When is the right time to go? ...
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It's really odd.
Previously, I wanted to work overseas because I couldn't tolerate the working conditions locally and I couldn't envision the idea of myself staying put in the same job with the same organisation for longer than necessary, as stipulated by my bond.
However, lately, I think and feel differently about this issue.
I now feel that I can actually see myself working in my current environment and somehow, adapting to it and carving a niche for myself. I've also been wondering if I might be leaving too soon because there's just so much for me to learn in my new workplace.
Then again, something tells me that when your primary reasons for leaving aren't so much the 'Push-Pull' factors ('Push' factors = disadvantageous signs that 'push' one towards migration; 'Pull' factors = the attractive things about the target country that 'pulls' one towards it), therefore meaning that you aren't escaping anything here nor having unrealistic expectations and hopes of the destination, but rather, they are reasons like career development and planning, it means that you are more or less ready to leave, and with the 'right' mindset.
Would appreciate advice, comments and if you're a Singaporean who chose to work overseas, I'd really love to hear from you.
Thanks in advance! 
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i dont mind working overseas....
the experience... -
Oh yeah, it broadens your horizons, and opens up your mind.Originally posted by laurence82:i dont mind working overseas....
the experience...
However, there are 'certain forumites' here who claim to be working or have worked overseas who do not exhibit the open-mindedness you would expect from one with the aforesaid experience.
That's kinda like pearls wasted on swines! 
Lau, when you stand on the threshold of actually flying off, there are so many emotions that just rise to the surface.
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Where the money goes, there I will be Plus you get to travel and go new places...
In my previous work attachment, my collegue's superior told me that the overseas experience was enjoyable for the first 1 or 2 years then she starts craving for Singapore... odd since the main reason she wanted travelling/overseas experience was that shes sick of the work culture in singapore...
Then there are some who once left and never turned back..
So its up to individual I guess.. -
I feel the same way before I came over here. And my parents were reluctant to let me go, and kept persuading me to not accept this offer to study here until the very last minute...
But I am glad I stick with my decision, because my 4 year experience here has indeed help me to see things in a different way, thru a different perspective. It also makes me realize that there are many kinda people in this world, and we do not live alone on Earth. There are many differences in culture, in language, etc...
I wud say go, even when your heart is reluctant at first. I think you will not regret it ever
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Hey there, DG! So late but you're still up? Studying, ah?Originally posted by DriftingGuy:Where the money goes, there I will be Plus you get to travel and go new places...
In my previous work attachment, my collegue's superior told me that the overseas experience was enjoyable for the first 1 or 2 years then she starts craving for Singapore... odd since the main reason she wanted travelling/overseas experience was that shes sick of the work culture in singapore...
Then there are some who once left and never turned back..
So its up to individual I guess..
It seems that there are more and more Singaporeans who are venturing out to work overseas. Interesting, isn't it? -
besides, mabbe its the kampung thingie in me, i'll ike to work in the region, like LBB here...Originally posted by Rhonda:Oh yeah, it broadens your horizons, and opens up your mind.
However, there are 'certain forumites' here who claim to be working or have worked overseas who do not exhibit the open-mindedness you would expect from one with the aforesaid experience. That's kinda like pearls wasted on swines!
Lau, when you stand on the threshold of actually flying off, there are so many emotions that just rise to the surface.
sometimes, its the less hectic lifestyle, the cultural difference is a good challenge too.. -
Hi there, rainee!Originally posted by rainee:I feel the same way before I came over here. And my parents were reluctant to let me go, and kept persuading me to not accept this offer to study here until the very last minute...
But I am glad I stick with my decision, because my 4 year experience here has indeed help me to see things in a different way, thru a different perspective. It also makes me realize that there are many kinda people in this world, and we do not live alone on Earth. There are many differences in culture, in language, etc...
I wud say go, even when your heart is reluctant at first. I think you will not regret it ever
Are you a Malaysian? I feel Malaysians working here really do enjoy the best of both worlds.
It's a good thing that you've turned an overseas working stint into a positive experience. It's so easy to succumb to blaming others, criticising, being unhappy, etc.
Don't think I'll regret my decision. I guess it's just that as the day slowly inches nearer, the anxiety and excitement makes my mind work on overdrive! -
lol I am a Malaysian...but am currently in US...but I think I might be moving to Spore cos my ai ai is there...Originally posted by Rhonda:Hi there, rainee!
Are you a Malaysian? I feel Malaysians working here really do enjoy the best of both worlds.
It's a good thing that you've turned an overseas working stint into a positive experience. It's so easy to succumb to blaming others, criticising, being unhappy, etc.
Don't think I'll regret my decision. I guess it's just that as the day slowly inches nearer, the anxiety and excitement makes my mind work on overdrive! -
Wow... very well-travelled.Originally posted by rainee:lol I am a Malaysian...but am currently in US...but I think I might be moving to Spore cos my ai ai is there... -
Nah, I haven't been doing much of travelling recently, prolly cost of financial constraints and also no time...I used to travel more around US during my freshmen and sophomore year, but after that, it just dwindles...Originally posted by Rhonda:Wow... very well-travelled.
Really hope to go somewhere again soon...I have got the itch to travel again, esp during winter...
But the worse thing is my parents dun really allow me to travel over here...
So if I want to, I would have to sort of lie to them...
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Just some purely random thoughts:Originally posted by Rhonda:Would appreciate advice, comments and if you're a Singaporean who chose to work overseas, I'd really love to hear from you. Thanks in advance!
Could it be that you are experiencing some "pre-departure jitters" and are trying to rationalize not going through with your emigration plans?
If that is the case, it would seem perfectly normal. After all, you are leaving everything you know--everything that is comfortable and familiar--behind. You are leaving the proverbial "comfort zone" to go live in an environment that is initially foreign to you. It is this fear of the unknown that might be causing you to have second thoughts.
Keep in mind that you have already researched the potential for career development in your field, and have come to the conclusion that the prospects for advancement are greater overseas. Will this scenario be any different if you elect at the last minute to remain in Singapore? Will you then spend the rest of your life in Singapore regretting that you didn't go through with your plan to emigrate?
Besides, you're going to Australia, which is essentially just a hop, skip and jump from Singapore, so you'll be getting the best of both worlds: a better life in a country with greater personal freedoms, and proximity to your homeland. -
Ah, MG... you've hit the nail right on the head!
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for me, the right time to leave is when I get too comfortable with my job which is something I failed to realise until someone mentioned that to me when I was in first job.
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Becoming staid and stagnant is not a good thing, yeah.Originally posted by kaobeikaobu:for me, the right time to leave is when I get too comfortable with my job which is something I failed to realise until someone mentioned that to me when I was in first job.
However, there are times in your life when you would relish having a predictable, routing, uneventful job. For instance, when you're taking up night classes, or you've just had a baby. In times like those, work no longer becomes a priority! -
yessssss!!!!!! One of my colleagues has a 3 year-old son who is an almost direct 'duplicate version' of his dad. Looks, behaviour....Whenever his son is gona do something funny, I would go 'Hey, keep an eye on your clone'Originally posted by Rhonda:Becoming staid and stagnant is not a good thing, yeah.
However, there are times in your life when you would relish having a predictable, routing, uneventful job. For instance, when you're taking up night classes, or you've just had a baby. In times like those, work no longer becomes a priority!
Really envy of my colleague when he happily chatter away about his hyper-active son. -
Rhonda.........what you are feeling is normal, natural. I think maybe most if not all of us feel this way as DDD draws near.
I agree with DG, rainee and MG.
Just do it and give it your best shot. The world is now a global village. There is no "The End" or "This is it". You can always move, re-locate, blah, blah, blah.
It is not a matter of making a decision and then wondering if it was right or if we will regret or if we will make it. It's a matter of living it. Experience your new world. Get enriched by it. There may/will be some adjustments but all the more, it builds us.
You know you have ALL our blessings and best wishes. Look forward and remember to pack your sambals.
All the very best, Rhonda..... -
if for me.. i would just take up the challenge and go oversea.
For me i am like some of the ppl here, sick of the working style in sg.
But for some of my friends was like afraid they are unable to take the challenges oversea, from work to lifestyle and not forgetting family ties..
Maybe we are just overly pamper by the system and sheltered enviornment of sg govt providing...
anyway take up the challenges when we are still young.
Paint dreams with colors... -
Thanks, littlestream! I know you'll be rooting for me.
Maybe, when I go, I should keep a blog, or create a website to put up photos and document my adventures! Time to put those rusty HTML skills to good use again! -
Hi Rhonda, I think it's natural to feel the way you do... I experienced this as well... just when I was coming to Sydney, and most recently, when I changed job. Reluctant to leave my 'comfort zone'. But sometimes, we have to step out of the box to see the bigger picture, experience more that life (God) has to offer us, meet new people / new cultures! I think you'll not regret moving here, and sooner is always better than later All the best, don't worry too much, as God will smooth the path for you! When it's time to go, He'll let you know
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People always think the pasture on the other side is greener,most of the time its dryer over there. Came back from aus,work for a couple of months there and nvr felt more fortunate to make the decision to come back sg.Tell me how different u think aus gonna be? more relax,ppls friendlier over there,more opportunity?In the end, u will find out that if u wanna succeed in your career,its back to the rat race except that this time the rat race u r in are full of white one. I still encourged ppls to go try out o/sea but dun made decision too fast.U will nvr be first class citizen o/sea no matter how u try coz of the simple fact that u r not born there. u will alway be like the bangadashs in sg, always look upon with distains but tolerated if u r lucky.
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the hardest part to give up is fff..food,family,friends..
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Well, you will always kinda of think back when the time comes say migrate or change job... You may think what you might have done might be wrong or better...
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My mom asked me this question, "What makes you think that your working life would be better there?"Originally posted by nopulseisgood:People always think the pasture on the other side is greener,most of the time its dryer over there. Came back from aus,work for a couple of months there and nvr felt more fortunate to make the decision to come back sg.Tell me how different u think aus gonna be? more relax,ppls friendlier over there,more opportunity?In the end, u will find out that if u wanna succeed in your career,its back to the rat race except that this time the rat race u r in are full of white one. I still encourged ppls to go try out o/sea but dun made decision too fast.U will nvr be first class citizen o/sea no matter how u try coz of the simple fact that u r not born there. u will alway be like the bangadashs in sg, always look upon with distains but tolerated if u r lucky.
My answer, "It won't be! There'll most likely still be the same shit and worse, I'm a foreigner! But one thing is for certain, I'll get paid much much more than I do over here, and I can finally get to further my studies."
Main reasons why I'm leaving, $$$ and career development plans.
Sounds like you didn't have a good experience working there. Well, one man's meat is another man's poison.
And, as long as you consciously choose not to be part of the rat race, you can succeed on your own terms. Not easy, but do-able. -
When you're overseas as a foreigner, I guess whatever happens, positive or not so positive, it will still be an experience. And there is still the choice to come back. Whereas if you don't do it, never try, you'll never know...and may live to regret not trying later.