FOREIGNER SAYS HE DISLIKES S’POREANS TALKING ABOUT MONEY, “MORE TO LIFE THAN MONEY”

Expats/Locals who work overseas, what are things that foreignors dislike about us, especially for workplace?

I will be relocated overseas in 1- 2 years time, would like to know what are things that are acceptable in Singapore but not for other countries. It could be our personalities or how we carry ourselves.

For example, complimenting someone that he is skinny. Or kiasu personality.

A foreignor told me that he disliked when locals keep talking about money. He said there are more things to talk about in this world.

I think I just want to avoid pitfalls especially for my first job being overseas.

Netizens’ comments

1. Work-life balance is very respected. Apart from contacting coworkers after work hours, even stuff like organizing a meeting at 5pm can rub people the wrong way.
   Also, Singaporeans aren’t so good at small talk in the workplace. There are lots of taboo topics I wouldn’t broach with a coworker- things like politics, relationships, stuff that’s too personal. But there are lots of kaypoh colleagues here who will happily ask about your family background, your intimate relationship details, etc.
   Apart from that, some places have their own cultural quirks. Had to learn that “How are you?” in the US isn’t a question, but just a greeting. Answering anything other than “Good, you?” will get you some funny looks.
2. Contacting people about work outside office hours. In some countries it’s against the law or seriously frowned upon.
3. Difficulty innovating, thinking creatively, and making qualitative assessments without becoming embroiled in conflicts of interest.
4. Aussies told me we’re too competitive and serious haha. Sometimes we also don’t speak our mind or speak honestly we can seem aloof, although maybe thats just me 😡
5. A few things I’ve noticed in Singapore (may or may not be a Singapore thing, more just where I worked or the people I worked with):
   – people will ask personal questions even if they don’t know you well; “it’s your birthday how old are you?” or “you only had one kid, why don’t you have more?”); you don’t ask that in Western countries
   – other people have covered work-life balance; when I worked in the US people would make fun of people who replied to emails while on vacation (does this person not have a life?)