Gap years and micro-retirement are trending buzzwords among adults in their 20s and 30s. With the financial means to take off and travel quickly and easily, this generation knows how to seek life beyond the hectic work grind. So, if you’re in this age range and ready for the adventure of a lifetime before responsibilities like children and housing loans pile up, this story is for you. And if you haven’t heard of a working holiday, you’re in for a treat.
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What Is a Work Holiday?
A working holiday is essentially a visa offered by certain countries that allows you to travel abroad while working temporarily. This gives you the opportunity to financially support your stay while exploring a new country. It is especially popular among young Singaporeans in their 20s, as most countries cap eligibility for this visa at age 30. The jobs available are typically short-term roles in the hospitality or retail industries, and you may even get the chance to try seasonal work, something not available in Singapore.
Which Countries Can I Apply?
There are 2 main countries where Singaporeans can go for a working holiday: Australia and New Zealand.
Each visa allows you to stay for up to a year, with the freedom to travel anywhere within the country.
Australia
Australia is a breathtaking country and a definite must-visit if you haven’t been! With natural wonders like the Great Ocean Road, Uluru, and countless pristine beaches, a working holiday gives you the perfect chance to explore beyond the cities and even take domestic flights to discover its stunning landscapes.
If you’re drawn to culture, art, and food, you can’t miss Sydney and Melbourne, or perhaps a road trip along the east coast. On your travels, expect to encounter unique wildlife, from kangaroos and koalas to marine life such as whales, dolphins, and sea turtles. Be sure to stop for unforgettable activities like surfing and diving. With so much to offer, spending a year here on a working holiday truly feels like a dream.
New Zealand
Home to world-famous film locations like The Lord of the Rings and K-dramas such as Crash Landing on You, New Zealand is a breathtaking work of art brought to life. The country is rich in adventure and natural beauty, offering everything from majestic alps and glowworm-lit caves to serene beaches that are perfect for escaping city life. It is also a haven for thrill-seekers eager to try skydiving or bungee jumping. Beyond that, you can enjoy activities not typically found in Singapore, such as hiking the alps, skiing, or kayaking through lagoons. With so much to experience, New Zealand is truly a dream destination, and with a working holiday visa, you can live that dream for up to a year.
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Why Should You Go On a Work Holiday?
Honestly, do you even need convincing? It’s Australia and New Zealand! The chance to explore and step out of your comfort zone is a privilege we get as Singaporeans. But if you do need solid reasons to persuade your family, here are some great ones to show why a working holiday is worth it.
1. Different Work Experience
As Singapore is a city with limited natural resources and land for agriculture, we are often confined to working in offices or other enclosed spaces. Experiencing different types of work abroad can broaden your perspective, expand your knowledge, and bring you closer to nature.
How often do we get the chance to learn about real agriculture or horticulture, or to see firsthand the holiday rush in mega stores like Coles or Kmart? Working with nature also allows you to unplug from electronics, slow down, and enjoy life without the constant pull of notifications.
2. Better Mental Health
Being disconnected also brings us to point two: a slower pace of life can greatly improve mental health. In your 20s, it often feels like everyone is telling you to “go get it,” even though you may have just graduated from university. There seems to be no time for rest as you are quickly pushed into responsibilities, bills, and the pressures of adult life.
Taking the time to slow down with a working holiday, whether after graduation or between jobs, can provide a much-needed pause in a hectic lifestyle. Experiencing a slower pace could improve your mental well-being and even reignite your sense of purpose or passion in life.
3. Space to Be Independent
Most Singaporeans live with their parents before marriage, and some are fortunate enough to grow up with the help of a domestic worker. While these privileges are valuable and made possible through the hard work of the older generation, they can sometimes limit personal growth.
Learning to be independent means creating an environment where you find your own footing and make your own choices. This can range from small decisions, such as when to do your laundry or how to cook, to bigger ones like whether to invest in a car for a year, which apartment to rent, or where to apply for a job overseas. These decisions, big and small, strengthen your character, push you out of your comfort zone, and teach you how to get things done on your own.
4. Travelling the Country
The main priority of a working holiday is still to enjoy being a tourist, while meeting the visa requirement of working a few months in certain sectors. After all, you are only in your 20s once! This is the best time to explore, be brave and adventurous, meet new people, and try different kinds of food. Conquer your fear of heights with a skydive, or rent a caravan and take a road trip along the coast. Whatever you choose, both countries offer some of the most breathtaking views in the world that you simply cannot miss.
Let this story be your sign to take a break and go on an adventure to Australia or New Zealand! If you are unsure which to choose, here’s a quick guide: Australia is larger and home to more popular cities, while New Zealand is known for its lush greenery and is perfect for road trips with plenty of caravan parks.
Nonetheless, we believe that as you take this leap of faith and embark on this adventure, you will definitely have fun and thrive, whichever country you choose.
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