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| Walpole Inlet |
For almost 2 years, I have been writing a short account of my feelings about Perth every consecutive month. Such an entry was usually done on every 17th which was the day I made the big leap. After that, I stopped doing so for such a long time, a friend pointed out I got my 'number of months' wrong when I finally resumed the practice. As usual, I couldn't be bother to correct it. Only just yesterday I received a comment on one very old post from a Grammar Nazi who claimed it was painful for he or she to make it past the first paragraph of that post. Interestingly, the no-lifer obviously did, because he or she bothered to correct my expressions beyond the first paragraph. I would have respect that if his or her eyes bleed after struggling through the first paragraph and royally fucked off from the site forever as assumed but that didn't happen. So while such folks expect a quick correction by an embarrassed blogger, all they would get is a mid finger salute.
If I were to seek perfection, there would be easily 50% less posts on the blog due to the time used on editing. It isn't that I write for the sake of writing, choosing quantity over quality. Substance is never a consideration when I started the blog. It has always been about penning what was on my mind at the point in time and will probably remain as so such that the content will not be diluted or altered by time. In that way, I will be able to look at myself through the passage of time. To me, that is the most meaningful way of keeping time journals. As such, most blog posts sounds as thoughts by a normal human being - not a editorial or report. If anyone think their thoughts in perfect grammar and sentence structure with flawless expressions, I will like to meet him.
TT sent me a screenshot and reminded me that I had lived my 1000th day in Perth a week ago or so. That worked out to be 33 months today. That is a very long time to be away from Singapore. I know I sound like a broken record but I'll to say this again. I am surprised I last that long.
Before I embarked on this adventure, we had no grand plans to 'settle down' or 'make it big' in Perth. I was sick of being sick in Singapore and I saw my pregnant wife working till 2am and told me, 'No choice,' because 'in audit it's like dat.' So I showed her what was a choice. The choice to let it go, to quit, to live. So we left without a plan. Please don't mistaken that as a gungho statement. My intention was to spend 2 years in Perth so that we will be eligible to 'renew' our PR then go back to Singapore to resume our lives. That would buy us another 5 years to decide or prepare if we want to make a move to Australia for good.
I remembered telling Jen, "We don't have to make any money. So long as we 'break even' our daily expenses with money earn from fruit picking or whatever jobs I could land myself, it'll do." We thought that at worst, it would be an expensive no-pay honeymoon. After two years, I will then bring my family back to Singapore with tail behind my legs, well prepared with answers for friends such as, "Australia is racist," or "Tax is too high."
Our unexpected pregnancy threw my blueprint straight into the gutter. Having a child has been a life-changing event. Not only the arrival of Albany changed the way we live and move around, it changed our perspectives towards many things and made us behave as a strange and irrational manner. They call this species parents. As parents, we are no longer as mobile as before and have the tendency to settle where we are, building a nest out of animal instinct. For now, I couldn't be sure if the original 2 year plan is permanently shelved.
Although I was told that Perth is one of the best place in the world to raise a child, I come across Singaporeans parents contemplating a return to Singapore so that their children can receive 'an education.' Another good friend of my family will be returning by the end of Spring. In reality, there is nothing permanent about permanent residency. Sometimes, the borders are just in the minds. In fact, a visitor named Johari even encouraged me to do a trilogy of Singapore, Malaysia and Australia like he did. I cannot say that isn't possible in future if I could figure out some sources of borderless income.
There are a lot of new thoughts on Perth but I don't feel like dragging the post. Maybe I'll share them on the 34th month if I could get my fat ass moving then.
Congratulations on almost 3rd year in Aust, it be a painful 3 - 4 years before I can get there. It be really great to have a coffee with you in Perth when it happens :)
ReplyDeleteI had wished my children should have the Australian primary school education (for creativity), Singaporean secondary school/ JC (for background preparation and minimise boy-girl distraction) and back to Oz for University education.
ReplyDeleteBut that can be too disruptive for both children and parents.....
BTW
ReplyDeleteAudit IS like that (super long hours as new graduate in Big 4) in AU or SG for that matter, although in AU probably dont have 2 am knockoff time, maybe 10 -11 pm. But NO OT pay. (lawyer new grad also similar)
http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/2054800
The Best NIX you can do for Albany is try to see PM or Home Minister directly during" Meet the People Session" just head on with them directly on their plan policy of 6.9 million population. Explain to them in great clarity the great mistake,by genuinely unaware of the requirements need of parents in registering Albany at Singapore embassy abroad during certain period after birth..
ReplyDeleteI know What I'm talking about, I did faced the same situations as you, as my son was born in Malaysia ,ICA rejected my application as to registered my son dual citizenship till his 21 birthday to decides as Malaysian or Singaporean.. I'll leave to him to decides, as my part as parent I'm done.
Thus to have Singapore Dual citizenship .I was even given the second interview date by senior ICA after my pleads, but the truth its their just Wayang in entertaining me and told me its all about Singapore' policy blah, blah, when the result letter did come, True enough, rejection letter .come with decorum policy statement.
I'm in the same situations of your nix ,frustration,anger and confusion as yours. Maybe I was fortunate ,in desperations ,my mind did flying wandering what's my next step should be! As parents I do understand your agony ,Instantly,ideas did come out of my desperation, To see My MP ,I was lucky maybe, at that time was Mr Wong Kang Seng ,The GRC of Bishan-Toa Payoh as the Home Minister.
At " Meet The People Session" in meeting him. I told him everything about my dire situations and told him directly, that I had never voted the PAP all my life, telling him I'm prepare myself, register as PAP grass-root volunteer in this coming election if he can support my application, if my memory were right, we are about to have G.E. on that particular year. He wrote a powerful Letter directly to ICA director ,asking him to reconsider the ICA rejection.
True enough my surprise the Director letter address to me and cc to Mr Wong Kan Seng record,, ICA letter did come with Approval has been granted. Asking me to prepare with 1K bank draft bond, address to him.
Nick If you really want to see the ICA Letter of rejection letter sent to me and Approval letter from ICA Director just let me know, I m prepare to copy and send to you, as your motivation for Albany.
Don't give up your hope Nix,While she still tender age of hope.
Thanks Johari for sharing your experience. I don't think I will appeal if our application is rejected. I don't wish to beg anyone and I don't expect anyone to beg me either. That'll be the end of my relationship with Singapore if so.
DeleteJoin the grassroot because I want to get Singapore citizenship for my daughter (which is her birthright)? Over my dead body.
Dear Nix,
DeleteI do agree & respect your principle on Citizenship matters, but pertaining on my situations back in 1999 and where my son born 2001 in Kuantan Malaysia. That happened ,when i took up a Job offered
I was offered lucrative 7 years expatriate contract package from Kuantan Port as Harbour's Pilot, which they lacking and requires that position immediately. The package includes with a sea front-view 7,000Sq ft Bungalow . My Wife is very excited on this offered, as she see this as her opportunity, she has been waiting for, as to further her teaching career in foreign University.
At that time M.O.E are very supportive with encouragement to all teaching staff to do their career's advancement at University by providing them with unpaid leave, half pay leave e.t.c even for sabbatical .
My Son arrived in 2001,after 2 years ,we are in Kuantan, we all ,really enjoys our stay in Kuantan, It's can be seems as a paradise, where the famous MED Club situated, they just our next door , As experimenting as new parents our excitement are preoccupied with our son arrival, maid blah, blah, and plus our busy schedule, Without our knowledge the one year time ,gone & lapsed to register our son birth in KL Singapore Embassy had passed, we ain't know about this requirements .We always thought,both as Singapore parents can registered for his passport in KL Singapore embassy later when our terms expired in Malaysia.
We unaware to lose offspring Citizenship status if the birth in foreign land is not registered in stipulated time period.
I believes there are Many citizens like us unaware about the policy below as ours policy has never been about transparency.
The register application has to be submitted within one year of the child's birth. Otherwise, a letter of explanation and additional documents are required for the late submission.
Ours is almost 3 years lapsed.
An overseas-born minor (child) MAY BE eligible for Singapore Citizenship by Descent under Article 122(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of Singapore, if his/her parents meet any of the following conditions:
Male Singapore citizen by Birth who has a lawful marriage at time of minor's birth
Male Singapore citizen by Registration who has a lawful marriage at time of minor's birth and minor does not acquire citizenship of the country he was born by reason of his birth in that country
Female Singapore citizen by Birth and minor born on or after 15 May 2004
Female Singapore citizen by Registration and minor born on or after 15 May 2004. Minor shall not acquire citizenship of the country he was born by reason of his birth in that country
Male (who has a lawful marriage at time of minor's birth) or Female Singapore citizen by Descent has to declare their residence period in Singapore. The application can only be accepted if the parent fulfils the requirements stipulated in the Annex.
With regards of grass-root matters , please don't get me wrong, I was never a registered PAP grass-root member .I'm only offers my service as Volunteers to my own constituency Grass -Root activity, I still do remember, they're asking for my assists , just for 3 occasions .All those, in helping them, to setup and dismantle the Tables and Chairs for their function.
That's all what I did, It's Not a bad deal for me at all, for my ignorance and the price in redeems my self for the past big mistakes that i 've made.
Thanks for sharing Johari. Unfortunately, I'm not a talent, just a very average man on the street. I am the type who should be happy if I am offered a job - a expat package is unimaginable. As such, my ability to move around countries is limited by both opportunities and financial means.
DeletePersonally, I am relaxed over ICA's decision. If they grant it, good. If they don't, I'll just say goodbye to Singapore, since my daughter is regarded as foreigner to Singapore.
Congratulations. Firstly, going back to sg after two years as pr in oz will mean losing all unemployment entitlements. Secondly, sg employers (including under GIC/TH) are reluctant to employ someone above 35 and married due to costs relating to workmen compensation and others. They prefer foreigners over locals.
ReplyDeleteHi ViH,
DeleteSome truth you're saying, the Rat race of FTs currently in Singapore, As citizen be patience don't be easily intimidated by these FTs. Fighting back what's yours.
The Stupid garmen now start feels the heat of their action. 2016 is D-Day for them now.
After 2016, believe should be better for Singaporean.
Many Infrastructure, specially New MRT line doubling up,2018 JB-Woodland MRT be ready.
The massive Jam be reduce definitely.
Many Singaporean Families reside in JB these few years back. Many are looking for Singaporean with MPV cars to ferry their kids to school vice-versa. or working adult.
You can earn 8 k per month by doing that.
Sure or not, 8k per month. Got lobang? I go do it
DeleteHi Nix,
DeleteI happened had a conversation with a local man doing that service Singapore-JB- route, in one of coffee shop in woodland area ,after sending my Wife and Kid to Singapore. He's asking me whether I'm interested to ferry some students from his source request. Frankly, I did turned him down as I didn't want any additional responsibility.
He's a Singaporean family man living in JB, and working in Singapore, they bought a terrace house in according to him, the first thing,a "Must Do List' is searching for a transport service before moving to JB for his 2 schooling kids ,that still studying in Singapore.
He never thought the difficulty until he face on. The famous yellow Malaysian Van service traditionally that plying between Singapore & JB are all fully booked and many parents with kids studying in Singapore struggling are still on their waiting list. even though its very taxing for the kids, to wake up as early 4.00 am as their services starts to collects all his passenger. They charge RM 800-1 k for their service a month can fits in 10-12 students a van depending the area you're living .Many parents searching for private arrangement service for this purpose.
For my Case, I'm driving Malaysia's Car leaving our home in Gelang -Patah at 5.am daily by using 2 link and, returning home by cause-way free flow out, If not I just spend the day time sleeping at my sister home in woodland till late afternoon to fetch back my family home.
I spent $24 dollar a day for VEP charge Mon-Fri but worth its than using expensive Singapore's car,we always arriving Singapore at 5.30 am daily for our break-fast .Both my wife and son never being late for their schools.
Hi Nix,
DeleteI happened had a conversation with a local man doing that service Singapore-JB- route, in one of coffee shop in woodland area ,after sending my Wife and Kid to Singapore. He's asking me whether I'm interested to ferry some students from his source request. Frankly, I did turned him down as I didn't want any additional responsibility.
He's a Singaporean family man living in JB, and working in Singapore, they bought a terrace house in according to him, the first thing,a "Must Do List' is searching for a transport service before moving to JB for his 2 schooling kids ,that still studying in Singapore.
He never thought the difficulty until he face on. The famous yellow Malaysian Van service traditionally that plying between Singapore & JB are all fully booked and many parents with kids studying in Singapore struggling are still on their waiting list. even though its very taxing for the kids, to wake up as early 4.00 am as their services starts to collects all his passenger. They charge RM 800-1 k for their service a month can fits in 10-12 students a van depending the area you're living .Many parents searching for private arrangement service for this purpose.
For my Case, I'm driving Malaysia's Car leaving our home in Gelang -Patah at 5.am daily by using 2 link and, returning home by cause-way free flow out, If not I just spend the day time sleeping at my sister home in woodland till late afternoon to fetch back my family home.
I spent $24 dollar a day for VEP charge Mon-Fri but worth its than using expensive Singapore's car,we always arriving Singapore at 5.30 am daily for our break-fast .Both my wife and son never being late for their schools.
Usually by 0630 am I'm back in JB after sending my family ,If i'm not strays around in Singapore.
DeleteYou even can go ferrying the 2nd trips for Singaporean Working Adults to Singapore for their morning shift. .
He mentioned to you can get even more than 8 K ,If you're willing to work hard enough to ferry 2nd and 3 Rd shift workers to Singapore vice versa.
This what being told to me by that man I had met before, so the $8 K more than realistic figure,as he told me get a new Malaysian Van instead of using my Malaysian car for this purpose.
For my knowledge it makes a lots of sense.
Johari
DeleteUr 8k a month is in SGD after $24 x 20 weekday deducted ? How much you think ERP cost will be?
Way, maybe worthwhile become private school bus man if I ever want to go back and live in landed ppty in JB
XYZ,
DeleteI just explain to Nick about how about the $8 K possible,
Regards to $20 for VEP each day deducted by using registered Autopass -Card for Malaysian vehicle only, and $4.40 toll charges.
Singapore Car don't have to pay $20,just slot in for toll charge with normal cash-card, when you out from Singapore, that $4 .40 charge in-fact for the Tolls, $3.20 charge for 2nd link , $1.20 charge for causeway .
No ERP involves as my journey are within Woodland Area, Most JB residents either work or Schooling around this Area.
XYZ , I don't earn 8K, I'm semi-retired, spending my past-time just investing small time shares...heheh, Im only ferry my family.
Nix, your initial plan of working in OZ for 2 years and subsequently working in SG for 5 years sounds interesting.
ReplyDeleteGuess Nix wanted to test water at the same time earn the RRV before making a permanent decision that's fair enough. However, who knows family circumstances changed and have to change his plan.
Delete