I've just spent the last month, with everyone else that recently graduated from the Education program (into a recession and a new-teacher saturated Lower Mainland) trying to figure out the next step.
Some were fortunate and found full time work in the Lower Mainland. Others left for work overseas and made the first blog and photo posts "I love it here!" "I'm never coming home!". The cynic inside me saying, "Wait until Christmas... "
I am supposed to be among the optimistic expats in Singapore. However, over the last 6 months life has changed. I was offered a fantastic opportunity to work with a friend on our own school project, something I have alway wanted to do. Starting a business with someone motivated, optimistic and talented is something that doesn't come along all that often. 1 in 10 businesses fail their first year and, well, we just might...
After getting over the "I need to be fully occupied all the time" mountain to the slower "enjoy each day" valley, I've become more self reflective. The last month has been full of challenges, but I've found fulfilling things to keep myself busy, and due to the limited budget, these activities are mostly free. I want to high five the other people walking their dogs at 1 p.m. in their pajama pants, what is their story? Although I do get bored, and apply for part time jobs to supplement my income incessantly, I am also appreciating afternoons literally stopping to smell the flowers.
There are so many people unemployed that in any other time or place would never be unemployed. I don't know anyone making a lot of money ... some money, but not a lot. We go to peoples houses for BBQ's more. We go to the library. We fixate on our pets (because we can't afford to go out). More people I know live with their families, probably more than 5 years ago (when I was 5 years younger). There is less stigma about that kind of thing now, also about working a menial job - the mindset is, at least you have a job.
If I went away it would be a great opportunity to teach and get out of debt. I would definitely have better clothes and better vacations. I would not have to worry about occupying my time or budgeting for free time.
But, I would not get to teach how and what I wanted. I'd be away from the people I love more than anything, again. I wouldn't get to be a daughter,sister, girlfriend or friend in the way I am now. I couldn't come home for dinner and harass my parents, understand the inside jokes with my friends or complain about the rain - and I love to complain about the rain.
Some were fortunate and found full time work in the Lower Mainland. Others left for work overseas and made the first blog and photo posts "I love it here!" "I'm never coming home!". The cynic inside me saying, "Wait until Christmas... "
I am supposed to be among the optimistic expats in Singapore. However, over the last 6 months life has changed. I was offered a fantastic opportunity to work with a friend on our own school project, something I have alway wanted to do. Starting a business with someone motivated, optimistic and talented is something that doesn't come along all that often. 1 in 10 businesses fail their first year and, well, we just might...
After getting over the "I need to be fully occupied all the time" mountain to the slower "enjoy each day" valley, I've become more self reflective. The last month has been full of challenges, but I've found fulfilling things to keep myself busy, and due to the limited budget, these activities are mostly free. I want to high five the other people walking their dogs at 1 p.m. in their pajama pants, what is their story? Although I do get bored, and apply for part time jobs to supplement my income incessantly, I am also appreciating afternoons literally stopping to smell the flowers.
There are so many people unemployed that in any other time or place would never be unemployed. I don't know anyone making a lot of money ... some money, but not a lot. We go to peoples houses for BBQ's more. We go to the library. We fixate on our pets (because we can't afford to go out). More people I know live with their families, probably more than 5 years ago (when I was 5 years younger). There is less stigma about that kind of thing now, also about working a menial job - the mindset is, at least you have a job.
If I went away it would be a great opportunity to teach and get out of debt. I would definitely have better clothes and better vacations. I would not have to worry about occupying my time or budgeting for free time.
But, I would not get to teach how and what I wanted. I'd be away from the people I love more than anything, again. I wouldn't get to be a daughter,sister, girlfriend or friend in the way I am now. I couldn't come home for dinner and harass my parents, understand the inside jokes with my friends or complain about the rain - and I love to complain about the rain.
