Singapore expat- no life!
Posted by Budget-Grade-8530@reddit | expats | View on Reddit | 22 comments
Singapore expat from India, when I see my friends own a car and house in USA, UK and European countries I feel jealous. The hard work, talent is same but different results. Here in Singapore it is rat race, salary goes for maintaining the lifestyle and in the end we have nothing for ourselves. Still the same public transportation and rental houses, life feels stagnant.
Top-Half7224@reddit
How exactly does a car = life?
For most people a big car and house = a lot of debt.
Budget-Grade-8530@reddit (OP)
Having a car in home country and depending on public transportation and cabs in a foreign country is very inconvenient. Like especially with kids, school drop offs, pick ups, hospital visits are a bit easier when I use a car. As a couple we didn’t have to think about this before but having a baby our perspective has changed
kulukster@reddit
Don't compare yourself to others. They might have their own issues which they are not sharing with you. House upkeep, cold weather, traffic, etc. I know several people personally who would give their eye teeth to move to Singapore, partly because the grass is always greener
demostenes_arm@reddit
The problem for OP is that since the 2010s the chances for Indians to get permanent residence or citizenship in Singapore have fallen dramatically.
The US, UK and European countries are far from perfect countries, but at least you are generally guaranteed to get PR or citizenship if you work in the country legally for so many years.
Hairless_Gash@reddit
Indeed.
I will say there is a better ratio of immigrant success in the US, but OP mentions all of his acquaintances everywhere are doing better, which is probably just venting.
Individual-Button492@reddit
There's a reason why they call it the rat race lol
I think we have all been so programmed to earn, earn, earn that we forgot about enjoying life, it's normally the simple things that bring about the most joy, maybe something to think about when planning your next move or staying where you are
WideNeighborhood8167@reddit
Maybe get a remote job and go to Malasyia, there is better and cheaper
Budget-Grade-8530@reddit (OP)
Got a remote job and moved back to India for now.
ItsReemAlBlahBlahDee@reddit
Hey how did you get a remote job?
Budget-Grade-8530@reddit (OP)
Not completely remote, work from office for 3days a month and still have to rent a place as per rules.
Competitive-Leg-962@reddit
Deal with your jealously rather than with circumstances. Nobody is forcing you to invest in whatever lifestyle you seem to think is necessary.
Bomboclaat_Babylon@reddit
I lived in Singapore for 10 years. I left because I can't stand it there. I had the same reservations about leaving as you probably do. The belief that you're still somehow winning, and eventually you will get onto a $400k package. So you grind. And you save very little even though you're earning well. And you deal with douchebags that can only speak in corporate speak. And you have no life. But again, gotta stick with it, don't I?
I'd say leave. You can make less money and save more in other places. You can have more real opportunities in other places. It's just not true that Singapore is the ultimate vehicle for success in Asia. If you leave, it'll be stressful, but soon enough you'll forget about the career aspects and genuinely enjoy your life. Don't let them suck the life out of you.
Impossible-Garage536@reddit
Wru now
demostenes_arm@reddit
I mean, at least until 2021, it was much easier to get a visa in Singapore than in the USA, UK and EU. This may be in fact the reason that you are in Singapore and not back in India or other countries.
I don’t mind people using this sub to complain, but frankly, I think you should focus on how to make your life better and to appreciate what you already have rather than comparing yourself with other or imagining alternative timelines.
IvanThePohBear@reddit
then go back to India
Not as if Singaporean love you guys
Budget-Grade-8530@reddit (OP)
Already moved back. Just regretting for losing our youth there.
sushiriceonly@reddit
Singaporean here. You don’t have to buy into the rat race. Do what makes you happy and don’t bother about keeping up appearances for others. The person putting the most pressure on you is yourself.
HungryUnholyNun@reddit
Ok... So is the point of this post to just complain?
Budget-Grade-8530@reddit (OP)
Unfortunately, yes🥲I wanted to rant.
HungryUnholyNun@reddit
Just want you to know bro, you have the freedom to choose what you do in your situation. You may be locked into your job and limited financially by what you can and can't have in comparison to others. But.... You can also choose to expand your social circle, go to events and meet ups, work out, go to parks, develop new interests and hobbies. Its what you want it to be 🙏🏼
Tawptuan@reddit
And that’s OK. Don’t knock it.
Half of Reddit is a rant, and we accept it. Nice to have a forum to do so. 👍
Upper-Net2709@reddit
Dude, no need to gatekeep, no one's gonna come there and make it competitive.