So As To Achieve Happiness

"Learn to value yourself, which means: to fight for your happiness."

-Ayn Rand

I love my country. I really do. There is a sense of pride when people ask me where I’m from. I have nothing but fond memories growing up in this “the little engine that could” of a city state. There are many nooks and crannies waiting to be explored, filled with history and forgotten memories. The food, the culture and our people. I love Singapore.

I’m also frustrated with Singapore. Despite the early years of development, we are virtually at a standstill at things that matter most to its citizens. The socio-political scene is left to be desired (the 2011 GE is a small positive step) and the civil servants are only interested in doing the bare minimum; They are contented to collect salary every month and not rock the boat. Maintain the status quo, y’all. To be fair, I’m sure there are decent ones, but experience has shown me that when the system is as corrupt as there are, it’s tough for one or two decent people to break the mould.  One bad egg spoils the basket but alas the opposite is not true in most cases.

It’s also tough to ilk out a living in Singapore. What we common folk do is merely surviving. And this is from someone who is single with near zero responsibilities. No little mouths to feed and no mortgage to pay. But I crave what most people in my age group (single people yo, not young married couples) wants the most: Independence.

In a few days, I’ll be 31. THIRTY FREAKING ONE. And I literally can’t buy a flat because I’m single. In the meantime 25 year olds who probably can’t afford to pay off their down payment are free to buy any apartment they want. And the best part? They can buy new flats. Even when I’m eligible at 35, I’m stuck with second hands flats. Why the slight HDB? Am I not a citizen too? I may not be popping out babies but I matter too. I pay my taxes and contribute to society. Why? Because I love my country. So why does my country not love me back? 

One word. Nepotism. You can try to deny it but it’s there. And just to be clear, I place family values right up there with saving puppies and feeding orphans. But we need to move with the times. There are more singles out there and the government just doesn’t seem to accept that trend. Repopulate! Replace the older generation! Well, when I’m trying to survive here, the last thing I want to do in this stifling environment is to mate. True Story.

Which brings me to the job prospects in Singapore. I remember getting excited in the early 2000s when news of the government pouring in millions of dollars to boost the creative industry. The awesome Esplanade was just about done, promising more opportunities for the locals to dip their feet in the creative arts. This is it, I thought to myself. What luck! Finally a chance to immerse myself in the industry I’m passionate about.

I leaped in faith and found myself in Australia for 2 years, studying in creative industries. Towards the end of my studies, my friends started asking me if I’m applying for PR, to which I smugly say no. Why would I want to stay here and be a second class citizen? Besides I’m going back to Singapore and work in the arts. Millions of dollars to cultivate the creative and arts industry. We are booming y’all. I’m going back to my Motherland people! *tear*

Needless to say, I was in for a rude shock. On hindsight, I was naïve and failed to be shrewd when it comes to trusting everything the government says. Case in point: Old School. You cannot say you want to promote the arts and get our citizens to be entrepreneurs and then shut down the creative hub for a tidy profit. YOU JUST DON’T.  When I came back in 2007, there are foreigners no matter where you look. Jobs are not hard to find. If you want to work in dead end jobs, you’ll have your pick for sure. But I did not study abroad to do that. I did what I could; I emailed resumes to MICA, NAC, Esplanade. Constantly. But no deal. 

Singapore is too small and to be honest government departments hire and promote internally. And experience. It’s that whole vicious cycle. You have to work to gain experience and you need experience to get a job. I’m frustrated because I honestly felt that I’m an asset. I say this with no cockiness and blown up ego. I’ve real work experience (just not 5 years lah, dude cut me some slack can?) and try to stay relevant in the line of work I’m pursuing. But no one wants me. 

So I did what most people who have the chance to do, would. I’ve decided to migrate. I did my research and asked the right people on how to go about leaving the place I once called home.” It’s no big deal”, I tell myself. I’m a citizen of the world, I go where the wind blows. You can see I’m trying to be zen about it.

The main motivation is the job prospects and the cost of living. Who cares if I meet racist Australians there or I’m treated as second class citizen? At least I know why if I'm poorly treated there as oppose to, you know, here. And I’ll be paid better too.

Recently life took an unexpected turn and I found myself potentially finally getting my dream job. I was ecstatic to say the least.  God really heard me and shown me a path that was so astonishing, I’m grateful and humbled all at the same time.

If all goes well, I’ll still be here for the next 5-6 years. But immigration is not off the table just yet. I understand that things won’t change overnight (Still, I expect better results for 2016 GE) but I still have my life to live and aspirations to fulfill. I won’t give up boosting the local arts scene if I can. I am proud that I was born and bred in this tropical island, warts and all. I still am. But when the opportunity presents itself for me to work/live overseas, I’ll take it.