I am going to add my 2 cents to this thread, pero instead of Singapore, Taiwan ako.
Back story, I worked in Taiwan for about 8 years, for a MNC and puwede na mag apply to become a citizen, and Single at the time.
Anyway, when I first contemplated moving or migrating, I was still in Pinas. I was working for an MNC, but lived with my parents and didn't pay rent or contributed. Still, what I earned wasn't enough. I thought, when I grow old, how will I survive? I have no kids and I do not want to rely on my niece or anyone else. I had to think of a long-term plan. And so, I compared the big 3, US, Canada, and Australia.
US, I had family there and plenty of work in my field. BUT... I felt that there was too much crime there and it was too materialistic. So I scratched it off my list.
Canada, I had family there as well BUT...not a lot of work in my field.
AU, plenty of work in my field BUT...no family there.
I looked and did my research and found that Australia has a good quality of life and they their priority is family. So I decided to apply to migrate there.
Na delay ako several years as I worked in Taiwan for the same company in Pinas, and because I was relocated, I had good salary, good pay, lifestyle was good and low tax.
But I still wanted to move to Australia. Finally, I had to pray. I asked God what His plans for me were. I had 2 options then, file for migration to AU or stay and file for Taiwan citizenship.
His answer was AU. So I did.
When I moved here, I could NOT find a job in my field. It was really frustrating. From working in the tech industry with salary bonuses, a lot of perks, and so near the Philippines that I went home about 4-5 times a year, here I was, unable to find work, or found work as cashier in Woolies.
My parents could NOT understand my decision.
Anyway, fast forward 2 years and I finally got a job in my field, even if its just junior. Been in this company for more than a year now so its been ok.
I still sometimes look back on that job that paid a bit more, Government health plans were way better than there and I had way less tax and less bills to pay. I was able to save a lot more then. But the way I look at this, I am here long-term.
I know that if I stay here, I will be able to provide for myself when I am old. I know that I can work 2 jobs (I still work as a cashier at woolies casually) and save even more.
Though, maybe, it is also because I am in Canberra where life is a lot less stressful than Sydney or Melbourne.
I see the trees and the lakes and the parks everyday and it makes me smile.
I see the sunset or the sunrise and it makes me smile.
These are something I could not see in Taiwan or Pinas, as they were full of skyscrapers.
These are life's little pleasures, and I love it.
PS. Sorry kung ang haba 🙂