I applied for a job in Singapore
I graduate in May.
If you are in the same situation, this sentence probably frightens every brain cell you have. The fact that everyone asks what I am going to do after graduation doesn’t help at all. If you have the luxury to have graduated already—or if you just started college—lucky you! I am jealous.
I started researching companies, networking, cleaning up my Facebook profile, and all other things we are advised to do to get a job in this economy a long time ago. This winter break I was just checking what kind of jobs are out there. Just to get an idea. Then my mom asked: “Why are you so picky? Why don’t you apply for every job in your field that you can do?”
Dear Mom: I don’t want just any job in my field! I don’t want to work something just because I know how to do it! I don’t want to spend eight hours a day designing surveys and focus groups because I know how to do it. I don’t want to spend eight hours a day writing copy for resort brochures because I know how to do it. I don’t want to spend eight hours a day crunching numbers and trying to find out what percentage of people between eighteen and twenty-five buy frozen pizzas because I know how to do it. I don’t mind doing all these and other activities, but I can’t imagine doing only one of them every day, five days a week, fifty-two weeks a year.
I want a job that challenges me every day. I want a job that allows me to be creative. I want a job that is interesting. I want a job that makes me wake up in the morning and go to work with passion and desire. I want a job that makes me go to bed thinking, “that was a great day!” every night. I want a job that makes me happy!
A few days ago, I came across such a job. The job description was amazing. According to it, the job was interesting, challenging and required creativity. I researched the company and it turned out it was innovative and socially responsible. I knew I would be happy to have the job, so I applied. I applied for a job in Singapore.
Have I ever been in Singapore? No. Do I speak the language? No. Do I care? No.
All I care about is that I want a job that makes me happy for a company that is socially responsible. That’s it. I can sum up all my requirements in one sentence. I don’t need a job in a prestigious firm. I don’t need a job that pays me well (well I do, but it is not a major requirement). I don’t need a business car or any other perks. It doesn’t matter if the perfect job is in the USA, Bulgaria, UK, or Singapore. Borders won’t stop me. Applying for visas, getting work permissions, and navigating bureaucracy won’t stop me.
What do you think? Would you look for the perfect job in a foreign country? Would you move to a foreign country for a job?
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I don't think it matters where the job is. If it is the perfect job for you and it is for a company that has what you are looking for, I say go for it!
Addy – I've been where you've been, and I actually did end up taking a job in a foreign country (the US) after college (true, I came back to Canada and switched fields completely after a little over a year, but that's a different story).
Point is, I had two options, go to work for a mid-level law firm in Montreal, and probably die of boredom after researching the nuances of corporate governance law for 16 hours a day, or do something completely different. So, I took a job acting as immigration counsel & director of food services for a private company (I defy anyone to have a more eclectic job title than that).
I managed over a hundred people, learned American immigration visa policies, met Senators and Congressmen, learned how to fix refrigeration equipment, and learned more about business and management than any MBA could have taught me.
So, Addy, good luck with that job in Singapore. I hope you get it (even if it means no September birthday bash).
Addy – I love this post. I'm graduating this spring and looking at my options to move abroad as well. It can be overwhelming but I love the challenge. I'm conflicted at times on what I'm willing to sacrifice or give up to make the move. Should you turn down any job (career related) in this economy? Would I work at a job I'm not passionate about to get my foot in the door? I ask, how picky am I allowed to be? What is the difference between being too picky and unreasonable and weighing your options?
It's a lot to think about. Good luck with your search!
I'm probably the only person in the world who loves the job hunt. It's nothing but possibilities! Whichever one works out will change your life entirely. Isn't that exciting??
I would have LOVED to work abroad. If anything, that would be a plus. I spent a semester abroad traveling Europe and I yearn to do it again. Living in a foreign country completely changes your perspectives about things… especially as an American who hadn't been outside the Northeast region of America her whole life.
But then I got this amazing job in Boston that I'm loving every minute of… Can't complain! I do wish I had the time/money to travel more though.
I'm from Singapore. Would be lovely to have you come and work here in this tiny sunny island!
Agree with you. If I can't find a job that I can do day-in and day-out, I wouldn't mind looking elsewhere; be it a foreign country. There are quite a number of my friends that are doing this; the ones that are not, often quotes family as the top reason for holding them back to their country.
Oh by the way, Singapore's main language is English but due to diverse races we have here, the English language here is often chopped and mixed with other local languages; we call it Singlish.
Thanks for the encouragement Monique! Would you look for a job in a different country?
Adam, you have an inspirational story and I admire your courage to switch fields and dive into something new. I think you are lucky to find something you like so quickly (relatively). I know people in their 40s who hate their jobs. The good thing about our generation is that we are open to adventures, challenges and experiments. We want a job that makes us happy, not a job that pays well, although that is a plus. Hopefully, in a few months I will be telling you about how much I love my job, no matter where it is.
And no worries for the giant birthday bash! We will figure out something. Maybe we can get Coca-Cola or someone else to sponsor the entire TNGG gang to go to Singapore or Japan to explore the cultural differences. We can turn our birthday party into a giant research project
Hannah,
I've been thinking about these questions for so long now. Honestly, I still do not have answers. I believe that after studying for 4 years, I deserve a job that I would love. I deserve a job I would be passionate about. But, as you pointed out, the economy is not helping.
Of course, there is another set of questions: Will I successfully adapt to the culture? Am I really prepared for it? Will I make friends? Will I feel like an outsider all the time? Will I miss my family and friends too much? It is definitely not an easy decision.
Good luck with your job hunt! Let me know how it goes!
Christine,
I love your optimism! I don't hate the job hunt, but it is not something I enjoy much.
I agree that living in a foreign country completely changes the way you see the world, your own culture and yourself. You learn so many things, you appreciate the differences between cultures. As one of my professors says, you create a hybrid identity, which is great because you can adapt so easily to anything new afterward.
I am glad you love your job. Plus who wouldn't enjoy working with Edward?
Hi there,
That is so great to hear from someone in Singapore. Thanks for clarifying the language issues, makes me even more excited about it.
I agree that most people decide to stay in their home countries because of their families. I understand it because the family is our support system and to a huge degree we are who we are because of our families. On the other hand, I think that our generation, the Millennials, are much more open to the idea to work and study abroad. My parents would have never considered the option to move to a different country for a job. Me? I do not mind it. I even think it is exciting, especially if it provides me with the opportunity to get a job I like.
I would love to connect with you. You can find me on Twitter @addy_dren
It's the generation gap, agreed!
Sure, I've added you on my following list; mines's @omgzam
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