DECLINATION OF INDEPENDENCE

A few weeks back I was earnestly preparing to move to Bangkok. I had just returned to Singapore after a short tour of Thailand and Malaysia. It was mostly for pleasure, although I did a bit of job searching while I was out there.

Bangkok seemed like a great city. I had more-or-less secured some casual subediting work with one of the local papers and would be able to do freelance work for my most recent employer. I hoped to branch out from there.

I had been already been covering the country from Singapore so I had ample contacts and figured it would take no time at all to settle in.

The best part... I would finally be working for myself. With a few letters, I could have sponsored myself in on a 'correspondent' visa. Cheap living, great food and independence. I was sold on it.

In an interview for my previous job I was asked one of those standard interview questions - “What would you like to be doing in three years?” My immediate answer was, “I want to be working for myself.”

Surprisingly, they hired me anyway.

So, about three-weeks ago upon my return to Singapore, I immediately started to sell Bangkok to Lisa. Within two days, I had her persuaded. Then, I received a phone call from a news organization I had applied to several months earlier. The head editor was in Singapore and he decided to look me up as they were filling new positions in 2005.

I had an interview that day and the standard editing and writing tests the following day. By the end of the week a tentative offer was made – less than three weeks after I had finished work at my previous job.

The salary details and the final contract didn't come through until today. Despite my lingering urge for independence, I accepted. I've now officially been Shanghaied. I should be in the country by the next National People's Congress.

My departure will be largely based on how quickly my visa is processed. Given the reputation of Chinese bureaucracy - and the fact that Chinese New Year is just around the corner - I expect to be in Singapore until at least the end of February.

Oh, the first question I was asked during the interview with my soon-to-be employer was: “So, where are you working now?” I answered: “Nowhere, I just quit my job and I'm moving to Bangkok to freelance.”

Surprisingly, they hired me anyway.