My dream is to work in Singapore. I blurted out recklessly in front of my relatives, not caring what they think of it. I'll be earning 100,000 pesos per month there. That's 6.25 times than my current salary. They listened politely, smiled and said okay.
At the office, I kept hearing news of friends vacationing in Singapore and how prosperous and awesome that island-city is. I've never traveled outside the country before so I treasure everything I hear, setting up a vision board in the recesses of my heart, dreaming that one day I will be able to set foot in Southeast Asia's Lion City.
I remember waiting for my colleagues at SM Cebu's parking lot one night after a company dinner, I close my eyes and envisioned myself in Singapore. I was really in there. I imagined it green, clean, rich. This is before social media is huge. So procuring mental images is what I've got.
Not long after, I vacationed to Singapore-Malaysia on a weekend for 3 days. I know, it's crazy a schedule! A year after, I move to the Lion City.
At the office, I kept hearing news of friends vacationing in Singapore and how prosperous and awesome that island-city is. I've never traveled outside the country before so I treasure everything I hear, setting up a vision board in the recesses of my heart, dreaming that one day I will be able to set foot in Southeast Asia's Lion City.
I remember waiting for my colleagues at SM Cebu's parking lot one night after a company dinner, I close my eyes and envisioned myself in Singapore. I was really in there. I imagined it green, clean, rich. This is before social media is huge. So procuring mental images is what I've got.
Not long after, I vacationed to Singapore-Malaysia on a weekend for 3 days. I know, it's crazy a schedule! A year after, I move to the Lion City.
Finding Work in Singapore
I took a huge risk to come here. I resigned from my job and saved up 3 months of my salary to survive for a month. I was on a race with time; I had to find work asap in that one-month time frame else I'll have to go home. I know of friends who haven't had success with their job applications. I was saddened by their news; I understand how it all felt.Also, I had help from a then-boyfriend; he arrived first to find a job and place and help cover my food expenses but rent, airfare, and bus and train fares are mine. I was also able to apply for one month's visa extension since I wasn't able to find a job in the first month. Thankfully, I had success in the second.
There are no guarantees in each step of the process. Even if a company hires you, there's a chance the government won't approve your work visa. Before they could, they'll have to check the percentage of foreigners working in that company compared to the number of locals. Singapore is Singaporeans first and I highly admire them for that.
The work visa is only good for 1-2 years. It's nerve-wracking every time renewal time comes; there are lots of prayer requests in my husband's small church group every time a work visa is applied or renewed.
It has been 3 years since I work and moved to Singapore. Tears have been shed. Smiles shared. My broken heart mended. Joy restored. Singapore will always have a special place in my heart. It was once a dream that has turned into reality.
Many times, we take for granted the things we enjoy in our now; we are so used to it thinking, It will always be there anyway. But I do believe that it's nice to stop once in a while and appreciate the beauty you enjoy in your present, it's is a gift, for as long as you still have the opportunity to do so.
Many times, we take for granted the things we enjoy in our now; we are so used to it thinking, It will always be there anyway. But I do believe that it's nice to stop once in a while and appreciate the beauty you enjoy in your present, it's is a gift, for as long as you still have the opportunity to do so.