Can I survive on this offer?

[NYC]

Frankly, if the OP is from one of the best schools in the world, he would have gotten work at a top firm and not even think about Singapore.

so question - why here? I think even Shanghai would pay him more, if he really had the right skills, knowledge and qualifications.

$3,500 is what an auditor with a basic degree will earn after 2 years.

he IS being mugged.

[next job]

problem with getting next job in sg is that they will only give you a 10 or 20% increase based on your last salary.  yearly increrments are pathetic.

[atfc]

Hi,

From what I have seen on the blog I think I know the answer to this but I guess I need to nails in the coffin as for me it could almost be a dream job!

The offer is at an architectural firm, I have only a year of experience but have a master's degree and am studying for a PhD at one of the best schools in the world.

They have offered a 'local's' package of $3500pcm, they sort the visa, I am pretty sure they include insurance but NOTHING else (not even a flight!!!!)

Can I survive?


Thanks so much

Chris

it is a reasonable offer however it would be really nice if they throw in acoomodation solution for you. accomodation will drain almost half of your salary away.

[Be honest]

Hi,

From what I have seen on the blog I think I know the answer to this but I guess I need to nails in the coffin as for me it could almost be a dream job!

The offer is at an architectural firm, I have only a year of experience but have a master's degree and am studying for a PhD at one of the best schools in the world.

They have offered a 'local's' package of $3500pcm, they sort the visa, I am pretty sure they include insurance but NOTHING else (not even a flight!!!!)

Can I survive?


Thanks so much

Chris

it is a reasonable offer however it would be really nice if they throw in acoomodation solution for you. accomodation will drain almost half of your salary away.

It is NOT a reasonable offer, it is very low. SIngapore is a expensive place and if he has to live on that amount I feel sorry for him.

[few things]

I don't know on the offer but I'd ignore any advice here anyway.

You have a number of types of people.

Those is rubbish jobs who think you should also be paid rubbish.  This includes people like NYC who think managers with 15 years experience should be paid new grad wages just because he is a failure.

Those on a different planet for whom a full expat deal, schooling, home leave, club and 100k a month are hopeless.

Those who think they deserve extra money as they are from US/UK or elsewhere and sod the market rate they should get more as Singapore is expensive (tough luck, don't take the damn job then, it is worth  what it is worth irrespective of where you are from).

Lots of the advice comes from stay at home ladies who lunch who are generally completely clueless.

Rant over, most of the advice here though is utter guff.

As for your offer, you can live of it, it won't be much fun.  I have no idea whether it is fair or not.

[money ?]

Agree, fairness of the other is for you only to judge.

Moneywise, $3500 is technically sufficient to live here. You will be able to keep the housing low between 500 to 1000, depending on whether you share HDB or condo (anyway sharing is your only option, be it condo or HDB).
Food (public buses) and transportation (NTUC groceries & home cooking) can be kept low.
Beyond that, you should ask yourself a few questions: would this job enhance significantly your resume, what really matters to you in your life, seing the world (sorry for the cliche) or have an iPhone ? And of course, what kind of lifestyle you currently have & expect (partying, driking, good food, expensive hobby, travel...)...

I read again your OP now, you say it's your dream job? then go for it ! You are young (crap, I'm 38 and speak like my father , go for it, worst case scenario it fails, and so what ? you go back home and start again in 6 months-1 year, what's the big deal ?
[that said, if this move prevent you from pursuing your PhD, that's another story]

[NMS1]

One thing we tend to forget to mention in such situations is that a "local contract" has many more implications than simply financial.  If the company are paying on local terms it is highly likely that their corporate culture is more suited to employing a local.  That would have a huge impact on your daily life and I think that the level of frustration would be enormous!  All too often a small company will take an expat for what was initially intended to be a local position because they believe that a Foreign Talent will add prestige.  In real terms, however, they have not thought through how they will integrate practices or manage expectations.  This sounds like one of those cases in which case you should avoid it.

I think there is a difference between a local company and an MNC offering local packages. Our company has very few foreigners on expat packages - nearly all of us are local meaning no flights, no accommodation, no school fees etc. We may be paid slightly about market rate but that's it.

[Fugly]

In a word yes! you need to be careful of your definition of survivel though. one third of your wage will go on rent. if you are not so mad about asian food groceries will cost you alot, i'm here with my boyfriend and our weekly shop of non asian food costs us about $200 weekly. don't get me wrong we like the local food i just can't cook the stuff. foodcourts are fantastic you can eat a meal for about $5. drink is a rip off. i'm too bitter to talk about it so look it up! taxi's are cheap most trips are short and costs you about 5 to 10 dollars. mrt Metro amazing. goes all over and only costs a dollar or 2. the plus side is that the weather is free and it's hot hot hot all year round.   

[NYC]

Those is rubbish jobs who think you should also be paid rubbish.  This includes people like NYC who think managers with 15 years experience should be paid new grad wages just because he is a failure.

I'll be frank with you, so don't take it the wrong way,

I probably pay more taxes than you make in a year.
 
 

[Bloe]

Of course, but you have maybe 20 years of professional experience. The OP is only a starter. Maybe you don't remember any more, but starters-salaries are generally not so high. First you have to prove yourself, and build a good reputation/network. Only then you have a chance to increase your salary

[to nyc]

Doubt it peasant.

[with pp]

Given the idiocy of most of the posts from nyc I doubt he pays tax at all, the "advice" to the it guy on another thread is a prime example.

[wake up]

we pay two of our stormen more than that.

You will be in a local company working with some serious muppets - Guaranteed.

[vader28]

With only 1 year of work experience, it is pretty much nothing....treat it as an investment in your own career. i.e like a paid post graduate degree course. U can start negoatiating for a higher salary after 2 years. Count yourself fortunate to have a job in today's competitive market because there are alot of good ppl out there looking for work. Its better to get a decent job with a market rate salary than get a higher pay with lousy exp...at the end of the day, future employers will hire you for your experience and skills. Unless u just want to come to Singapore for a work holiday to bum around and check out the local SPGs, then sure, go for a higher salary to fund your clubbing expenses. Think longer term not short term. Ignore the comment of how much they pay clerks etc...coz clerks and admin staffers unfortunately do not have much skills that they could leverage further in the long term compared to a profesional like yourself.

[Lots of]

good contributions to this thread, no matter what your opinion may be.

Unfortunately, the OP, as is often the case, has not bothered to post a reply since the first post more than a month ago.

Don't bother guys.