Modern-day jobs have seen a marked rise in the number of women employees in the workforce, and many of these women are leaving no stone unturned in proving their mettle in the professional arena. Married or single, women no longer hesitate in travelling across countries for official assignments.
However, all this globe-trotting is not devoid of challenges. Whether you are moving to Singapore on your own or with your family, it makes sense to mentally prepare yourself for the road ahead.
When it comes down to brass tacks, what is life like for women expats here? What are the good things about living in Singapore and the not-so-good ones? More importantly, if you are looking to move to Singapore, what should you expect? Read on to find out.
(Image credit: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/48/Computer_industry_entrepreneur_workshop.jpg)
A Safe and Organised City
Safety is of paramount concern to women who are relocating to a new environment, especially if they are relocating alone. Singapore happens to be the safest country in Asia and among the safest in the world. It also offers the best quality of living in Asia. This is according to the 2011 Mercer Survey on Quality of Living.
It also prides itself in a low crime rate. Women can move around the city, even late at night, without fear. This is reassuring for those who work late hours, enjoy partying, or are relocating with young daughters.
On the flip side though, the laws are very strict. However, it is the strict implementation of these laws that keeps the city safe for everybody.
However, it should be kept in mind that all the governmental safety measures do not replace the need for women to watch out for themselves. Women expats should be careful in general.
Singapore is also one of those places which are very easy to navigate and figure out for foreigners. Everything is very orderly – the layout of the city, the roads, the queues for taxis, or the public transport. You will gain a much better understanding of the place within just a few days of your arrival.
Related Reading » Expat’s Guide in Singapore
Level-Playing Field
Ambitious women will love this city. If you are moving here for work purposes, you will be glad to know that Singapore is an ideal place to work or do business in, for men and women. The laws and opportunities here are equal for all. At no point will your gender or nationality be a hindrance to your career prospects in Singapore.
However, as referred to in a previous post, the local talent pool is competitive. So there is no room for complacency.
Support System
Singapore has a lively social scene and since people from world over have made this country their home, we find a number of nation-specific clubs, associations, and meeting places for expats of similar backgrounds to be a part of. Whether you are British, American, Australian, Canadian, German or Belgian, you will find a club or association meant exclusively for your compatriots.
In fact, there are all kinds of expat groups in Singapore — groups for expat women, for expat wives, expat professionals, etc. It’s a matter of looking around and trying a few to find your own best fit(s).
These groups and clubs are a great starting point for newly-arrived foreigners in Singapore; you meet new people and start to get to know the country better. You can also share your problems and queries with the people you meet at these clubs and learn from their experience and expertise.
Related Reading » Why Moms are the Best Entrepreneurs
An Eclectic Dating Scene
(Image credit: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e0/Dancing_after_Masters_of_Lindy_Hop_and_Tap_2009_07.jpg)
The singles scene in Singapore is a reflection of the larger society – multicultural and cosmopolitan. However, as with everything else in Singapore, the dating scene is competitive, too, for some expat women (as professed by their own selves on certain dating websites). But that isn’t unlike the matters in any big global city such as NYC or London. The main difference being that Westerners are a minority here, and typically the problems faced by minorities abroad are the ones faced by the Westerners in Singapore. Not always the exact same problems, but similar.
Your personal dating preferences play a role too. If you are someone who prefers to stick with a man of your own cultural background, then, of course, the dating pool available to you in Singapore will be a lot smaller than if you were open to all backgrounds.
All the trials and heartache involved in finding love in Singapore have been covered in detail on many dating forums and websites. Though these are subjective experiences and not hard and fast truths, it doesn’t hurt having a read. In any case, it’s a heads up and yet another reminder of what to expect and what not to expect when living in Singapore.
Conclusion
In the end we would like to emphasize that it is very important for you to be very clear in your mind about why you are moving to Singapore. What do you want this move to bring to your life in terms of career success, business and relationships?
The clearer you are about your own reasons and motives, and the sounder your research about the destination you are heading to, the better prepared you will be to make the transition required and enjoy your time here.
Research all aspects of living in Singapore beforehand. Read up on the blogs related to the topic (there are several) to learn how day-to-day life feels for expat women in this city state. It may take some effort getting used to it, but for the open minded new age woman, Singapore is a great place to be.
Related Reading » Why Choose Singapore for Business
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