A foreign professional who moved to Singapore for work after graduating from France has shared why they decided to leave the country after just six months, saying the experience made them feel like they never truly belonged.
In a candid Facebook post, the poster explained that while Singapore has many strengths, several personal trade-offs ultimately led to the decision to return overseas.
Constant reminders of being a foreigner
One of the main issues raised was the constant reminder of being a foreigner. From the moment they arrived, nationality and work pass status repeatedly came up, especially during house hunting. The poster said that even when landlords did not state it outright, factors such as nationality, residency status, and type of work pass often affected whether they would be shortlisted as a tenant.
They added that at work, conversations frequently touched on topics like permanent residency, citizenship, and long-term plans to stay in Singapore. Many benefits, particularly cheaper housing options, were available only to citizens. As a result, the poster said they never developed a sense of belonging and always felt like an outsider.
Housing costs and living standards
Housing costs were another major concern. With a monthly housing budget of around S$1,200, the poster said they could rent a decent studio apartment in Paris. In Singapore, however, the same amount typically meant renting a shared room, sometimes even with a shared bathroom. Studio apartments were limited, significantly more expensive, or located far from the city centre.
While they acknowledged that food and public transport in Singapore are relatively affordable and that low taxes mean take-home pay can be higher than in France, the poster felt the downgrade in housing had a significant impact on overall quality of life.
Climate and workplace culture
The poster also struggled with Singapore’s hot and humid climate, which they described as mentally and physically draining. Spending most of the year indoors with air-conditioning felt unhealthy, and opening windows at night was often not an option due to traffic noise in densely built-up areas.
They also touched on workplace culture, noting that their team was made up entirely of local colleagues, which made the environment feel very Asian. The poster said there was a tendency for colleagues to judge others’ behaviour or thinking, and described experiences they felt resembled workplace manipulation. However, they acknowledged that this varies across companies and teams, and that friends in other workplaces had very different experiences.
In closing, the poster stressed that Singapore does have many positive aspects and that everyone prioritises different things in life. Ultimately, they said, every decision comes with trade-offs, and expressed hope that others would be able to find their own “dream country”.
Netizens’ response
Following the post, netizens were divided in their reactions. Some felt that if Singapore was not a good fit, leaving was a reasonable choice, with several saying that every country has its own pros and cons and that people should live where they feel most comfortable. Others pointed out that food in Singapore is cheaper than in France, and that housing costs are a known issue for both locals and foreigners.
Some commenters took a more pragmatic view, saying that many foreigners come to Singapore primarily to work and earn, and that if the lifestyle feels too difficult or unrewarding, there is no obligation to stay. They added that adapting to local conditions is part of choosing to work overseas.
However, a number of responses were far less sympathetic. Some dismissed the experience outright, telling the poster to leave and not return, while others accused them of complaining or expecting special treatment. A few suggested that foreigners should not expect the same benefits as locals, while others questioned why the post focused on Singapore’s downsides instead of what the country does well.
You may read the English translation of her Facebook post in full text below:
“Let’s break up. I like you a lot, but we’re really not suitable.”
I came to Singapore to work after graduating in France, but I have already left Singapore.
Why did I leave after staying for just six months?
❗ Constant reminders that you are a foreigner
When I first arrived, my company arranged two weeks of hotel stay to help me settle in and find a place to rent. During house hunting, you always have to declare who you are, your nationality, and your identity. Even if it’s not stated outright, nationality, residency status, and even the type of work pass can affect whether you are shortlisted as a tenant.
At work or when meeting colleagues and friends, conversations often revolve around identity. Topics like changing to a PR, switching citizenship, and strategies to stay in Singapore come up frequently. Many benefits, including cheaper housing options, are only available to Singaporeans.
During the six months I was there, I never truly felt like I belonged. I always felt like an outsider.
❗ Decline in living standards
Here, I’m comparing it directly with France. With the same budget of around $1,200, I could rent a decent studio in Paris. In Singapore, I could only afford a shared room, sometimes even needing to share a bathroom. Some housemates had strange requirements, and studio apartments were limited, much more expensive, or required living very far away.
Transport and food can be cheaper, and taxes are low, so take-home pay can be higher than in France. But overall, the downgrade in housing significantly lowered my quality of life.
❗ Hot and humid climate all year round
Although I’m from southern China, the constant heat and humidity during the rainy season really wore me down. It felt unhealthy to be indoors with air-conditioning all year long.
At night, sometimes I could turn off the air-con and open the windows to let in natural air. But since it’s a city everywhere, traffic noise made it hard to sleep.
❗ Asian workplace culture and judgment
This point varies by company and team, so I’m sharing it only as a reminder.
In my team, everyone except me was Singaporean Chinese, so culturally it felt very Asian. Some colleagues liked to judge others’ thoughts or behaviour. A few enjoyed PUA-style interactions, not just towards juniors but even towards themselves.
However, friends in other companies said their experiences were different. Some said Singaporeans can be afraid of losing out, leading to a tendency to compete, but not everyone is like that.
Ultimately, it depends on the company culture and team makeup.
Conclusion
Singapore does have many good points. Everyone values different things in life. Every choice is a trade-off. I hope everyone can eventually find their own “dream country.”
