Hi Gilbert

Indeed, there is much physical and intellectual space to enjoy and explore in a bigger and richer country. It is like being born of or adopted by wealthy parents.    
 
Nevertheless, life is not a bed of roses overseas. One must definitely have reserves accumulated to tie over initial start up period and be prepared to take up any job that comes along, work hard & smart according to the local rules and customs, and endure various forms of discrimination. It is not uncommon to work midnight and weekend shifts in Australia, UK or USA especially if your line of work and schedule demands that.

It’s better to keep options open & retain Singapore citizenship if authorities do not query. 

Recently, a friend became a victim of restructuring. Several divisions in the Sydney based MNC were made redundant. Despite having an engineering degree & MBA from a top Australian university, it would be difficult for him to find another job that pays half as well for anyone who is pass 40. The replacement are “foreign talents” – work has been outsourced to India. International competition is a reality and way of life whether or not they are in close proximity or connected electronically.
 
There’s also mortgage repayment to worry about. Even though houses are cheaper, an average suburban family home costs AUD 1 million. The cost of children’s education is another big expense.
 
Counting our blessings.   

Sally (name changed)

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