Hi Gilbert
I came across your website about a month ago and I liked it a lot. I am kind of saddened about the situation here. I was in Dubai for 5 years and returned last October. I was very positive then and by reading news and keeping updated from friends , I thought Singapore has imporved on jobs availabilities and wages.
I came back last October and started work not long through a friend’s recommendation. But I could not last long, I wouldn’t say the company is bad but too much politics. I got my heart pierced now as I thought it will easy to find a job after I left Far East. I went back to Dubai to promote Mary Kay skin care in Dubai in March for a month. It is not too bad but I do not know how to carry on as after all I had left Emirates and no longer hold a resident visa.
Honestly the reason I was back is because my step mother passed away 3 years ago and my dad is alone. Otherwise I am sure my mum would not want me to be back. I am not sure if there is something wrong with me. But I always have difficulties finding a suitable work since graduated from Singapore Polytechnic. Then I continued my studies in Australia . I still faced the same problem back then and that was the reason I moved to Dubai.
I am not picky with work, but do you think i should get pay less than 2 K? I am just asking for a minimum wage so I can live comfortably and enough. I have a car which I bought for my sales jobs before and have been keeping it for 8 years now. In Dubai, I would not say I was paid highly but it was enough. Accomodation and bills were paid by the company. And i take home, no cpf about 3K and I can still sent home money for my parents and to pay car installment.
I am not happy here and I never like Singapore since 12 years old. I guess I don’t enjoy my school and childhood here. And I am not adjusting well with the populated place. Gilbert can you please have a look at my resume and tell me if there is something wrong. I do not want to live my life like this. As I am single and not married, with the coming age of 40 in 5 years time, isn’t it going to be tougher here? I need a job desperately.
Your advice and help is greatly appreciated.
Alice
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Hi Alice
Thanks for your mail and sorry to hear about your difficult job transition.
Its true that many Singaporeans find it difficult to adjust back to reality back home after spending massive time staying and working abroad.
I faced the same problem when I stayed in Sydney for a while and it took me 3-4 months to re adjust my expectations.
I have saw your resume and it is impressive – can I forward it to two employers looking for marketing position?
One is in the IT industry and the other with the oil and gas.
Do you have difficulty returning to Dubai which I guess pays you handsomely compared to Singapore which still pays third world salaries unless you are in the very nice sector like banking and scholarly positions.
My fear is that even if you land a job here you may always be comparing the work conditions with the one we have here – which is still very third world of course.
I also seek your permission to post this mail on my blog without disclosing your name and resume. No one will know that the writer is you.
Hopefully, your story will encourage others going through similar difficult transitioning phase.
Take care and let me know.
Cheers. We are here for you.
Thanks & Warmest Regards,
Gilbert Goh
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Dear Gilbert
It is really nice to hear from you and it makes me feel comfortable about letting out. It is a bit difficult to get back to Dubai now after leaving, and honestly Dubai pay is not very high but the reason I am able to make do is there is no CPF and my cash on hand every month is about 3000. It is more than enough as I don’t spend much as well over in Dubai compare to Singapore.
I will not compare about the work conditions here and Dubai. I am pretty adaptable and I learn things fast. My problem is I need to meet more people and I like networking. Then i will take one step first and move on to another platform. I do agree only the banking pays well but they are doing retrenchment now in most foreign banks.
Honestly I have a couple of friends who works in the bank and are very rich. Some has never live abroad before so I reckon our thinkings are very different. Most Singaporeans and friends will tell me this is how it works in the country , what to do. ren mi in chinese.
And I have to agree that many people here is suffering from mental health issues. As I am brought up pretty well, I guess I am also used to the the government policies. We never ask for help or money Most students i know are taking up part time work to supplement their allowances.
Thanks Gilbert for forwarding my resumes. I am ok with it. Meantime I am also going to forward my resume to Company A for other roles. Please do so to post my email on your website. I am more than willing to help people. Please also let me know if there is anything i can be of help. It is a good cause for what your doing and may god bless you.
Alice
Hi there, you are not alone. Since 2011, after a Bangkok assignment, I have been searching for a job in Sgp and is still searching for one.
As you have plenty of experience in sales & marketing and used to meeting lots of strangers and convincing them to be your clients etc. You can consider doing property sales/rentals. You can also maximise the use of your car to help generate earnings, as car is an expensive expense in S’pore.
S’pore property still got another couple good years, before the tsunami of completed HDB flats and condos start hitting the market in 2014 onwards. But this industry still depend a lot on luck and win-win/unselfish mentors. Not just hardwork and legwork. Don’t hesitate to jump from 1 agency manager to another if you sense he/she not suitable for you.