The Grass is always Greener on the other side
Singapore is such a wonderful place. It’s clean, safe, has a strong economy and is so close to India. Yet almost each and every expatriate Indian I have met would someday like to leave Singapore to other more industrialized nation or go back to India for seeking their future. It is completely understandable, but not only do they express a desire to go to leave Singapore but also comment on how “boring” Singapore can be once you get into the work environment. Are they indeed being less gratuitous to what Singapore has to offer? Or is Singapore which is such a prime tourist destination in Southeast Asia really boring for living? I did a random search on the internet and found out that the opinion that Singapore is a boring place has some credence, many people feel so. In contrast, what many people also say is the very opposite, “Singapore is one of most happening places”, “Singapore is awesome, I wish to visit it again and again” etc etc. Why such starkly contrasting views? Let’s examine what Singapore has to offer:
1. Awesome Weather: If you are an outdoor person, nobody can doubt that Singaporean weather allows a person to be active throughout the year. Apart from the occasional heavy rains (also which can also be enjoyed from the window of your home) Singaporean weather is really awesome. A hot day is almost surely to be followed by a cooler evening. Could a perfect weather with almost no variations indeed make life boring? Possible. But if you do to cold places like Canada and Northern Europe, you understand how cold and boring their winters can be. If you go to India “heat” and “sweat” are a part of daily vocabulary. My suggestion, when god gives you lemons make lemonade and enjoy it, when he gives you good weather, go out, play and after enjoying it, feel happy for it. Maybe that would make your stay better.
2. Clean and Safe: Undoubtedly Singapore is one of the safest, cleanest, greenest countries in the world. You can enjoy the cool Singaporean night sitting with your friends in the most isolated place without absolutely any fear. Some of my friends comment that the cleanliness and safety in Singapore makes life “uninteresting”. I find this simply outrageous. Enjoy what you have and make the most of it, also appreciate the fact that it is indeed a privilege not many people have. That will definitely improve you outlook about Singapore a whole.
3. Very Active night life: It has an abundance of 24 hour night-clubs and live bands. If you’re interested in this kind of stuff, there you have it. But not me, so I can’t comment much on it.
4. Singapore is “small”: This is something even I used to feel. But then I realized, even in your home country your actual area of travel can be pretty small. So, this feeling may be more psychological than anything else. Many middleclass families in India have a very routine lifestyle and don’t indulge themselves in the many sights and sounds which their big cities/big country has to offer. If you have enjoyed whatever Singapore has to offer, nobody is stopping you from going to the many neighbouring Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
5. The People: One of most comic statements I have found online is: “Singapore is most definitely boring. Its citizens need to be reminded to 'smile' from government campaigns”. I think this is a very judgmental statement. From my experience, I think Singaporeans are really nice people. They are willing to listen to you and help you if you approach them. Obviously not everybody may be like that but I think that all expats need to mix more with the locals, understand their culture and outlook about things. Be willing to challenge your own opinions and beliefs. Then I am sure you can get into the Singaporean psyche and really start experiencing Singapore. Many people are not willing to take the effort, so obviously they will have the feeling of “us” and “them”. There is absolutely no harm in such an attitude but please do not pass judgemental statements about a whole people.
In conclusion, Singapore may be having some really boring element about it. After all everything seems orchestrated by the government, the press, the news, even your existence is probably the government’s decision to give a scholarship to an international student. But undoubtedly Singapore has a lot to offer. Explore and enjoy. Venture out of your usual waters and make a good friends circle. As long as you are here, enjoy what’s available.
Apart from these factors if you are just really just badly homesick then maybe International study and work wasn’t made for you in the first place. Peace.
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