Since 2008, My husband has been working in Singapore. It was hard, because it was a first for us to be far away from each other. But we have to accept because that is life. And to be able to survive, all of us should sacrifice.
I was a working mom then, at a bank. And I decided to resign. So that I too can go to Singapore, be with my husband and look for a job.
So in the same year, I flew to Singapore. It was a heartbreaking experience. Especially to me, because of my son, He's only 2 years old that time. I was crying my eyes out. But I have to take the risk and find a good job. Our plan is to have a stable life there and after we'll get our baby so that we can all be together.
But it wasn't as easy as I thought. At that time, it was the recession period. Kaunting trabaho lamang ang available to foreigners, like us Filipinos.
On my first day, My husband has to work. So, I just familiarize myself to the neighborhood. I went to Shengshiong (Grocery store) bought some food and newspaper, better to start browsing. And of course, I called my mother and kinumusta ko ang baby ko kahit hindi niya ako kinakausap sa phone, just to hear him I felt happy. And kinda sad because I miss him so much.
On my second day, I ask my husband to tour me around. We went to places, by train. I told him, I need to learn the routes of transportation around Singapore. So that when he's not available I can go by myself especially when I have to seek for a job.
I bought an EZ link card, it's a reloadable card to use as fare in buses and SMRT (trains). It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be when travelling around even when I'm alone. I easily understood the routes, where to transfer from one train to another. I just have keep an open eye.
On my second week. There were few hirings available for foreigners, I gave them my resume. Went to interviews. But luck was not on my side. Aside from preference for local residents. Language barrier is one thing. It was my first time to have conversation with a Singaporean and there are times I can't understand. But I still try to he he he he..... Well, no need for excuses. I just have to try harder.
I buy newspapers everyday, googled jobs and go to interviews. But to no avail.
There were times, I cry myself to sleep. Because I can't find a job and then I miss my baby boy. So sad for me. It's a good thing my husband is with me all of those time. Because he's there to support me.
Then, I went to a job agency. And later on, they found a job for me. Well, I didn't have experience for the job. It was as Sales representative. I was an accounting graduate by the way.
So they process my papers, and I waited. But bad news came. MOM (Ministry of Manpower) didn't approve my application. Some technical problem with my experience and everything else. I was so bum..... Sayang! Akala ko okay na ako. Nakakapanghinayang.
I was so down after that. But then I have to pick myself up again. And start again.
Newspaper. Google. Give Resume. Interview. Again, and again.
Time flies too fast, and we realize luck wasn't on my side. It's time for me to go home. All those times I was trying my best, I guess it's not meant for me. Oh well, I was excited to go home on that day because I know that I will see my baby again.
My first time in Singapore has mixed feelings for me, I have been happy, sad, mad, stressed, depressed, excited, inspired and eventhough I didn't get what I wanted. And what we dreamed of did not come true. It's the experience that counts. And being thankful for everyday.
On my next blog, I will show you my photos on my first time in Singapore.
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