Ok tanchoo I'm sold on this idea of living in the UK.
So any job lobang for me?
Experienced lab analyst here..
Hahaa..
I think one should experience working in a foreign country like the UK, Europe, Australia, NZ, USA, Canada, etc. at least for a few years of one's life. Surely you don't want to work in tiny SG all your life, right? It would be a waste never to experience working overseas.
Studying in a foreign country is not quite the same, because one does not have any salary, so it's difficult to enjoy life as it's meant to be. Only when you're earning salary like the locals would one be able to enjoy the "normal middle class life".
And here, the normal middle class life for us is a small but cosy two bedroom house (a semi-d actually!) in a nice safe neighbourhood with our own private driveway for two cars, very small front garden, and larger back garden.
Add to that a 9-year old 1.8L Vauxhall Vectra; with a budget of GBP 5k - 10k, you're looking at much newer cars of virtually any size you want, or a brand new small car.
Now having painted such a rosy picture, here is the reality.
At least in the UK, due to the recession, jobs are not easy to come by. If you don't mind working in London, then your chance of getting a job there is higher. But in the smaller towns and cities, it may not be so easy.
Furthermore, employers here are unsure of your commitment; what if you don't like it in the UK? You'll leave quite quickly.
So unless you have some very specific skill that is highly prized, you're going to find it tough to even land an interview.
All is not lost, and if you give up before you start, you'll never get there. You have to be brutal in getting what you want; where there is a will, there will be a way.
Another popular way is to do a Masters here, or even some skills course. Then look for a job in a meantime. Also, having a Masters from a local (UK) university increases your chances of getting a job. Even though a Masters from say, NUS or NTU may be a lot more rigorous, the truth is that NUS / NTU is quite unknown here, and ironically you are better off getting a Masters from a non-top-tier University here which is honestly quite slack and relaxed compared to frantic NUS / NTU post-grad degrees.
Another interesting option is to come as a couple; my wife is actually doing a full-time Masters in a local uni here, and the interesting thing is that her spouse (me) has no restrictions on work at all. That means I effectively get a work visa, which gives me the right to work here, which also greatly increases your chance of getting work. Plus the fact you are here means attending face-to-face interviews is a lot easier. Having a UK address would also help you in getting employment, obviously, also because you would be exposed to UK culture and would be seen has having less trouble fitting in.
I don't know how much of what you said is real and how much is tongue-in-cheek; Singaporeans are very shy about admitting they want to work overseas. It doesn't matter, I'm going to assume you're serious. Anyway, a good website to look for UK jobs for professionals is:
http://www.reed.co.uk/
Do also consider going directly to companies' websites, and also do "cold calling" by just sending your resumes directly to companies even if they don't have any jobs advertised. I heard that about 60% of jobs are never advertised.
Also be open to working part-time or on a temporary contract first; show that you're good, and you may get that permanent position.
Be aware that tax for the first GBP 35,000 in a year is 20%, so factor that in when working out your expenses. Remember that healthcare is provided for (GP consultations, hospitalization, emergencies); all except for medicine. Dental is subsidized, and you may be able to negotiate free dental (and free medicine) with your company.
Standard annual leave packages are 20 - 25 days a year, and working hours approximately 37.5 hours a week. The lesser working hours is quite a major factor too, and it makes the 20% income tax less daunting since you are working less hours anyway.
