Monday, December 09, 2013

The U.S. vs Singapore

I've been feeling uncertain about the future recently. People keep asking if I'm going to stay in Singapore for good. I tell them "yes", and they always give me a look of surprise. 

They ask: "But why? Isn't the U.S, better?"

I would tell them "not really", then proceed to explain why. 
Usually, these are the reasons I give:

1) It's not really better per se, it's just different. 
2) Most of my family's in Singapore, but I have friends in the U.S. who I miss too
3) It's expensive in Singapore but generally more convenient (public transport wise)
4) Many things are cheaper in the U.S. but it can get boring
5) Singapore's also boring
6) The economic centre of the world has shifted to Asia
7) U.S. is better for simple living

You know the thing is, I could come up with a thousand reasons why Singapore is better than the U.S. and vice versa. That's why you just can't compare them head on like that. 

It's just that, after so much questioning regarding my decision to move back to Singapore, I'm starting to wonder if I made the right move after all? 

After all, there are PLENTY of Singaporeans who are just dying to get out of this country. 

I love my work here in Singapore though- I really do. I know that if I move back to the U.S., I would have to give that up. I'd miss the two years I spent skating all over this urban city. I'd miss the food and the friends I've made and gotten closer to as well. There'd be no more Chinese New Year visits or family potlucks. 

Still, being in the U.S. seems like a great idea too.

Talk about starting a family... And all that good stuff!

But the more I think about the future, the more I get worried and anxious. How can I know that I'll be making the right decisions? How can I maximise all the opportunities I have to create something long and lasting?

The truly worrying part is- I can't. I simply don't know and I cannot know. 

All I can be certain of in this life is my God in whom I trust. He is the only one who never changes. People come and go, nations rise and fall, but the Lord my Rock remains the same. His love and mercy is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Praise God for His unending love! Because of Him, I can live without fear of tomorrow!





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