Well that’s the big news. I’m relocating to Singapore with my current company in the next couple of months. It’s kind of crazy and I really never imagined making a move like this as a single guy, but I’m excited nonetheless (amidst a good bit of nervousness).
Marina Bay Sands
What I’m excited about
- Travel – Singapore is pretty much the heart of Southeast Asia. There are countless low-cost airlines that ferry people all around Asia for relatively little money. I’ll have opportunities to go visit places like Bali and Borneo, which have been on my bucket list for a long time!
- Photography – As you’ve hopefully enjoyed over the past few days, Singapore features some devastatingly beautiful architecture. I’m looking forward to stepping up my photography game with some beautiful buildings and creations as subject matter.
- Food – Singapore is a food city. Food is relatively cheap there and you can find almost any variety of food you want. The only caveat to that excitement is I’m trying to lose some weight right now so hopefully I’ll be able to find enough of my typical diet items to prevent me from putting on a few kilos!
- People – I won’t use the term “melting pot” but Singapore is basically a city of buildings with an incredibly multicultural feel, and everyone seems to get along. I admire the spirit of coexistence with those who believe differently and look forward to being in that environment (Texas gets a little homogeneous sometimes…)
- Blog topics – I can’t wait to tell all of you about the amazing destinations in Asia. I’m not going to lose the US-centric nature of the blog but instead will add an Asian feel to it.
What I’m nervous about
- The HEAT – Singapore is hot and humid pretty much the entire year. Yeah yeah I know I live in Texas, but I have a car here and don’t actually spend that much time outside. I won’t have a car in Singapore and will be walking quite a bit more. Sure, walking more isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but I sweat a lot! With my new corporate dress code I’ll run through dress shirts much faster, although there are some cool shirt companies that may help with that.
- Moving here alone – Probably a little more personal than I typically share on the blog, but I’d make a move like this in a heartbeat with a wife. Preparing to make the move alone in my early 30’s has been a little tougher than I expected, if I’m honest. It feels kind of like moving off to college/university, I’ll need to go out and make friends and all that.
- Time difference – Singapore is 14 hours ahead of my hometown of Dallas, Texas. With things like FaceTime and Whatsapp, it’s easier than ever to keep up with friends and family back home. I think it’ll just take a bit of time to adjust to the idea that most of my waking hours will be when my community back home is asleep and vice versa.
So here’s to the spirit of adventure, the spirit of risk-taking, and plenty of new material for the blog!
I’m excited for you and your adventure, and sad for the loss of Texas and your friends here. Godspeed.
Congrat’s Andy! That will be quite an adventure.
Congrats Andy! Speaking as a married guy, this is a LOT easier to do when you’re single. If you were married, your wife could be absolutely 100% adamant about NOT moving – that’s a tough compromise to make! So enjoy the opportunity!
What an amazing adventure! I can’t wait to read more about it here and enjoy the experience vicariously!
Congrats, Andy. I’ve lived in Asia as a single – Ho Chi Minh City and Yogyakarta – and can pretty much guarantee that your friends and family from back home will come out to visit you soon after you get settled. And Singapore being at a crossroads in Asia, when you make friends in the region they’ll be visiting you there too. It’s a great city, always something happening: you won’t be bored. I envy you! In a few months you’ll look back and wonder where the time went.
congratulations & Enjoy :). Vietnam is a must … Australia’s pretty close to now
Andy congrats on the move. To be is very exciting. I would be nervous as well but it is a great experience and a new chapter. I know Singapore is multicultural with many expats so finding friends won’t be an issue.
Plus I will be visiting in October probably so I will drop and say hi 🙂
That is fantastic, Andy! Really happy for you and thrilled about the move. Blogging ahead of US time is actually much easier than blogging in the US!
How will this affect your loyalty with AA? Will you focus more on Star Alliance?
I may hit Singapore in a few
months so hopefully we can hook up!
So many good questions I have yet to answer but will do so very soon! The new blog topics are already rolling in!
Definitely look me up when you’re swinging through, can’t wait to get some visitors!
Wow! That’s one heck of a move. Make sure to explain how you got all your stuff over there when you finally move! Good luck!
Hi Andy,
That’s exciting news! I’m a local in Singapore! Would be happy to take you out for a drink and some great views so you can practice your photography and soak in the sights!
Let me know when you’ll be here and we’ll arrange something. 🙂
Cheers
Daniel
Sounds great Daniel!
Andy,
Singapore is a pretty good place to be single. Or at least to start out that way.
Haha, thanks Joe!
Andy, Congratulations! I have always felt that Singapore was a country in which I would enjoy living and am very excited for you. Earlier in my career, I moved from New York to Paris and while I expected it to be a 2 year gig, ended up working there (and in Monaco) for over 12 years. At least you won’t have to learn a new language. I had a few challenges being alone, but between the office and several organizations I joined, had no trouble adjusting. (Not sure how much you want to interact with the rather insular Singapore expatriate community, but I once attended one of the American community’s Christmas Holiday brunches and it was packed (though, frankly, I decided it was a group I’d want to avoid). I think the issue might be finding suitable housing, which can be pricey.
I spend time in Singapore every year as I have family there. If you need any kind of advise/help – just write me an email.
Congrats, man! SG is definitely one of my favorite places in Asia.
Congrats Andy! Sounds like the opportunity of a lifetime! Can’t wait to read about your adventures.
Congrats my parents lived there in the late 90’s and I’ve been there at least 4 times. One thing I will say I hope you’re not a drinker…..booze will make you go broke in Singapore 😉 Enjoy!!
Congrats! It’s will definitely be an eye opener for you!Welcome to Singapore! I am also a local.
Nearby trips I would recommend: Penang for great food. Malacca for heritage. Mount Borneo in Indonesia for incredible and reallyyyy amazing views.
Feel free to email me if you need any local tips:)
I’m so excited for you, brother! That is such great news and you are going to love it (even if you hate it at times). Definitely plan on having the Jeffsetters come and visit – and you will have to show us around!
First, I’m glad I finally read your blog. Your Qatar post got me over here. Second, I’m so freaking jealous. We were supposed to move to Singapore but that fell through. I know there are some FB expat groups including a Texas one. Can’t wait to see your photos and if you miss anything Texas, let me know and I’ll see if I can ship it to you.
Mary, thanks so much for stopping by! I’ve enjoyed your IG comments and hope you’ll stick around a bit! I’ll let you know if I’m missing anything Texas-y!
Moving to Singapore will be a great adventure for you! If I could I’d love to go there. I think that the architecture and nature there are both breathtaking. The climate definitely will be a bit of a problem, at least for a while, but in my opinion it’s worth trying to live there! 🙂 Thanks for sharing! Good luck!
Hey Andy
You definitely should go to Indonesia, some recommendation beside Bali of course: Yogyakarta and Raja Ampat.
Good luck and have fun with your new adventure in SE Asia. 🙂
Thanks for the recommendations!
My top tip: keep a fresh pair of socks and shirt at work. Singapore is hot and VERY humid and sticky. Just in case you need a clean shirt because you sweat buckets! All the best!