About 4 months ago, a web development company in Singapore offered me a position to work with their team as a web designer. It took me 2 months to think about it and to finally accept it. So last Nov. 16, they sent out my application form for the S pass. S pass is basically a work permit for foreign workers. And today, my employer surprised me with a call saying that my S pass has been approved.
The Ministry of Singapore is strict in the eligibility of foreign workers. I didn’t expect it’s possible for me at all. I didn’t finish my college, I don’t have any work experience in any company, I don’t have any credential at all. All I have is my design portfolio. But these guys trusted my skill, my talent. They sponsored me to be able to work in Singapore. It’s just awesome! Very much appreciated!
I’ve always wanted to work in a web dev company in Manila just to experience what it’s like. I remember I also had an offer from one of the biggest web dev in the Philippines. But I had to turn it down because salaries here in the Philippines ranges from 10,000-25,000 pesos only (about 200-500 USD). It’s just not enough for my expenses.
While others resign from their jobs and switch to freelancing. I went the other way around. It is true that you’ll earn more in freelancing given that you have good contacts and know how to sell your service well. In freelancing, you are your own boss, wake up later, do the job later, no traffic, no pressure, big paycheck. Simply awesome! But ofcourse you have to discipline yourself too. But it’s really usually like that :P.
Why I decided to be a 9-5 employee instead is simply because I think this will be a great opportunity to grow. Sometimes we have to leave our comfort zone to grow. This will be my first time to be away, not just away but thousand miles away, from home and from parents. I’m very dependent on them and I hope my stay in Singapore will teach me more in life. One more thing that excites me is to actually live in Singapore all by myself. I don’t have any friends or relatives in Singapore. I’m interested to know what their culture’s like. Another reason is because I really want to work with people who shares the same passion as me. I want to learn from them, I want to share my knowledge and passion with them, and just have fun and enjoy work with them.
I’m really excited and hugely nervous too about this whole thing. Scary — but liberating. Can’t wait to start.
Technorati Tags: Singapore job, Singapore web design
16 responses so far
Samuel Faith says:
Dec 15, 2007 at 2:18 am
Ah.. Luc! What a coincidence! I am going to Singapore in coming mid Feb for studies in Marketing major. I think we can arrange for a meet-up by then!
And congratulations on your new job appointment!
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year, Luc!
Sam
(P.S: Luc, if you want to know anything about living in Singapore, please just send an email to me or a PM in Facebook. I would be delighted to share you what I know)
Luc says:
Dec 15, 2007 at 8:53 am
We’ll see :) Thanks Sam!
kath says:
Dec 15, 2007 at 10:52 am
wow congrats on that. what you said is true about freelancing. i know someone like that who left his job and is now successful in his freelance work, and im thinking of the same too. though right now im planning to go and work in SG too next year jsut dont know wat job to take hehe. im currently in software q.a but i like other IT fields too. hmmmm
Luc says:
Dec 15, 2007 at 12:42 pm
Thanks Kath! Good luck to you whatever your decision will be. But you know what, if I were to choose between freelancing and being an employee. I’d still choose to freelance. But this opportunity came, so I just have to grab it and see where it takes me. :)
Samuel Faith says:
Dec 16, 2007 at 1:09 am
Same here Luc. I am also a freelancer though I have two intern XHTML coders under me. The reason I am going to Singapore is to pursue Marketing degree, and even when I start a career, I will choose marketing and management related. Web design is what I love to do but I guess I will do as a freelancer or start a tiny web design agency on my own, just like you do!
But I am not strong in design like you, Luc. Keep up the good work, girl!
Sam
vinay says:
Jan 4, 2008 at 2:09 pm
Congrats Luc. I am from singapore, also a freelance webdesigner. Do you mind telling me what company is it? and how much are they offering you, in salary ;)?
Luc says:
Jan 4, 2008 at 4:59 pm
Haha sorry I’d rather not disclose that on public ^_^
Joyce says:
Jan 6, 2008 at 9:00 pm
Oh My , Your very talented.. saw your folio on Weevox luv it.. Your better than other creative Director I know. Steeg…Luc rox! :-P
Luc says:
Jan 7, 2008 at 7:20 am
^_^ Thank you tenkyu! Love your photos too! If I wasn’t a web designer, I want to be a photographer, just like you ^_^
jokay says:
Jan 8, 2008 at 7:48 am
WOW! I want to become like you ^^ IDOL ^^
Luc says:
Jan 15, 2008 at 6:54 pm
Thanks jokay ^_^
vijay says:
Jan 16, 2008 at 12:44 am
Congrats, and hope u love it…
arif says:
Jan 23, 2008 at 9:04 am
congcrat Luc…i love ur spirit to succed..GBU
an2net says:
Feb 18, 2008 at 2:39 pm
Congrats, Luc!
Hope things go well.
One of the good things in SG is that you get to have a full salary every end of the month. Tax payment comes on a fiscal year. As a foreigner you are to pay 15% at the start and start going down from there. Perks I guess? :P
Be prepared to allot some cash for your living expenses. Rents here are getting really high. And the system here is if you are to get a new place you are required to pay one month advance and deposit. Plus agents fee which is usually 50% if your rent is for 1 year or less.
Goodluck goodluck!
visalakshi says:
Dec 9, 2008 at 5:37 pm
hi,
i m visalakshi from india. i m a web designer. congrats for ur job. and it is good to see ur portfolio and ur projects. i m interested to work in singapore as a web designer. can i get some suggestions from u regarding that.
looking forward to hear through mail.
wishing u a merry christmas.
bye.. take care….
Luc says:
Dec 14, 2008 at 10:53 am
hi visalakshi,
You can try searching at http://www.jobsdb.com
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