Archive for JoOb Search

Further Efforts in Job Seeking

4 September, 2008 · Filed under blog, JoOb Search, married life

This post is to show to people who matters to me that we shouldn’t unnecessarily be too emotionally affected by what some Tom, Jane, Siti or Anonymous’ commented for they don’t know what we’ve truly faced and felt beyond the words in this blog. Take in what’s good, leave what’s bad.

Yeah, probably i might have written something unthoughtful and insensitive in anger and might have offended some people. For that i apologise. But the damage is done. The only way is to look forward and not lose track of my original purpose of religiously writing this blog: to not forget. I feel like being robbed if i can’t recall a memory in my past when some other who shared a piece in that story remembered so clearly. I dont wanna feel that.

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Last Mon, after our quick blood tests, we went to an employment agency at Golden Landmark. I had an appointment with the lady boss who happens to be my junior’s mother!

Initially, we were exploring the option of getting this carpet and dates seller to get a work permit for Zubair for the month of Ramadhan. They were offering $70/day tau!! In the end, we were told that the owner only wanted locals to make things simple. Hmmm… now where have we heard that before?

Not refusing to give up, the lovely Aunty Agency (as Z named her) asked what are Z’s expertise and what other types of jobs would he be willing to take. We went about telling her of Z’s music exp whilst in Singapore and of whom we’ve been in contact to get jobs.

The most embarassing part, however, is that, we came totally unprepared. Our photocopies of certs and resumes have finished and i was sooo afraid to not make it in time to the polyclinic before they close for lunch that i told Z no time to print resume, we will email her or something. To make things worse, Z also forgot his wallet at home which includes EZ Link and Green Card.

I had to endure her telling me how to write a resume and that we should always have copies to give to prospective employers. I took it all in without a word of protest nor defense.

Upon hearing some of Z’s exp, she suddenly remembered her friend who is owner of a halal indian restaurant chain and asked if they’d like to hire an Indian musician to sing at their eateries. The owner said no they dont need / want / can have him BUT he can contact some of his friends who are owners of Indian pubs along Dunlop Street. But if we urgently want, can walk-in to these places and ask ourselves.

Perhaps it is selfish of me to hope that Z won’t get anymore pub jobs, afterall what’s imp is for him to get a work permit ASAP. But its only bcos i don’t want history to repeat itself. It was a very painful period for me and i dont think i can take any of that anymore. Not while im pregnant!

In conclusion, they can’t do anything at the moment, until they’ve got copies of Green card, marriage cert and the normals….

Im just hoping that Z would take this Kitchen help job that the agency has available at the moment, but i know, at the same time, it would injure his pride. OK scratch that. I hope there’s something a bit more suitable like cashier or something for him.

Again im being selfish, but i dont want him to go back to Pak. Again, bcos im afraid history would repeat itself. At least not for now. Not when we’re walking on thin ice. Not while im pregnant and can’t come along. Not when we really need to save for baby. Not when we’re hoping to get him a job ASAP. Not when we’re planning to register our own company.

Ultimate Deadline to get some kind of a more permanent pass: 1st Nov 08.

Tick tock tick tock.

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EntrePass & Business Plans

5 August, 2008 · Filed under business, Downs, JoOb Search, Pakistan, Passes, S'pore, Xubi

I’ve been dreading to start writing again bcos the topic on hand is a difficult and tiresome one.

Last Thurs, i took half day leave to go and research how to set up a company for Zubair.

Actually i’ve already done the research on the phone some time last year i think. I still have the notes. But oklah wanted to appease Zubair and show that i really do support him morally.

First Stop. International Plaza – DP Bureau.

We had to pay $10 for consultation which is refundable when we eventually set up the company. Basically nothing new that i dont know already… except for the revised fees, processing time and some pros and cons as well as opinions of the officer and what other services that they could do for us.

Basically his company will be offering private music lessons at home, as well as on hire for any performance or music composition and what nots.

In Summary, we hafta register the Partnership FIRST with fees of $133 and will be approved between 3 – 5 days if there’s no problem with the Business Name.

Second step: apply to MOM for Employment Pass. This DP Bureau could not help to submit for us the papers. We already know that our chance is slim without a degree. And normally, if applied from an employer, the requirement to get an EP is to have $2,500 pm salary. However, we put hope that bcos its his OWN partnership, he has a Singaporean wife as well as a Professional Cert might up the chance by a big notch.

On the other hand, I realised that Grade 5 Theory might not be enough to be called a professional certificate. Nonetheless, i pray and i hope.

Next stop: MOM

We wanted to know what are our chances first before applying for that partnership and then end up he cant operate it. like my sister would say: buang karen ajer (waste energy).

We looked up the long alphabetically sections for queues but couldn’t decide whether its a Work Permit or Employment Pass, almost argued about it. Then went to the reception counter and we related our intention.

Without hesitation nor much thought, she said, You can apply for an EntrePass along with your Business Plan. THEN when its provisionally approved, you can register your partnership.

On the first run, i was delighted! Ok at last somebody who’s confident about the answer.

When i got back and checked on the net. I remembered why i didnt even consider EntrePass. Because of this clause

In addition, businesses not of an entrepreneurial nature (e.g. coffee
shops/hawker centres/food courts, foot reflexology/massage parlours, karaoke
lounges, money changing/remitting, newspaper vending, geomancy and tuition
services etc) will not be considered for an EntrePass.

Golden Question: Would the partnership that we intend to set up be regarded as entrepreneurial in nature???

Application fee is $40 regardless of result.

********************

On the sideline…. Just a day before we went to do all this research, Zubair has finally succumbed, “Lets go back to Pak.”

But this time I’m the hesitant one.

  1. Why is he suddenly so anxious to go back? He had been tired for a long time already what.
  2. Waiting for the outcome of this partnership idea
  3. No way am i gonna endanger my life as well as my baby’s with that CRAZY BITCH Still breathing and roaming around in Pak.

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F&B Training

31 July, 2008 · Filed under friends, JoOb Search, money, Xubi

On Tues, Zubair’s Indonesian Chinese Musician old friend called him saying that he has a job for him at FoodFare, Tekka Mall.

I was really feeling divided at the good opportunity / fortune and wanting his company to go thru that first polyclinic check up. So much so i threw a tantrum. Poor Z. Fortunately, he managed to negotiate with that person that he can go over to meet with him after the appointment ends.

I already fantasized that he can work at this Tekka Mall in the day and go to TOFA at night. that would help. A lot.

It was 4pm when we got home. and Z called this guy again to have an idea what is the job about before actually venturing all the way out.

Turned out that this friend of Z found out about an Food & Beverage Training course offered by Singapore Human Resource Management which guarantee a job placement after completion of course. Hmmm sounds familiar… where have i heard about it before? Oh yes! My Bro in Law went to such a course that guaranteed a job… BS! There was just a precious few positions offered.

At least, the one BIL went to was heavily subsidised, i think. This one? Registration is already $65 and the whole course is $650!!!!

I appreciate that this friend thought of us. But when we explained our financial situation, he just couldn’t accept it. He told us to go and take some loan or something. Like its a GOLDEN opportunity that we’re missing. So much so that he said if we dont accept this, he would never help us again. And registration was to close that same day at 7pm. *faint*

But being mature in age, shouldn’t he know that certain things are just too good to be true? Or that be careful while in the blind pursuit of one thing lest u would lose the one u already have?

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Zubair’s Got a Job!!! … I think.

22 July, 2008 · Filed under JoOb Search, music, Ups, Xubi

Yesterday, out of the blue, Zubair decided to visit this place called Temple of Fine Arts located at Chinatown Point.

He dropped his resume and as usual the person told him they will get back to him. But that he’s welcome to come by for their performance the next evening at 8pm.

Since he was nearby, i asked him to wait for me to knock off from work then we can go home together. By the time he reached my office, he told me that he had to go back there at 7pm bcos the principal or whatis wants to see him.

I hesitated about accompanying him for the interview firstly bcos i was tired, secondly i was sooooo looking forward to get to my home pc. And right decision too. Cos he didnt reach home till 10:30pm. When i called he said he’s practising with the rest of them. So i asked, “What? They hired you already?” He said, “Yeah sort of… i tell you later.”

As it turned out… they are having a performance at RAFFLES HOTEL on 31st Aug 08 and was in need of a keyboardist and then miraculously, fate got Zubair visiting their office. Of course they love him! And told him to keep practising with them everyday 7.30 – 9.30pm and that they will apply for him work permit. Also not to worry even if they couldnt get him a work permit, they will despatch him somewhere that he CAN. And that if after a while and they are comfortable and pleased with Zubair, then they might just offer Z a teaching position.

As i mellow over the alarmingly familiar catch phrase, i suddenly remembered a few options to get the work permit approved! We can approach the MP! I remember the officer saying, “Once you have an employer willing to give your husband a job, but somehow MOM dont approve the work permit, that’s when we can come in and help you.”

Otherwise, i hope we can also approach Uncle Pyara’s contact to help make the application go thru. However, its still a waiting game for us.

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What’s the Progress of Zubair’s JOb Search?

18 July, 2008 · Filed under JoOb Search, Xubi

UPDATE
======

Oh yeah i forgot to mention about Uncle Pyara. He’s the one who owns that Malaccan resort hotel and wanted to hire Z to play his hindi music there on weekends. Well he said he didnt want Z to stay there in Malaysia the whole month but just working on weekends with nothing to do on weekdays. but i suspect its bcos he cant get the right pass for him even in M’sia!.

Anyways, he asked Zubair to go and apply for Employment Pass on his own cos he’s a PROFESSIONAL in “music” so he could come over on weekends to play. OMG does he not know what are the criterias to be apply to do that??? Of cos the silent criteria is u must have a degree… other than that u must be able to prove that you earn AT LEAST S$30,000 a year. Now how he’s gonna do that by working in MALAYSIA????

On the other hand, he also said that he’s son in law is looking into giving Z a job in his wedding catering business. Hmmm…….

********************

The most recent actions of job search did not bear fruit.

The employment agency (the one that is this Indonesian musician’s contact) that charged him one whole month’s salary said they would get back to him in 1 week’s time. Its been like 3 weeks but they havent got any offer for Z yet.

Since then he has approached yet another employment agency. But this one is owned by a fellow Pakistani. Al Baraka or something. That man guaranteed Z a music job at Sitara Cafe or something in Little India or a place in Mustafa. His charges? $2,000!!!

Then my Carpet Pakistani uncle has a colleague who works or used to work i dont know at Mustafa as a Supervisor. This guy said that he could secure Zubair a position in Mustafa. He only wanted to know if he really can take it cos 3 pple left the employment bcos a) tired to stand all day b) can’t smoke c) god knows what.

My uncle even asked me if i would mind Z working there. Did i hear you correctly? Do i MIND?! OMG that is just i WANT if you ask me. Or rather… anything lah… Please…

The guy said he will come back to us in 3 days. Let time tell the story.

Ya Allah Ya Ar-Razzaq. Please offer Zubair a good halal job very soon. It is not for MY benefit… lekin sirf unke gharwale ke liye (??? – asal main hembus ajer) but just for his family back home in Pakistan.

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The Next Big Thing

1 July, 2008 · Filed under JoOb Search, Xubi

We heard that the hotel wanted a different kinda music being played right. But they just wanted a different genre like Jazz or whatever but Hindi music is out of the question. They still wanted English. Nothing surprising there.

In a way, i was a bit relieved (Dont Tell Z now! LOL). Cos he was after calling his friends in Pak asking them to bring over a girl who can sing and MOST IMPORTANTLY must be PRETTY. Not that im insecure or anything but you know … hahah Besides, if he work nights and i work days, how to make babies??

Anyways, that Indonesian Chinese guy (he’s in his 60s BTW) said that he knows somebody in an employment agency that she can help Z get a job.

And so he went to their office earlier today.

Side track a bit: He called me at 1:30pm wanting to meet me for lunch. and i felt so sorry bcos i didnt think he would walk all the way to see me from Tan Boo Liat building 4km off from Outram? But he was too late, i already ate and cldnt come out now could i since i started my lunch at 12:30.

Oh how my heart breaks for him. If only he had told me earlier. But good thing that i didnt engineer the whole lunch date thing cos it would irritated him no end when i bug him to wake up and pester him what time he’ll finish and come to my office. Haha i so know him. OK end of side track.

Zubair reported that the lady said she would forward his resume to employers and she would get back to him within a week. She also said not to worry she’ll find a job for him. Their service fee? 1 whole full month’s salary.

I nearly fainted for a bit there. I was expecting something like 10 or 20% for the first 2 or 3 months like that. Maybe they’re afraid their clients won’t last long in the new employment! Wait… what if there’s a conspiracy with the employer and they would sack their newly recruited employee within the month and recruited a new one from the same agency and charge 1 full month’s salary… ok getting nonsensical here.

Then Zubair asked me a question, does the agency just forward my resume to potential employers and hafta go for interviews again or would they ensure i get a job or how?

After much thought… i suppose it depends on what kind of agency they’re running. The way i see it Recruitment Agencies work for the Employers, getting pple to fill up their vacancies. They would forward a few selected pple whom they think would do well for that position and the employer will do another round of interview with them. In this case, the Employers will be charged a fee and not the job seeker.

But that an Employment Agency, especially now that we know they charge a full month’s salary, would ensure that the Job Seeker will get a job placement.

Whatever it is, I hope that Z will get a good Halal job 9 – 5 if possible. That would be most ideal.

Ameen.

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Female Hindi Singer Wanted

26 June, 2008 · Filed under JoOb Search, music, Xubi

(Stay to the end to get to the advertisement part)

We decided not to stay idle and wait for that restaurant to come up with something for Zubair since they dont have the Public Entertainment License thingy and havent proposed anything else for 2 weeks?

Besides, Z is adamant to get a MUSIC job and not any others, esp after he got endorsements after praises about his wonderful talent. Much to my frustration. But if he believes he can do it, then its my duty to give him moral support all the way. Just hope he won’t go all “Kacang lupakan kulit” (Malay proverb) one day.

Fortunately, the Band Leader’s gotta know somebody who is looking for a keyboardist and ask Z to contact him.

As it turn out, that guy LOVES him. Despite him being a Chinese Indonesian, he still appreciates Hindi music.

Actually the hotel that he works for is looking for a different kind of alternative music and Z strikes him as The One. He said, “You play very nice, great voice, good looking. The only thing is, my manager wants a female singer also. Can you find one?”

When Z asked me if i knew of any female Hindi singers, i said, “Mummy Maimoonah?” The one he sang with at the wedding and he said, “Dont be crazy ok.”

But i tot, what’s wrong with that? Her voice still in top form ok. But i would think easy to maintain “inner” / shrill voice than of a loud hailer, high pitch, 8-octave (mariah style) kind. Besides, it will be in a hotel 8pm to 1am. it’s a HOTEL not a CLUB.

Of course, there’s no way he would allow ME to sing with him even tho its just a HOTEL, despite me being crowned the SG IDOL. LOL

Good news is, (ive long since not let it up my mood too much) the guy said that he would definitely take Z under his wing and find him employment. Now, where have i heard that before? He even said that if his manager wont take Z, then he would quit too. Hmmm… sure or not? Nonetheless, i appreciate that he loves Z and wants to help and is doing something about it.

I pray to God that if this is good for Z then let him have it. But if its not good, then let him have a good one ASAP. God knows how brittle i am already and i might not hold out for long.

CONCLUSION! Interested applicants please send your picture & audio or video clip to My email add. No idea about renumeration or is it remuneration? *blur*

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Hopefully This is the End of Job Search

19 June, 2008 · Filed under JoOb Search, music, Passes, Ups, Xubi

Last Saturday, out of his whim (and also sheer boredom at home even with me around – or esp so), he decided to pay Uncle Pyara a visit.

The same person who offered him the job in Malacca.

As it turned out, when Z was there, Uncle Pyara’s son in law was also there. And he offered Z a job singing as his restaurant. He also owns a food factory in Sembawang.

His restaurant is in City Plaza. He said he wants to change the name and theme to Bollywood thingy majigy.

BIG HURDLE? WORK PERMIT. *roll eyes* Like what else can there be?

He went to see the Manager of the factory in Sembawang. Apparently, he knows nuts about this paperwork thingy. I was then, assigned by Z, to print the work permit application (so old school! when we can actually apply online!) But there’s a slight technicality problem.

The restaurant needs a Public Entertainment License (hereafter known as PEL) to be able to hire a singer and also apply the Work Permit for Performing Artiste for Zubair. the cost? For Sector A for rests to perform up to 1am is roundabout $752 per annum. It will also take 7 days for application to be approved. Then another 5 days for WP to be processed.

Bcos the manager knows nuts and prolly dont have much say nor will to get the action going, we’re waiting for the owner to be free to meet Z and settle this once and for all.

Another option is that they will take Z on as a cook first. and they’ll figure out the rest. One thing’s that clear is they WILL employ Z, Insya’Allah. Ameen.

In a way, im thankful for these “problems”. Cos hopefully it gives Z time enough to start AFTER 5th July ie the Company Retreat to Sentosa! LOL selfish me~ But i have plans for Z! *wink*

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The Eighth Note

12 June, 2008 · Filed under JoOb Search, music, Passes, Xubi

On Tuesday, Zubair went for interview at The Eighth Note

It was transpired that they normally deploy their music teachers to govt schools for CCA (Co-curriculum acitivities) but that now they intend to have their in-house music school too, that’s why they were recruiting.

In their advertisement, they indicated only Singaporeans and PRs need apply but they called Z in for interview anyways. But that they only need the teachers to start in August. Whilst waiting for that, they can take in part timers as well.

Z said that the interviewer said something like, “Wow you’ve got a lot of experience teaching music to kids. That’s good.” We want to stay hopeful for this position, but somehow, we are both being realistic as we doubt that the govt would grant work permit for part time music teachers, no?

————–

Have i written about how unsure i am about the reply from that Bangladeshi wife who’s looking to hire somebody? I thought i read her sms to me saying that in 2 weeks time it will become available but its not in my inbox already. Could i have deleted it or i just plained dreamt it? Weird man.

So i tried to call her up yesterday to follow up as well as ask a few questions, but turned out that her hp no is presently not in service! How come sey?

So i had to sms my mum who is in Msia to get her friend’s no (which i have deleted earlier and forgot to save!). When i called this Cik Ina, she said ok she will call that person’s SISTER who lives downstairs to ask for the Cik S’s no.

OMG this is complicated.

Once again i felt touched that these pple went all the way to help me and Z. It also warmed my heart when Z said he is now open to take any job even waiter job. I double triple checked with him if he was sure and said yes. :D

I pray and pray and pray that this time, it will finally work out. Ameen.

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Rejected Usman YET again

9 June, 2008 · Filed under dates, Downs, JoOb Search, married life

After giving the club the weekend, Zubair FINALLY decided to take that Usman job waiting tables.

Unfortunately, when he came on Mon, The owner said that its fully taken up.

That thurs night, at Zubair’s agreement, I called the owner of Usman. He told me that he had 3 outgoing staff to be replaced. But it has already been filled from the past month since he invited Z over to fill in the papers the first time around. Two already got their WP approved within 5days and one in process. I asked, “Could you possibly make room for one more, please?” and other persuasive words.

In the end he told me, “Call me tmrw. Let me discuss with my bro.”

It was transpired that the owner was rather reluctant to take Z in by now cos he saw how fickle Z was. Maybe not sincere? But desperate times (now) call for desperate measures so i made that SOS phone call. My dear friend Fara also talked to his hubby and since he will meet the Owner tonight, he will mention about Z in passing.

Friday, i was on leave.

We were out at Marina Square having late lunch at Pizza Hut and a few rounds of bowling in mind after that when i called the Owner to follow up. He said something like, “Actually we are on full employment already… But…. er… you just send him down to the shop lah before maghrib i’ll speak to him.”

It was almost 4pm. We gave up on bowling and rushed to Lil India.

One shop away from Usman, and i lured him inside to give him a prep talk. In all the things that could happen, he received a call from a music sch arranging for an interview sometime the next week. Just one shop away!!!

Upon seeing his hesitation to move, i said,

Me: An interview is just that. An interview. It doesnt mean you LAND the job. It takes MANY interviews to beat the odds of actually getting the job. and THEY might have like what? 10? 20? candidates lined up for interview. Whatever it is going to BOTH interviews will increase your chance.

Z: *shuffling* then what if i get both jobs?

Me: Then it’s a good problem but we can sort them out later

W no further excuses, we proceeded across the road. He ordered tea. I asked which one’s the owner? He said

Me: Which one’s the owner?
Z: That one drinkin tea w his friends
Me: Ok Why dont you approach him now?
Z: I think its rude lah he is with his friends what
Me: Well ok… then wave or make eye contact or something to signal that we’ve arrived.
Z: *gave me an irritated look*

Me: *glancing about*

Z: I cant do this Julissa.

Me: Can’t do what?

Z: Wiping tables and cleaning toilets. I didnt come to Spore to do this. I’d worked all kinds of dirty jobs back in Pak.

Me: But this one pays 50 times more than in Pak. Think about Ammi…. you promised to send her $500 to buy aircon. (its the heatwave in Pak)

Z: *Sharp look* You think i dont know that?!?! You think you’re the only smart one is it?

Me: Ok… just go and meet him lah see what he’s got to say… He didnt tell you got it or whatever.

Z: I’m sorry i can’t

Me: Look… i’ve thickened my skin and gave him a call; we’ve rushed all the way here when we were supposed to be bowling and we have arrived and you freaking dont wanna talk to him?!?!

Z: *Stood up*

Me: *deliberating*

Z: *beckoning*

Owner made eye contact with me with a questioning look. I tried to persuade Z somemore but to no avail. I walked off to Mustafa then i thought, “Why should i buy milk for a person who didnt appreciate what i’ve done for him?”

Some more, the owner called my hp while i was in Mustafa. He said, “What happened? Why you come then left without talking to me?” O oh…. I don’t know what to say… How can i put say it gently without SCREAMING “Your restaurant is not good enough for my husband?” I just managed a…. “I dont know what to say… Im sorry… ” With cheeks flaming red im sure.

So i walked out of Mustafa wo buying anything and headed for the MRT. in the train, i was surprised how good humoured Z has become. Didn’t he see how angry and upset i was? Ok at least its a window to reverse and lighten the situation. But i felt i should have impressed MORE of the shame i faced on him which i failed to. Cos he always managed to turn the tables and make it sound like I’m the uptight one who doesn’t understand him and his needs.

Anyways, off to NTUC we went. I suppose we NEED that milk. Correction: HE needs that milk. And that’s when i bought them prawn quite impulsively and also 1kg of Chicken breastmeat to make Shami kebab again sometime!

It was made known to me that night that the owner WAS indeed prepared to take Z in. But wanted to slow talk with him first. At this rate, i doubt he would EVER get help from Usman again.

************

I cldnt help wondering what would happen if he hadnt received that call or that call was received 30min later. Could he have proceeded w the job?

************

Saturday. Mummy told me that her friend suddenly thought of a friend whose husband is a Bangladeshi and owns a provision shop as well as an eatery who is looking for employee.

My lord i was touched by these helpful people i almost teared. I can’t believe they remembered me and my plight in their busy lives.

After a bit of ding donging, the wife told me that the vacancy will be up in two weeks’ time. The golden question is: Does Z want it? I suppose if provision shop is alright… or if the eatery has a toilet OUTSIDE the vicinity, ie no toilet duty. Sigh….

I told Z, Let’s call Salman to come here to work there instead. But a check with my expert friend Fara, she told me that Pakis who are not married to locals will not be granted a work permit! Unless on student pass or something.

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