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From Singapore to New Zealand: A Singaporean couple’s journey for better work-life balance
A Singaporean couple relocated to New Zealand in 2022 for a better work-life balance, seeking a peaceful environment for their daughter. They enjoy a more affordable lifestyle, flexible work schedules, and improved family time while adapting to their new life.
A Singaporean couple, Brandon and Lin, made a life-changing decision to move to New Zealand in 2022, seeking a better work-life balance and a healthier environment for their young daughter.
The move was not an easy one, as it meant leaving behind their family and friends.
The idea of relocating first came to them during their graduation trip to New Zealand. The peaceful surroundings and close connection to nature left a lasting impression.
They wanted their daughter to grow up in an environment that encouraged exploration and personal development—something they felt was harder to achieve in Singapore’s fast-paced city life.
Although the transition was initially challenging, particularly in adapting to the colder climate and making new friends, they have since embraced the simplicity of life in New Zealand.
The couple acknowledges that their families were worried about the move, given the distance and lack of immediate family support, but they took the time to explain their decision.
Though they miss their loved ones, they believe the sacrifices were necessary for their daughter to have a childhood that is less stressful and more connected to nature.
They chose to settle on the South Island, drawn to the beauty of the Southern Alps and the affordability of living away from the bustling city.
Both Brandon and Lin now work at the same hospital in New Zealand, although Lin works on a casual basis, picking up one or two shifts per week to focus more on family life.
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Better Financial Savings
Back in Singapore, the couple earned dual incomes, but their expenses were high. Their shift work made it difficult to plan meals, leading them to rely heavily on food delivery services like GrabFood.
Exhaustion from outings with their baby also meant frequent ride-hailing expenses. Additionally, impulse spending on bubble tea and online shopping on platforms like Lazada and Shopee gradually added to their financial strain.
In New Zealand, they have found it easier to save. For instance, baby formula is significantly cheaper—Aptamil Stage 2 costs only S$26 in New Zealand compared to S$63 in Singapore.
They also found that rental costs in Singapore were prohibitive, with three-room HDB flats going for around S$3,000 per month and condominiums at S$3,500. In contrast, they now live in a house with a small garden, paying only S$1,120 per month.
They estimate that they can save about 40–45% of Brandon’s income in New Zealand, compared to just 25–30% in Singapore.
While taxes in New Zealand are higher, they earn more, and without CPF deductions, they have more cash in hand to manage their own investments and savings.
Work-Life Balance in the Healthcare Sector
Brandon, who works in the healthcare sector, has seen a drastic improvement in his work-life balance. He currently works nine days per fortnight, giving him alternating two-day and three-day breaks.
On his shorter breaks, he spends time at home resting, doing housework, or gardening. On longer breaks, the family takes road trips and explores New Zealand’s scenic landscapes.
Work schedules in New Zealand are more flexible. Some employees work just eight days per fortnight, while those in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) with 12-hour shifts only need to work three days a week.
Brandon is particularly happy with his workplace culture, which strongly emphasises health and safety.
If workloads compromise patient care, nurses can voice their concerns, and management is required to address them.
Transparency in communication is highly valued, and speaking up is encouraged rather than penalised.
For instance, if a patient requires one-on-one care, additional resources will be allocated to ensure both nurse and patient safety.
During his training in a New Zealand tertiary care hospital, Brandon noticed that ICU patients typically receive a 1:1 nurse-patient ratio, ensuring constant monitoring and patient safety.
In contrast, in Singapore, it is common for nurses to care for two intubated patients simultaneously, a practice that is unlikely in New Zealand due to their stringent health and safety standards.
The slower pace in New Zealand ICUs allows for better patient care, with additional staff available to provide support when needed.
Brandon also noted that an experienced Registered Nurse (RN) with at least seven years of experience from Singapore can earn around NZ$6,400 (S$4,900) per month in basic salary after tax, excluding allowances.
While there are no bonuses, the social benefits in New Zealand make up for it.
A More Supportive Nursing Culture
Brandon admits that once he experienced nursing in New Zealand, it became difficult to imagine returning to work in Singapore.
The healthcare system places a strong emphasis on communication and building therapeutic relationships with patients.
Nurses are encouraged to take their time with patients and their families, and there is no pressure to rush through interactions.
Patients and their families are also less demanding and more understanding when there are staff shortages.
It is acceptable to hand over unfinished tasks to the next shift, and if nurses need to work beyond their hours, they are compensated with overtime pay.
The work environment fosters a non-punitive culture where nurses’ well-being is prioritised.
Nurse managers actively collaborate with staff rather than simply supervising them, fostering a team-oriented environment where everyone feels valued.
With more personal time, better working conditions, and a lower cost of living, Brandon and Lin are enjoying the fresh start they took a leap of faith for.
