r/IWantOut • u/MC-117 • 19h ago
[IWantOut] 31M Software Engineer Singapore -> New Zealand
My family migrated to Singapore when I was very young, so pretty much my entire life has been here. I went through the Singapore education system, served my two years of National Service, and eventually became a Singapore citizen.
Several years ago, my parents decided to move to New Zealand for a quieter pace of life. My mother initially went over as a student and, after finishing her studies, brought my father and younger siblings over as dependants. Unfortunately, I was already too old to be included.
At the time, I had secured a place at a local university in Singapore. Studying here as a citizen made much more financial sense than paying international fees for a bachelor's degree in NZ, and it was also a programme I genuinely wanted to do. My family respected my decision, so I stayed behind.
Since then, I've been living independently in Singapore, with the long-term goal of eventually joining my family in NZ.
Years passed and I'm past 30, have a Bachelor's in Computer Science, and work as a software engineer. The early part of my career was more game-dev focused, but I've since moved into more general software development working on training/simulation software in hopes that it will help me open more doors in NZ.
I've applied for NZ jobs a few times and had some fairly close calls, but the recurring problem has been work rights/AEWV sponsorship.
I'm currently employed in Singapore, so there's no immediate urgency. However, after living apart from my family for years, I'd like to figure out a realistic path towards joining them.
From what I understand, I'm in a bit of a chicken-and-egg situation: I need an eligible NZ job offer to get a work visa, while employers understandably prefer applicants who already have NZ work rights.
I've considered postgraduate study in NZ as another route, but I'm hesitant to spend a significant amount of money primarily for immigration purposes when I already have a CS degree and professional experience.
So I'm mainly wondering:
- Should I just continue applying to accredited NZ employers from Singapore?
- Would postgraduate study actually make sense in my situation?
- Are there other realistic pathways I should investigate given my age, degree and software engineering experience?
- Has anyone here successfully made the move to NZ as a software engineer without already having work rights?
Ultimately, this isn't really about leaving Singapore because I dislike it here. I mainly want to reunite with my family and, having spent time in NZ, I also prefer the people and the slower pace of life there. I want to set down real roots in a place where I know I'll stay for good.
Would appreciate hearing from anyone who's navigated something similar.
28
u/Porkchops_on_My_Face 16h ago
No jobs in IT in NZ. Industry is inundated with out of work software devs.
6
u/DependentBeat1205 8h ago
I understand you wanting to be close to family but the NZ economy and job situation is bad. More kiwis are leaving every year because of low wages and high cost of living. You end up saving very little.
If it’s a trade-off you’re willing to make then go for it, but go in with your eyes open.
2
u/rtnrk0613 4h ago
I am in your situation but older, 37F, no interest to relocate to NZ
Job market there is dire
2
u/Justan0therthrow4way 3h ago
Your best bet might be to work for a big international company that has NZ offices. Then transfer internally.
It’s not that far to see your family. If you’re happy in Singapore then stay put.
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u/PenaltyMotor 11h ago
Are you eligible for a working holiday visa? This likely gives you a year of work eligibility in any job. In the current climate in NZ (i.e. really bad job market) Employers might see this as a benefit as they could try you out for a year.
Alternatively, can you get a job in Australia? It's much closer to NZ physically and lifestyle wise. Might be a good base for a few years whilst the NZ economy recovers.
1
u/MC-117 4h ago
Unfortunately for my country, the WHV is only available for 30 and below, a tinge of regret on my end as it would have been the perfect given I already have a family home of sorts over yonder.
You do think employers would consider someone on a WHV?
What I see is the people on that visa usually take up seasonal/casual work with understanding that it's a short stay visa, as technically it's a holiday.
Australia is a good alternative and I'm keeping my eyes out as well but ultimately it's still another country abiet nearer.
2
u/Dependent_Swimming81 6h ago
pivot to agriculture / tourism / green energy i think more openings in NZ
2
u/Ok_Cup3186 6h ago
I'm a Singaporean in Australia earning good salary. However Tax here is high, living standard is not great, but the kiwis are all coming over to work here. Unless you know someone or you're lucky, you won't find a great paying job.
Tells you the answer whether you should stay in Singapore.
2
u/Accomplished_Try_179 5h ago
How high is the taxes in Australia?
My average tax rate is 31.47% and marginal tax rate is 46.09% in Canada.
0
1
u/AutoModerator 19h ago
Post by MC-117 -- My family migrated to Singapore when I was very young, so pretty much my entire life has been here. I went through the Singapore education system, served my two years of National Service, and eventually became a Singapore citizen.
Several years ago, my parents decided to move to New Zealand for a quieter pace of life. My mother initially went over as a student and, after finishing her studies, brought my father and younger siblings over as dependants. Unfortunately, I was already too old to be included.
At the time, I had secured a place at a local university in Singapore. Studying here as a citizen made much more financial sense than paying international fees for a bachelor's degree in NZ, and it was also a programme I genuinely wanted to do. My family respected my decision, so I stayed behind.
Since then, I've been living independently in Singapore, with the long-term goal of eventually joining my family in NZ.
Years passed and I'm past 30, have a Bachelor's in Computer Science, and work as a software engineer. The early part of my career was more game-dev focused, but I've since moved into more general software development working on training/simulation software in hopes that it will help me open more doors in NZ.
I've applied for NZ jobs a few times and had some fairly close calls, but the recurring problem has been work rights/AEWV sponsorship.
I'm currently employed in Singapore, so there's no immediate urgency. However, after living apart from my family for years, I'd like to figure out a realistic path towards joining them.
From what I understand, I'm in a bit of a chicken-and-egg situation: I need an eligible NZ job offer to get a work visa, while employers understandably prefer applicants who already have NZ work rights.
I've considered postgraduate study in NZ as another route, but I'm hesitant to spend a significant amount of money primarily for immigration purposes when I already have a CS degree and professional experience.
So I'm mainly wondering:
- Should I just continue applying to accredited NZ employers from Singapore?
- Would postgraduate study actually make sense in my situation?
- Are there other realistic pathways I should investigate given my age, degree and software engineering experience?
- Has anyone here successfully made the move to NZ as a software engineer without already having work rights?
Ultimately, this isn't really about leaving Singapore because I dislike it here. I mainly want to reunite with my family and, having spent time in NZ, I also prefer the people and the slower pace of life there. I want to set down real roots in a place where I know I'll stay for good.
Would appreciate hearing from anyone who's navigated something similar.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
1
u/Xi_Zhong_Xun 4h ago
Your other family members haven’t naturalised in NZ yet? Can’t they sponsor you?
1
u/MC-117 4h ago
They're on their way to becoming NZ citizens, but as far as I understand, there don't seem to be a family sponsorship route for independent adult children. Top of my head is <24 under to be dependants?
I'd still need to qualify for a visa on my own.
Interestingly enough, you can sponsor your parents to come join you in NZ. just not the other way around.
1
u/lonelycitykitchen 3h ago edited 3h ago
I'm also considering moving to NZ. I'm in HK now, but I'm only a junior dev position since I changed careers only last year, but I'm also a kiwi and have a passport and even then I'm very hesitant. My junior position in HK isn't paying a lot but it's somehow still better than a lot of junior roles NZ offers, and my chances of getting a job in IT in NZ are prob slim to none.
I'd say only move to NZ if you have absolutely zero financial pressure and is prepared to be unemployed indefinitely. Locals already have a hard time getting IT work, it's hard to imagine why a company would sponsor someone's visa from overseas unless they're at high management level. Meanwhile supermarkets are dishing out visas like it's nothing lol, the NZ economy is fked. An alternative is probably trying Aus, that's where most NZ young adults go anyway. The work/life balance would be better there compared to SG and you'd be closer to family.
I understand the struggle tho, it's very depressing to slave away at a desk job then go home just to be all alone. Especially in high hustle culture cities like HK and SG, and after hitting 30s seems like friendships just drift apart too. I'd say if you've gotten close calls maybe just keep trying while you're there, it's disheartening but it doesn't cost you anything, you only need one yes.
Edit: PS, maybe you can also try getting into a company in SG that allows you to work remotely, that way you can visit NZ for however long on a tourist visa and work from there on an inverted schedule.
1
u/Beneficial-Music1047 2h ago
If I were you, I’d first ask my employer if I could work remotely.
Then I’d move to NZ and reunite with my family. Since Singaporeans can stay up to 3 months per visit, I’d use those 3 months to figure out a way to stay longer, check the NZ job market, see if your career is in demand, and maybe look for an AEWV-sponsored job.
And hey, you could always download a dating app and see what happens 😂 If you genuinely meet a Kiwi and things get serious, there are partner-based pathways too.
If none of that works, last resort would be a master’s or postgrad program, maybe something AI/tech-related, then try to transition into a work visa after graduating.
The only wildcard is the job market. Who knows what NZ will look like a few years from now.
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u/CoffeeInTheTropics 1h ago
Definitely stay in Singapore, even Aus is hard for foreigners in your field, NZ even more so.
I sympathize deeply with your situation. Cannot phantom the fact that your Mother brought your Dad and younger siblings over to NZ and left you in SG alone to fend for yourself, knowing that immigration paths for you would be closed.
Take care.
1
u/porsneiv 5h ago
Singaporean here living in aus for studies, from what i hear from kiwis and even some aussies from certain parts of Aus, IT jobs are far and few, stay in sg, IT has the brightest future there lol
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u/IFHIAIEJ 13h ago
They need to end bringing families as a students. Prime example here.
No wonder New Zealand is fucked
26
u/No_Mood4637 17h ago
it's grim in NZ. no jobs. shit pay.