Just when I found a place...

When I first came back to work for Bread Junction, I thought I was suppose to work at the Tampines branch, since that was where I went for my interview the last time, before I left Singapore after my Chai Chee stint. As such, I decided I will continue to stay in Bedok, since I am familiar with the landlord and I still have some friends there. However, on my first day at work, my boss told me I will be working at the Punggol branch. The distance was way too far and I decided I have to find a place in Punggol to stay.

After one week, and looking at the papers almost daily, I finally found a place about a 15 minutes walk from work. Imagine to my surprise when my boss told me after my second night staying in Punggol that he will need me to help out at Tampines as Hari Raya is coming and many of his Malaysian workers will be taking a break (this was about 2 weeks before Hari Raya). I asked how long I was needed to help out and he said probably about a week... and one week turned out into two...

I really do not have a problem helping out at all... and as I always said, I'm used to the hard work. What is tough on me is that I have to tell my landlord at Bedok that I have to put up at his place for a week and then two... and  now I end up paying double rent for almost 2 weeks! Well, I could continue to stay at Punggol and make my way to Tampines but I will incur about SGD6 transport daily, not to mention the time lost. So, it's pretty much the same... so I'd rather lose the money all the same and at least save the time!

Well, who said live was easy anyway... and I really should not be complaining. In fact, I am grateful I have a job in Singapore.

Anyway, I've included two pictures of me here. One taken in my new room in Punggol and the other of me in a bus on the way to work in Tampines!

My first day at work in Singapore!

Today is my first day at work in Singapore and I am looking forward to it. My boss decided to put me up at their new Bread Junction branch in Punggol Drive. Yesterday, I decided to try to get there from my Bedok place and it took me almost 1.5 hours and about SGD3.15 in bus fare to get there. There are two shift of workers : 6.30am - 6.30pm and 10.30am -10.30pm and I am starting off taking the 10.30am shift. Punggol is a new housing estate, so it does not look as busy but I am sure it will become just like any busy housing estate with time to come. This morning, it was raining when I got up, so I decided to leave early so as not to be late for work. I arrived at 9am, one and a half hours before work, so I had time for a coffee and breakfast.

My boss had advised me to move to Punggol where they rented an apartment for some of the workers. This apartment is walking distance to work, so it will be more convenient. It will cost us SGD200 per month each for a room with 4 persons. Our lodging allowance is SGD100. I had originally thought it was SGD150 when I spoke to the girl over the phone but my boss said it had been reduced to SGD100. Well, I'm already here, so I will have to make do with it. "Beggars" cannot be choosers!

In any case, I will take a look at the place before I decide to take it. If not, I will have to look up my own place nearer to work. I've decided not to look at all the small negatives which can make us unhappy... instead I should focus on working hard and making some much needed money for the family! I've always had very good relationships with people be they customers, bosses, friends or just casual aquaintances so I am quite confident that it will all turn out well. I'll also try to look for a place of my own to see if I can find a better bargain. Who knows, Punggol is a new estate and I may be able to get a room for two for SGD400+ (or SGD200+ each)!

As I had mentioned earlier, events had moved so quickly recently I did not have time to update my work adventures from Tanjung Pagar and my move to Chai Chee etc... but I will continue updating these events as well as happenings at home in China once I settle down a little. Meanwhile, if you are ever in Punggol, come visit me!