At 23 Years Old, With No Degree & $100, I Left Singapore & Worked Overseas. This Is How I Did It.

By christinelai on 05 Sep 2018

Many would have thought, living abroad is just a distant dream. “It's not practical,” they say. Especially if you don't have a good family background, money or a degree. I have none of the above but I have faith. I followed my gut feelings and took the step out to Hong Kong with a one-way ticket. Looking back, it was the best decision I ever made, in my early twenties.

The struggle was real. After graduation, I did not know what to do next. Safer options like, "Should I settle for the regular working adult life and slowly climb up the corporate ladder?" Or believe in myself and take riskier options like starting a business venture, working abroad or pursuing a dream...

So I found a hobby in the midst of stress. I drink cute coffee and chill. You think better when you're calm and in control.

Well, safety is not really for me. I take the risk because #YOLO. But I don't do it without a plan. I say, go for it but be accountable to your family. Also, put a time limit to your yolo venture. I do not have a degree but I have a diploma which gives me decent depth and knowledge to start navigating through life. It's a good enough start so don't worry if you don't have a degree.

Upon landing in Hong Kong, I had $100 sgd and one mutual friend. I gave myself 2 months to make it work with $100. Through this one mutual friend, I have a shelter and I got to know more people. I wasn't embarrassed to ask for help because I know what goes around will come around. Someday later, I will be helping this friend and others.

I experienced about 2~3 weeks of uncertainty. Transport and food are expensive in HK. When my funds started running low, I panicked. I began to think about how I could earn money on this land quick. Yet, in that week of desperation, there was a miracle. A new friend whom I just met in Hong Kong gave me a red packet with $1000 HKD inside. That sustained me for a while.

Then the opportunity came. There was a job opening and the boss was looking for a Native English Teacher. She was willing to apply a work permit for the successful candidate. I was thinking, "This is my chance but shoot, I don't speak with an accent, but I really need this job." So quickly, I went to youtube and started my search, "How to speak like a (British, American, Native English Speaker)", "Phonics Training" and so on. I applied and prepared myself for the interview. I thought to myself, "I have to slay this like a natural."

And the boss became my boss. Yes, I got the job! During the lunch interview, I was cautious, I made sure I don't speak unless I have to so I don't give it away. And whatever she mentioned, I was willing to do it. With that, I went online and took the TEFL Certification(Teaching English As Foreign Language). A 120-hours online course that certified my eligibility to teach and I completed it fast and furious. Under 2 weeks, I finished the course and my certification was on the way to Hong Kong.

It was a great opportunity to learn and educate the next generation especially in competitive Hong Kong when kids are drilled from a young age to be studious, smart and hard-working. I took the chance to also teach them how to play. A good balance is a key to effective teaching.

With that, I stayed on in Hong Kong for 2.5 years. I earned an expat pay and was able to rent a decent apartment with my good friend. It wasn't a run-down place or the frightening cage houses. I stayed on the 28th-floor of a semi-condominium until my move back to Singapore. And during that 2.5 years, I travelled to Macau, China, Taiwan, the Philippines and even to the United States.

So, you can travel to places and work abroad when you're certified to teach English. In fact, many teaching centres are hiring globally and I received opportunities to work in South Korea, China, Vietnam, Thailand and more. There are also other working from home opportunities.

If you're interested in knowing more, comment on our facebook post and I can share more about life on the path less travelled. On hindsight, as someone who ventured abroad, these are my advice to those are who thinking of treading a similar path.

Respect is key no matter where you go. If you're young and reckless, you have to learn to hold your tongue and wait for opportunities. You have to be willing to take the grind and allow moments of sadness, disappointments and self-reflection. It's not all fun and happiness. Respect and quiet observation is necessary while you learn to thrive in a new environment.

There are moments that I stepped out to cry when it got tough. I had canned food moments and times when I felt like I was relying on people's charity. Sometimes, putting away personal pride and glory is inevitable in taking the path less travelled. Are you willing to eat the humble pie?

You began to see Singapore and family in a renewed light.
There are moments of loneliness and it can be unbearable. You have to do everything on your own. Like, wash your own toilet, wipe your own mirror, do your own laundry and when you're so tired and need help, you're on your own. I pasted my friend's pictures on the back of my phone because it keeps them close to me.

Stay In Accountability & Within Safe Limits. Do not go to dark places or nightclubs with friends you just know in a new place. It is not safe. Family and old friends are gold no matter how many disagreements and arguments there are. And know that, it's never an embarrassment to return to Singapore.

Living abroad and overseas is not a big deal. You have to know what your heart aches for and go for it. In case you wonder what my personality type is, I am an ENFP.

Tag your ENFP and wanderlust friends. Try the wild things in life but first, know your support and have a plan!