FoOie’s Haven

It happened out of the blue. About 4 weeks ago, I got a call from a recruitment firm asking if I was interested in a position in Singapore. That weekend itself, I took a bus down for an interview. They expressed interest on the spot.. another week of deliberation and negotiation, and *snap* just like that, I made a life changing decision to start a career down south.

Some outdated photos from my interview trip to Singapore..

Night celebration at China One in Clarke Quay, Jesse (far right) also happened to be in Singapore for an interview as well.

The performing band at China One - Tabula. Jacq claims the lead singer very yong sui wor. Regardless, they brought the house down with awesome renditions of great rock songs.. the eager to party crowd contributed too, as the dance floor turned into a semi mosh pit.

Saw this when exciting Suntec City. What a way to keep your kids occupied right? I wonder what happens when they run out of air…

Between then and now, I’ve gone down another 2 times to settle my lodgings there. I’ll be staying with Jacqueline, who was JUST going to rent a HDB unit there and so coincidentally, was looking for a housemate to take up one of the two rooms.

The entire unit came completely unfurnished, so the both of us had tonnes of shopping, cleaning, assembling and decorating to do. Although we got most of the cheapest stuff from Ikea, we still easily overspent our budget. The end result however was pretty pleasing - a place I’m more than happy to call home for the coming years ahead (despite the TINYYY kitchen and toilet)..

Here are some of the before and after shots of the place.

Please don’t mind the ladder and poles in the ‘before’ images - they were left there by the landlady. Room isn’t 100% personalized yet, but most of the furnitures are there now. Managed to fit in a queen bed, drawer set, spacious desk, and a 3 door wardrobe (after doing up the floor, lighting and air-conditioning). Temporarily missing - curtains, my PC , desk chair, tower fan and a bookshelf..

Living room! Limited space, so it includes dining area as well. Moved the fridge in, dining set, couch, TV bench (not visible) - and will be bringing in some other stuff later.

Moving to Singapore may be one of the biggest decisions I have ever taken. I’ve never left home before (having completed my degree locally), and this will be my first time experiencing independent life abroad. Although I’ve been reminded countless of times that its just 5 hours drive away from home - I have to remind them in return that it simply isn’t the same.

I’ll only be able to head back to Malaysia once a month for 1 night at most due to my hectic work schedule. On top of that, I’ll be bonded in Singapore for at least 1 year, and I plan to continue on there after that. I won’t have extended holidays (like when you studied overseas), and I have NO IDEA when I’ll permanently return to Malaysia.

I’ll be leaving behind more than I can list here.. my family, my friends (ALL OF YOU!), the comfort of home, the freedom of traveling ANYWHERE at ANYTIME with my car, etc.. Of course I’ll be gaining much as well - character building (I need to unspoil myself), better career prospects, earning foreign currency and more. As excited as I am on this upcoming adventure, I’m bracing myself to endure the inevitably approaching loneliness and homesickness.

I will really miss you guys……