Singapore is a Developed Country!
Hello everyone, this is Ito from Good Job Creations.
Many of you think, “I want to work overseas, but I can’t seem to find the right opportunity,” or “I dream of getting a job abroad, but I’m also anxious because I’ve never lived overseas.”
In this article, I had the opportunity to interview Mao, a candidate who successfully transitioned to a job in Singapore despite having no prior overseas experience and is now working at a sushi restaurant in Singapore. With Mao’s collaboration, I’ll share the real experiences of working in Singapore, including what inspired Mao to pursue an overseas job, the steps taken to secure the position, and Mao’s thoughts after starting the job.
If you dream of working abroad but have yet to take that first step, this article will give you the push you need!
Also, you’re looking for job opportunities in Singapore’s food and beverage industry. In that case, you can search for the latest job listings through Good Job Creations, a local recruitment agency. Please check the link below. We also offer free consultations for those interested in relocating to Singapore!
Check the latest job listings for Singapore’s food and beverage industry at Good Job Creations.
Getting to Know Mao
Hello, I’m Mao, and I work at a sushi restaurant in Singapore. I was born in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture. After graduating from a local junior college, I worked as an office clerk at a local wholesale company for about seven and a half years. Until now, I had never lived outside my prefecture, let alone overseas.
The Welcome Party with the Landlord and Their Friends
Why Did I Decide to Pursue an Overseas Job?
The turning point that made me consider an overseas career was a simple comment from a senior colleague at my previous job: “Mao, why don’t you try working abroad?”
At first, I was surprised and didn’t understand the intention behind the suggestion, but gradually, it reminded me of my long-term dream of studying abroad, a dream I had given up in high school.
I began to reflect on why I had wanted to study abroad in the first place, and I realised that the underlying desire was to live overseas. Back in high school, studying abroad seemed like the quickest way to achieve that.
Even when I was working in Japan, there were moments when the urge to study abroad would hit me suddenly. I would request brochures and talk to friends who had studied abroad, but it never felt quite right. I often thought, “Studying abroad is too expensive,” and ended up putting the idea on hold each time.
However, this time, I intuitively felt that if I missed this opportunity, I might lose my chance to go abroad forever. It was either giving up entirely or fulfilling the dream I’d always had. By the time I had thought it through, my only choice was to go.
From there, I set a deadline, informed my family and boss, arranged the handover of my work, said goodbye to friends and relatives, reviewed my insurance, and researched the best countries to live and work in. It was a whirlwind of activity.
I chose Singapore for four key reasons: its safety, the fact that English is an official language, its diverse population that would make it easier to fit in, and the availability of drinkable tap water.
The flowers I received from a former colleague
The Day Before Leaving for Singapore: A Google Street View Stroll with My Family
How I Transitioned to a Job in Singapore Without Overseas Experience
When I searched online for “job hunting in Singapore,” I discovered that relying on recruitment agencies specialising in this area would be beneficial. I registered with Good Job Creations and three other agencies.
Good Job Creations stood out. I had an initial meeting with my assigned consultant on the first day. The next day, they promptly introduced me to job opportunities. From there, I decided which companies I wanted to apply to.
I was introduced to my current company on the fifth day after the initial meeting and asked to submit documents for the screening process. Shortly after, I received notification that I had passed the document screening and had a Skype interview on the eighth day.
After an HR meeting, I received a formal job offer on the eleventh day of the initial meeting. Although this process seemed quick and efficient when written out, I was simultaneously involved in other companies’ selection processes.
This made the period very busy and intense, feeling about five times longer than usual due to extensive pre-research, document submissions, interviews, and consultant feedback.
During the job search, I realised my shortcomings in English proficiency, struggled with inadequate pre-research, and sometimes regretted not performing my best.
However, my consultant continually encouraged me, and I took their advice to heart. I maintained a strong belief that I could succeed, persistently moving forward with each step.
Why I Chose My Current Company
Initially, I had only vaguely decided on “working in Singapore” without considering the specifics of what job I wanted or how I tried to shape my future career. At that time, I came across my current company.
In addition to the salary and benefits, they offered a career development plan, which was a significant factor in my decision. I thought, “If a company is considering my future so thoroughly when I haven’t even figured it out myself, I might not find such an opportunity again,” and thus decided to join.
Things progressed smoothly from there, and here I am today. I have completed one week of training at a branch with Japanese staff and am now working daily with local staff at my assigned store.
Although I had concerns about trying a new industry, it was a win-win situation: living abroad while gaining experience in a new job. I’m enjoying my daily interactions with local staff, even though my English is still limited, and I find the environment quite pleasant.
Staff Meal Menu at the Workplace
Surprises About Coming to Singapore
One of the things that surprised me about coming to Singapore was how quickly I adapted. When I visited as a tourist, I was nervous, even about taking a single train ride and entering a hawker centre (similar to a food court in Japan), which required much courage.
I’ve become so accustomed to taking buses and trains that I sometimes accidentally fall asleep and miss my stop. I also visit hawker centres almost every day. I don’t feel as tense or on edge as I did before.
Appearance of My Room at Home
I don’t feel like I’m on edge or overly tense. Although I’ve made a career change and am now venturing into a different industry, I’ve found that the experiences from my previous job have unexpectedly been valuable, and nothing I’ve done has been in vain.
Regarding the reactions from people back in Japan, my parents said, “Don’t cause trouble for others. Go for it. ” My friends said, “That’s amazing! I’ll come to visit.” My former colleagues said, “It’s just like you. Good luck,” they supported me smoothly and wholeheartedly.
The senior colleague who first inspired me to consider working abroad said, “I thought it would benefit for your future to see a different world. Life is long, so enjoy it!”
My life in Singapore has just begun. While I expect there will be challenges and tough times ahead, I want to approach each situation positively and enjoy the process of resolving them.
This article can encourage those interested in overseas employment but have yet to take the first step.
Transitioning to a Job in Singapore
How was it? Many people may long to work abroad but need more opportunities to take the first step. A certain level of decisiveness and a strong desire to work overseasabroad are crucial.
For those considering an overseas job, I encourage you to consultstart by consulting with the Singapore recruitment agency “Good Job Creations.” We offer free career consultations, and if you’re interested in overseas employment, feel free to reach out!
Visit Good Job Creations’ Website for Job Listings and Career Opportunities in Singapore
You can check the latest job listings for Singapore’s food and beverage industry here.
If you’re interested in relocating to Singapore, we also recommend this article: “Benefits and Considerations for Relocating and Working in Singapore! Visa and Requirements Explained”
About the Author
Keiichi Ito / Good Job Creations
Based in Jurong East, I’m your go-to person for the western side of Singapore. I provide information on career changes and job placements and valuable tips for everyday life!
