Singapore Expats

I am an American hospital worker being "asked to resign" do to "cultural" differences. I have been in San Francisco for the past 19 years.... so I made it 6 months at this job and now getting this "request" based on "complaints that were not investigated"..I am the only one in my department with a liscence...the rest are Philopinas..I have worked very hard and have a 27 year excellent track record. The last American was also "asked to resign" at 6 months. I have spent alot of money and time to move here and something about this feels weird. I'd like to have my contract looked over bya legal person. Has this happened to anyone else?? Any advice? I really would like this not to happen to any other unsuspecting person. I have decided not to "resign" . I have never been fired from a hospital job nor quit because of personality differences. This is a hospital not high school.
thanks!

1. What the HELL does this have to do with the WNDC? (nothing, so I've moved it --jpatokal)

2. If you really are American, please learn to spell.

3. "I am the only one in my department with a liscence...the rest are Philopinas."

So what you are saying is that Filipinas cannot have a license? Sounds very racist to me. Perhaps they are correct in requesting you to resign for "cultural differences".

Now now, no need to get hostile... but I'm afraid that the original poster is out of luck, as employees are effectively powerless in Singapore and the small print of your contract will say that the company is free to do absolutely anything it feels like doing for any reason whatsoever.

I'd suggest applying for permanent residence and refusing to resign until it's sorted out, although with only 6 months of residence and a career with like nursing, your odds of succeeding are not stellar.

jpatokal wrote:I'd suggest applying for permanent residence and refusing to resign until it's sorted out, although with only 6 months of residence and a career with like nursing, your odds of succeeding are not stellar.

Good advice.

This cultural difference and failure to investigate is a common story with soem expats who have to function in confrontational or dispute reolsution rolls. Your lucky they just did'nt give you notice there and then.

My advise don't resign.

Do you have any friends in other hospitals here? It could be worth network and getting your innocence around before they drop the hammer and you find it hard to get a job as non one wants to hire a 'liability'.

You could also ask your friend at work who is it and why as there is always a cross over in ofice politic groups and information can be obtained. Once known you can befriend the person who is attackign you or drop the hammer on them through thrid parties (of course). Remember don't let it get personal but this person is affected your money stream and as such is an issue that needs to be dealkt with in a way that looks after your interests as best as possible. Don't head to head them but look for an alternative approach.

Mr. Bremen,
I didn't mean to sound racist. I meant that they are unable to get a liscence for "our" field unless they study elsewhere...And I know I can't spell, but thank you for taking the time to point that out. You are obviously an educated person. I do appreciate the other responses I recieved. Thank you.

goneeastgal wrote:Mr. Bremen,
I didn't mean to sound racist. I meant that they are unable to get a liscence for "our" field unless they study elsewhere...And I know I can't spell, but thank you for taking the time to point that out. You are obviously an educated person. I do appreciate the other responses I recieved. Thank you.

" i before e, except after c"

Once a teacher, always a teacher!
No offense meant, just can't help myself!

Kat.

kat. wrote:
" i before e, except after c"


Kat.

.....with exceptions....

goneeastgal wrote:Mr. Bremen,
I didn't mean to sound racist. I meant that they are unable to get a liscence for "our" field unless they study elsewhere...And I know I can't spell, but thank you for taking the time to point that out. You are obviously an educated person. I do appreciate the other responses I recieved. Thank you.

No exception here!

Kat! my mother has always harped on me about that golden rule...I can't believe I slipped! Thanks for the heads up...maybe I am going mad!! I appreciate all the advice. I don't neccessarily need to stay in Singapore, but I really don't want this to happen to someone else. This one American was coming over with his wife and kids and bailed at the last minute...what if this had happened to him? What a nightmare for a family. I am at least alone and middle aged. I am considering going to the Ministry of Manpower?? I dunno this just seems very weird to me. I just did get another email from my boss asking where my resignation is. It isn't even about the money anymore, I feel it's the principal of things. You want to bring foreign talent in but then what...should I go to HR 1st ? You know how they usually are, but I have been belittled and insulted and called 'incompetent" by my department 'leader'. I have twice as much experience as her and I have never been treated this way in my life. This is a hospital that wants to be included in the Medical Tourism category....And no I am not a nurse. But a specialist in my field. I hope I spelled everything correctly.

kat. wrote: No exception here!

You knew what I meant I hope......

goneeastgal

Top marks for spelling!!
My sympathies about your situation, hope everything works out for you. Wouldn't want to work with colleagues like that. I'd look for another job. Good luck!
Kat.

Plavt - found this site, hope you find it interesting!

http://www.usingenglish.com/weblog/archives/000021.html

Well,
I would say you have been a victim of unethical competition and Politics.
It would be sensible to find something that suits you best and gives you recognition and respect for what you are.

And I think you mixed Principal with PRINCIPLE!

prkravi wrote:And I think you mixed Principal with PRINCIPLE!

Weel spoted!!

Gues I"m gitting russty, rushig or nott soo pernickety!!

Been a long time since we've had real Spelling Nazis!

Settle!

Please note my use of exclamation marks, an attempt at light hearted banter!

Having said that, I stand by my earlier comment -

Once a teacher, always a teacher!
No offense meant, just can't help myself! [/quote]