Young Singaporeans trade the rat race for odd jobs and adventures overseas.
SINGAPORE: The sun has yet to rise in Havelock, a quiet New Zealand town four hours from Christchurch. Amid the early morning chill, 25-year-old Singaporean Lim Hao prepares for a nine-hour shift inspecting mussels.
A far cry from his biomedical engineering degree, Lim’s current role doesn’t require academic prowess but rather a sharp eye for quality—a skill he’s acquired during his working holiday in New Zealand.
Since arriving in May, Lim has held various jobs: a server clearing plates, a dishwasher at a café, and even a handyman exchanging labor for food and lodging. His latest stint as a mussel inspector earns him NZ$22.70 (S$18.44) per hour, funding his living expenses and weekend adventures.
Why a Working Holiday Visa?
Working holiday visas allow young Singaporeans aged 18 to 30 to explore life overseas while working to sustain their travels. Singaporeans can currently apply for such visas in Australia and New Zealand.
For Lim, this opportunity offers a sustainable “forever holiday.” Odd jobs pay the bills, leaving him free to explore on his days off. “Working here is so different. You form more connections with people,” he says.
The visa’s limitations, including maximum job durations, push participants like Lim to move frequently, experiencing diverse workplaces and communities. However, visas are temporary—Lim plans to return to Singapore in December, though he remains open to extending his journey.
Breaking from Convention
Lim’s story reflects a broader trend of young Singaporeans seeking alternatives to the conventional career path. After graduating, he decided to delay job hunting and explore life beyond Singapore’s structured hustle.
“I wanted to experience life before dealing with jobs, responsibilities, and bills. It might seem like procrastination, but I think it’s more about living differently,” he says.
Similarly, 31-year-old Peggy Goh left her job in a Singaporean production house to pursue working holidays in Australia and New Zealand. From picking cherries on farms to working as a park ranger, Peggy embraced non-traditional jobs that brought her closer to nature.
“My best experience was cherry picking. I met people from all walks of life and had so much fun. Working holidays let you discover a life you didn’t know you could have,” she shares.
Challenges of Leaving Home
Working abroad, however, isn’t without its hurdles. Participants often leave behind family, friends, and the comforts of Singaporean life.
“There’s a lot of self-doubt,” Peggy admits. “But sometimes, you have to pursue selfish decisions to live the life you want.”
For Zachariah Buy, a 28-year-old who left for New Zealand in 2019, gaining his family’s understanding took years. Despite the challenges, he views the experience as invaluable. “I don’t see it as losing out. I see it as building something different for myself,” he says.
Practical skills, like cooking and navigating foreign systems, become essential for survival. Yet, the independence and connections gained outweigh the struggles for most.
A Different Perspective on Success
Critics may argue that time spent on working holidays delays career progression. But participants see it differently.
Peggy acknowledges her privilege in taking this path but emphasizes that the experience has enriched her life. “I see my friends in senior roles earning good money, but I wouldn’t trade anything for my experiences,” she says.
Zachariah adds, “It’s not about falling behind; it’s about choosing a different way to live.”
The Allure of a Slower Pace
Working holidays challenge Singaporeans’ ingrained expectations of constant productivity. While not everyone has the means to pursue such adventures, the idea of slowing down—even briefly—resonates with many.
For Lim, his time in New Zealand is a temporary departure from routine. But as he plans his next adventure, inspecting mussels and saving for weekend trips, he finds joy in the unpredictability of his journey.
“I’ll figure things out when I return to Singapore,” he says. “For now, there’s so much more to explore.”
