Looking for similar experiences
Posted by penguin_melt@reddit | expats | View on Reddit | 3 comments
Asian-american here in a long-term LDR with a Singaporean. Been lurking here for a while now, and I see so many cautionary tales about culture shock and isolation, even with a loving partner close by.
However, I’m still looking to move to Singapore this year. I’ve visited almost yearly since 2018, and have a circle of friends there I’ve known longer than my partner. I haven’t found many success stories mirroring my situation, so anything of the like would be appreciated!
I’m still not excited about quitting my current job to move. In an ideal world, I’d have something lined up, but Singapore is notoriously difficult to find work in as a foreigner, meaning my best option would be to get LTVP+PLOC and start job hunting upon moving.
In the meantime, I’d be living with my partner and her family, and most likely working whatever jobs I can find. Does anyone else here have any experience resuming their career after a short (or long!) pause due to moving abroad?
spot_removal@reddit
My wife had issues working with me in Doha due to her passport/visa situation and went from career woman to stay at home wife. The isolation has been absolutely killing her. The social circles are largely build through your professional relationships or through kids/school, which we dont have.
I had a six month period in Thailand during covid where I didnt work and I was pretty much isolated too, which I didnt mind personally because I'm not super social.
Singapore has high cost of living. No fun on one salary. Get a job before you move. 100%.
CheeseWheels38@reddit
You plan on living with her family? Long term? Have you spent significant amounts of time living with them already?
To be honest, that sounds kind a recipe for disaster.
penguin_melt@reddit (OP)
Each time I’ve visited my partner, I’ve stayed with her family over the 2-3 weeks to save on hotel costs. Of course, vacationing is different from day to day life but we are all pretty low maintenance so I think a year or so is bearable to help save up for a house.