Part time work in finance...is it available?

[lemondrops]

I apologise in advance if this has been done to death, but I was wondering whether it would be possible to find part time work in finance in Singapore?  I currently work in a boutique investment banking firm in Dubai and ever since I had my DD a little over two years ago I have moved to a part time/flexible hours working arrangement. Given the trend in the market at the time, this arrangement worked well for both myself and my employer.  However, I am well aware that my particular case is rather the exception and not the rule, particularly in the finance industry.

We now expect to move to SG sometime early next year as my DH is moving within the company.  We are also expecting our second child shortly so I am not yet ready to return to work full time.

Now I know this may be difficult given the nature and competitiveness of the finance industry, but I would ideally like to find a similar working arrangement in SG.  I have asked a few people who have lived in SG and they recommended wealth management, but my background is in private equity and corporate financial advisory.  I am not a UK/US national but have an MBA from a reputable university from the US.  I am not trying to see if I can find a job through this post, just want to know if it is possible for someone with my background and experience to find such a job, or would this be rather difficult in a place like SG?

Apologies if I've posted too many details and thanks in advance.

[will be tough]

A lot of banks tout their flexible working set ups. They do actually allow it as well.

But.....

From what I have seen it is usually existing employees who negotiate this, not new hires.  Hence I think it will be tough.

I know some of the big 4 accountancy firms do this though and do have depts other than audit where your background could be relevant. Pay however isn't so good.

[agree with PP]

It does seem that part time work is available but priority is given to existing employees.  However, depending on your skill set, you may be able to get the same deal - get yourself a headhunter and see how it goes from there.

[lemondrops]

A lot of banks tout their flexible working set ups. They do actually allow it as well.

But.....

From what I have seen it is usually existing employees who negotiate this, not new hires.  Hence I think it will be tough.

I know some of the big 4 accountancy firms do this though and do have depts other than audit where your background could be relevant. Pay however isn't so good.

Thanks for this.  My DH works for an international bank... maybe he can ask around there to see if there's any interest... although I doubt it.  Alternatively I've worked for a big four in advisory (transaction services).  Not really looking at the pay package..obviously it needs to be worth my while... I'm just more interested in keeping my resume relevant at this point until such time that I'm ready to return to work full time.

[lemondrops]

It does seem that part time work is available but priority is given to existing employees.  However, depending on your skill set, you may be able to get the same deal - get yourself a headhunter and see how it goes from there.

Thanks.  Looks like the way to go would be to talk to a few headhunters once we arrive in SG.