Why I decided to relocate; Singapore to Thailand

Why I decided to relocate; Singapore to Bangkok, Thailand

by Cullen Chua, 4th July 2022 (6 mins read)
        

In late 2021, I decided to take a risk and leave Singapore to take on a new role based in Bangkok, Thailand. Like many, we had gone through the pandemic change from office to remote work and toeing the daily line between work and life hours at home. Fast forward to today, I can find myself having the space to decompress, travel domestically in Thailand with my family and a new city to build new connections!?

For the uninitiated, I relocated to Bangkok, Thailand and lead the APJ Recruiting team for Taboola.

Why leave Singapore?

Singapore is among the safest, most comfortable and most convenient environments to live in, thanks to our low crime rates, security presence and plenty of available amenities, transportation, food and grocery options.

Professionally, there are many regional offices from various industries with the increase in tech and digital job opportunities amidst foreign labor tightening, new market entrants taking advantage of our robust economy, political stability and business-friendly ecosystem.

But there was something within me that seriously considered relocation, likely to do with the 15 years itch in the Singapore workforce.

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions.

Understandably, I had ambitions and yearned for career growth and new learning opportunities. Moving abroad also enabled me to build new networks and knowledge related to hiring talents while I continue to manage a diverse team. As much as possible, I wanted to gain new perspectives, be exposed to different ways of thinking, respect different opinions and be more tolerant and open-minded.

Relocating is an amazing opportunity and a personal milestone.

At one(some) point, I stopped comparing the factors to remain in Singapore and plucked up the courage to relocate. Socially the stars aligned. My kids are still young (>6 years old), and my wife, who worked as a nurse for a decade and fought among her comrades on the frontline against Covid for the past 2 years, needed a break.

Let me be frank, deciding was one of the hardest things to do and it was daunting. Even after accepting the offer, I spent several sleepless nights wondering if I'd made the right decision, what living in Bangkok looks like, how would I adapt to the new office, and what should I do with my property and vehicle (an expensive and depreciating asset).

So many factors to consider, notwithstanding financial figures and taxes. Simply put, there are more reasons to stay in Singapore than to leave.?

Questions I asked...

1. If I were to make this move, would I have a similar or better quality of life?
2. Would my salary accommodate the cost of living in that area?
3. Are there any colleagues that made the same move (preferably from the same country)?
4. Who in my network has made similar moves? (don't be afraid to reach out!)
5. Would my spouse/partner/family be happy with the move?

Krung Thep Maha Nakhon

Let's be honest, play and work are two exact opposite itineraries and goals, isn't it?

Like many Singaporeans, most would come to Thailand for vacations, but to live, there are many (small) things that last and you will have to get used to them. Air quality and noise pollution are a couple of examples, I can't run on the streets or walk without staying vigilant, risking spraining ankles or dirtying my footwear. You can't buy alcoholic drinks from 2-5 pm and I keep finding myself returning these item(s) at the cashier ?? ??

Big-ticket?item(s) for those with family is usually associated with rent, kids' education (international schools), insurance and car (factors depending on living area and choice of luxury). It's fascinating to see my elder daughter (5 years old) quick to learn a new language, and socially she's adapting well to her peers in school!

Living expenses are affordable. I use HappyFresh, Foodpanda or Grab for groceries, food and transportation. Locally, Promptpay (QR Payment) is a cashless convenience for small businesses beyond your usual credit cards to established restaurants and hotels.?

Tripadvisor, Google reviews and Klook are my go-to in finding places of attractions, interest and to do. My personal favorite thing to do? Travel around Thailand to watch Thai League 1 football matches.

BG Pathum Stadium, Irfan and Ikhsan Fandi play for BG Pathum United FC, sons of Singaporean footballing legend Fandi Ahmad.         

At Taboola, I love the challenge of leading Talent Acquisition from the ground up and delivering an efficient service and meaningful partnership to our stakeholders with wider coverage in the region.

As you can imagine, the first few months were the hardest. I will not go into details here, but today we are a fully staffed 9-men team, sufficient to handle high, complex requisition loads, project-related tasks, re-align global operations, partnerships with our hiring teams and other functional departments.?Great talents bring talents and we are raising the bar, with each and every new hire!

My friends back home often ask me if I ever miss Singapore. My short answer is "Yes and No". Unsurprisingly there are food and restaurants that I specifically miss. What I tend to miss most is hanging out with my friends for beer(s) on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings.

Not forgetting the weekly 11 v 11 football matches that were halted by Covid, runs at MacRitchie Reservior or hanging out with my wife and kids in parks.

Relocation, you have to remember to enjoy it!?

Taking such a risk means learning from mistakes not only from work but in your daily routine. How do I go through it? Embrace and learn from the mistakes and don't take life seriously. Celebrate the small wins, use the weekends to unwind, hang out with your newfound friends and try a different activity, e.g. my colleagues got me into rock climbing.

As a wise man once said...

For anyone considering relocation for work or nervous about doing so, I would suggest working toward it and embracing the local culture and community as much as possible (at your comfort).?

Received an invite to an event or a social gathering? Say yes! Get to know the people around you and I'm sure your new lifestyle will push through any negatives and feel like an invaluable experience.??

Have a burning question on relocation? Perhaps you need help preparing to update your CV or interview tips before that meeting??

What would you like me to share next? Leave a comment or share your relocation experience. I'd love to hear from you!?

?? Click on our career website and explore your next opportunity with us!

Yours in recruitment,

Cullen, 1st Monday of July 2022

#trustyourinstinct #eatsleeprecruitrepeat #bangkokthailand #relocation

This disclaimer?informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to the author's employer, organization, committee or other group or individual.