working in asia

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Hi Guys,
I wonder if any of you could give me an insight into what it is like working in Singapore / Hong Kong ?
I have been working in the NHS for a number of years ( 4 ) and also have a small private practice. Mainly I do general podiatry, but have experience in diabetic foot assessments and High Risk as well as biomechanics and orthoses manufacture.
Also is there an 'age' limit to being offered work over there ..I am 56. I came into Podiatry late as I previously had a career as a registered nurse and midwife. I may have ' offered too much information :dizzy: but I just thought it would give a better picture !

 

I worked in Singapore for a while back in 2005. It all very much depends on who you are working for. The salaries tend to be poor if you do a direct $SG to £ conversion (my first salary offer equated to £13,000!!) but it is much cheaper to live there so you are actually reasonably well off. Working conditions will be good wherever you are, all the hospitals are modern and much more high tech/better run than any NHS hospital i've been in. Podiatry is pretty new out there so a lot of people aren't too sure what we do, which is nice because you can pick and choose what kind of patients you see. Unless you speak Mandarin there will a language barrier but i always had a nurse with me to translate and most Singaporeans under the age of 50 will speak good english. It is VERY hot and humid all year round, it took me a month to stop sweating whenever i went outside but is an amazing place. Lots to see and do (especially if you like shopping) and is close to lots of great places to visit, Bali, Malaysia, Thailand etc etc. I am not sure if there is an age limit on visas, best thing to do would be to check on the Singapore immigration department website.

Hope that helps and good luck!

 

Hi

Many thanks for the information. I did not realise that the pay was that low but if the cost of living and accommodation is reasonable then I guess it evens out.
How long were you over in Singapore ? Did you reply to a job advertisement or did you search and approach potential employers ? I am wondering whether to engage the skills of a recruitment agency to see if they can find me a position. Also one last question ! what's the ex pat life like ?
Many thanks.
Curlytoe igs: