Moving to Singapore early 2015 with a 2yo and a 4yo. Clueless!!!

[Momo40]

Hi

I know that there are some threads out there on Singapore but I could not find anything recent... We are relocating there in Feb next year and I was wondering if anyone could help me with some questions?...

I am reading a lot about live-in maids and wonder what kind of work they do? Cooking? Cleaning? Food Shopping? I would also need someone to take care of the kids once in a while - how does one get a nanny over there? Is the best way to go through some kind of an agency? If so which one? I guess what I am trying to figure out is whether I would need a seperate person to do the house chores and a seperate one for the kids? How does it work please ??

We have both kids registered in Tanglin and are looking at Holland V. for a place to live.

I work at the moment and really enjoy what I do - is it possible to get a job over there? :)

Sorry, I have moved around a bit on life but never to Asia so it is so hard to figure out what one should be paying attention to.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated - thank you!

[Laptopwieldingharpy]

A helper can do both household and childcare, in whichevervproportion you need it.
On a typical day she would get lunchboxes ready, bkfst, get kidsvon school bus, cleaning, ironing, cooking, shopping, after school clubs etc....
If you are a SAHM, you chose what you want to relieve her of.
Go to an agency and they will have you fill out a detailed questionnaire about to narriw it down to the best candidate.

An experienced helper will have taken care of a few children (incl her own) and will sometimes actually have more patience than you .
Qualified nannies are rare and few.

You will need your own employment pass to work or set up your own business. Its getting trickier but by no means imposdible.
What line of work?

[singaporeswing]

You can work over here on a Dependent Pass, linked to your husband's job.

You would then only need a Letter of Consent to work.

It is getting a hell of a lot harder to get your own EP, but depending on the work, there are certain areas where it is easier to get employment.

[fatowl]

What is your line of work, OP?

[Momo40]

Thanks very much everyone for replying!

Can you please recommend any reputable agencies that I could approach to find some help?? I had quite a serious accident last year so I need all the help I can get! :)

In terms of work, both my husband and I are currently emplyed by the same company but in differnt capacities. I work for in marketing and real estate sales. I thought perhaps of looking into employment with firms that are aiding foreign investors to buy properties in London...

I will for sure take time off for the kids to settle and for me getting a bit of a break following a difficult few years... I am however getting used to the idea of being a 'dependant' on pretty much everyhitng including a mobile phone I hear!

Thanks again!

[Laptopwieldingharpy]

I used 121 personnel services in the fear east shopping centre ( adjacent to wheelock place on Orchard).
Thoroughly recommend.

Have a look at the following websites full of all sort of good info:
Expat living magazine singapore
Sassymama singapore
Littlestepsasia singapore

For property
Propertyguru.com.sg

[butterfliesinmytummy]

For work, signup to mumsatwork.net, lots of flexible / part time jobs, also networking opportunities.

[Momo40]

Thanks so much for the info. So appreciated!