
Better quality of life.
At this point, would you want to return to Singapore eventually or prefer to settle down in your new place permanently?
Yes would like to return to Singapore.
What are your regrets till date and will you do it again if given a choice?
Regret coming here in a way, as we would’ve earned a lot more if we had stayed in Singapore, in our respective industries. Also regret not spending enough time with elderly parents who are back in Singapore. Time is fleeting… spend time with your family before it’s too late!
What is your advice for Singaporeans aspiring to live, work, study or migrate overseas?
Keep an open mind and do remember to network, network, network!
What could possibly compel you to permanently return to Singapore?
Family.
