Freaking Out

[Layla]

My partner and i are looking at coming to Singapore after he was offered a really great job, i have been told that it would be almost impossible for me to get a work permit in Singapore.  We have no kids and im wondering what women who would be following there hubbies do over there to stop themselves going insane from bordom and lack of purpose.  I really want to feel like im doing something with my days and am a productive part in the world maybe not by working but doing something other than cleaning the house, checking out the country etc.  I would really appriciate some ideas since although i think coming to Singapore would be a great thing to do and heaps of fun i dont want to end up not coping and breaking up (i get the feeling thats not uncommon for expats)

[kat]

I have been travelling with my partner for nearly 3 years and this is our 4th posting.  I have worked in each country.  While it is difficult to get full-time employment, if you can provide a skill that is not common in Singapore (eg. European languages) or that is a shortage here, you would be able to get an employment pass.  If you are married, you would get a dependent's pass and could work part-time with no probs at all.  Have you considered voluntary work? Studying? Freelance work from your home country?  I agree that the prospect of not being occupied, especially if your partner works long hours like most expats, is scary but take your time to settle in and then start looking.  Singapore is really one of the easiest places in the world to be an expat and there is plenty to keep yourself busy!

[Rudesing]

I'm a dependence pass holder (as a wife of a EP holder) and had little problems getting myself a job (p/t, marketing, expat company).  

However I didn't work for the first three months I got was here.  Of course I got bored sometimes and felt useless, but I also made some great friends, learnt some new things and helped some people.  There are  tonnes of classes, coffee mornings, expat gatherings, voluntary opportunities and of course writing on message ***!

The trick is to:
a)  be proactive: you have to make an effort to make friends and do things you wouldn't normally do
b) Realise you will have days where you hate S'pore and your bloke for making you come over here.  BUT you'll also have days where you'll love it.

Good luck!

[marie]

If you have a college degree as well as even just a little work experience, you shouldn't have any problem finding a job, although the economy isn't making things very easy right now. I followed my husband here and ended up getting my own employment pass, independent of my husband's. However, if you're not married and don't have a college degree, it may be a bit tough. Good luck.

[Job]

Rudesing,

Could you tell little a bit more about how did you find your job?

Would be really interested in hearing about that.

[Caroline]

If you are married then getting the right to work is really easy. (Dependents Pass + Letter of Consent).
You can even open up your own company as a dependent - (more than your husband can do with his EP (Employment Pass).

The only difficulty is in whether you have any skills to sell.

What do you do now? What are you qualified to do? What would you LOVE to do?

Certainly there are loads of jobs in some specialised sectors. In fact if you are an SAP Plant Maintenance specialist, I can get you a job at S$1500 per day tomorrow!

[Layla]

Thanks all for your help !

In response, I have not completed any degrees and i knew when i started looking at whether i could work that this was my main downfall, its seems that unlike Aus it is you qualifications not you experiance that gets you the job.  It just goes to show how different countries have different protocol.

I guess if i could pick any job, my priorities have changed in the last year (i have been in marketing, customer service and IT) and i would much rather work with people or im a real animal lover so something in that direction would be great.

Someone mentioned Volunteers over there because if i could not work then this is one of the options that i would love to pursue?

Thanks again for all you help, i have noticed over the last week or so checking on this web site that the expats here are interested in helping new people come in its one of the things that keeps me excited about the move  

[Horses]

As an animal lover, you might love to contribute for the "Riding for Disabled". I think that is completely volunteer based. This is just one example.

[safo]

Dear Layla

I am in the same position as you. My husband was posted here from HK (we are originally from UK) and I followed, leaving behind a great job as a legal PA which I had been doing for 5.5 years.

I have taken my time settling in, getting the dog trained, looking for a maid etc,
etc.  I am now feeling reading to get a job and am not sure where to start.

I have over 10 years' experience, but do not have a degree which worries me a little as they put so much emphasis on it here.  

I heard the same thing as you before I arrived,that it would be hard to get work, but I also heard from others that as long as you have your DP, it can be quite easy.  I am going to start looking for a job and may sign up with some employment agencies... if they are any good I will let you know.

Anyway, feel free to Email me when you get here if you want any advice etc.  sammark@singnet.com.sg   If you are going to check out the Riding for the Disabled, let me know - I live right by the stables.

Regards

[volunteering]

I believe that the SPCA is always looking for volunteers.  Both ANZA and AWA have lists of organizations that are looking for volunteers. I also suggest reading Robin Pascoe's book "Culture Shock - for wives".  She provides some really good insights into the life that you are about to embark on and how you can adjust to the changes whether you are able to work or not.