From Coffee to Chicken Rice
So, here’s how it went down: after what felt like a lifetime of emails, negotiations, and the great work visa shuffle, I found myself accepting a role as Group Creative Director at an agency in Singapore. This wasn’t just any role, I’d be leading creative for four offices across the APAC region. Pretty cool, right? In June 2023, I packed my bags, left behind the land of flannel and pour-over coffee, and dove headfirst into one of the most dynamic and fast-paced cities on the planet.
Spoiler alert: it’s been a wild ride. Moving across the world comes with its share of curveballs, from navigating a new work culture to figuring out how to order chicken rice without looking like a tourist. But it’s also been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, filled with lessons, laughs, and a lot of sweating (Singapore is not joking around with that humidity). Here’s what I’ve learned so far.
The Agency Experience: Creativity Without Borders (Literally)
Working at an agency in Singapore has been nothing short of eye-opening. Every agency has its quirks, but this one came with a new cultural twist: hierarchy. After years in Seattle’s “everyone’s a creative genius” vibe, adjusting to a more structured and formal setup was… let’s say, a learning opportunity.
The highlight? Four campaigns I led were picked up globally. That’s right, globally. Seeing your work resonate across borders hits different. It’s like watching your kid crush their first soccer game, except your kid is a campaign, and the trophy is global recognition.
A lot of that success is thanks to Andrew, the Group CEO of Now Comms. Andrew’s vision for the agency and his unwavering focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity were inspiring. He trusted me to bring a fresh perspective, and for that, I’m incredibly grateful. While no workplace is without its challenges, having leadership that champions bold thinking makes all the difference.
Living in Singapore: Adventures in Humidity and Hawker Centers
Living in Singapore is like stepping into the future while being surrounded by some of the best food on the planet. Efficiency? Check. Diversity? Double check. Michelin-star meals for under five bucks? Game over. My regular haunt quickly became Maxwell Food Centre, where I developed a borderline addiction to chicken rice. (Anthony Bourdain was onto something, let me tell you.)
Living in Singapore has been such an eye-opener, especially when it comes to transportation. The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is nothing short of amazing. It’s so efficient and reliable, with a huge percentage of the population using it daily to commute. Owning a car, on the other hand, is a completely different story. With the COE (Certificate of Entitlement) system, the cost of owning a car is astronomical. A s$200,000 Toyota Corolla or to replace my hmm, German car, in Singapore would have been north of half a million and that's south of no effin way. It’s truly only for the very wealthy. As much as I miss driving, I have to admit, the public transport here is so smooth and air-conditioned, it’s hard to complain... except when stepping out into the heat, of course!
Then there’s the travel. Singapore is basically the ultimate launch pad for Southeast Asia. One weekend, I’d be kicking back on a pristine Thai beach; the next, I’d be elbow-deep in a bowl of phở in Vietnam. Sure, I might have had a minor existential crisis over whether the green curry tasted better with or without the sunset view, but that’s the kind of dilemma I can live with.
Work-Life Balance: A Tale of Two Cities
Here’s the thing about work-life balance: in Seattle, it’s more life than work. In Singapore, it’s the other way around. At first, I thought, How hard can it be to adapt? Turns out, it’s a sprint, not a marathon. There were plenty of “I need this by tomorrow” deadlines, but somewhere along the way, I found a rhythm, setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and learning how to say “no” without feeling like a total slacker.
And you know what? It worked. I discovered a new level of focus and discipline that I’ll carry with me long after I leave Singapore. Plus, I can now say I survived in one of the fastest-paced environments out there.
Final Thoughts: The Next Chapter
Looking back, my time in Singapore was like one big masterclass in adaptability and growth, with a side of chili crab. The challenges? They made me stronger. The wins? They reminded me why I love what I do. And the adventures? Let’s just say I’m never going to look at a boring weekend the same way again.
As I gear up for whatever comes next, whether it’s in Singapore, Jakarta, Bangkok, The U.S. or beyond, I’m ready to bring everything I’ve learned to the table. My advice for anyone thinking about taking a leap like this? Just say yes. Yes to the challenges. Yes to the opportunities. Yes to the chicken rice, and unexpected adventures.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about where you work, it’s about how you grow, who you connect with, and the stories you create along the way. And if that journey happens to involve a Michelin-star meal or two? Even better.