It’s difficult to adjust back to Singapore after being in Silicon Valley for one year. I know… I’ve been through it. It’s demoralizing and in some way it brings you back down to earth from the space trip… Life will never be the same again. You look at the same things in a new light, and people that don’t get you are just plain ignorant of what’s happening around the world. Here are some tips I think would help you adjust back to Singapore with the least hiccups.

5. Stop thinking in American Dollars

There will be a tendency to start converting everything to American currency when you come back. Everything will be soo cheap and you’ll just want to spend. My advice, apart from food, do not indulge yourself too much. Reality will hit you soon enough when you realize its taking a huge toll on your wallet.

4. Think before you speak, there’s no first amendment here

You’ll only feel it when you come back… I’ve never really felt repressed in Sg all my life until I went to the valley and came back… Then it suddenly seems like there’s a climate of fear and no one wants to say anything about anything because they’re afraid. And while there’s nothing wrong in having a open intellectual debate, be very wary because everyone will see you to have the “high and mighty” syndrome… Be humble, and for the love of God, do not talk with an American accent.
3. Don’t be a stranger

Its very easy to forget all the people in the US once you’re back here… Do NOT reduce them to penpals, or people you contact only when you want something… If they mean something to you now, make it a point to keep in touch… Ideally via IM, if not email will do. People just love it when people from overseas remember them.

2. If you can’t be in the valley, bring the valley to you

Be involved in spreading what you’ve learnt. You’ll be suprized how many people have no idea that Google is anything more than a search engine… many are not even aware of Gmail. Its not only the technology that needs to be spread, its the culture. The culture of free and open knowledge exchange. Share ideas, never make it seem like you don’t trust anyone with your idea. Ideally, join a movement or organization that can help you do it more effectively, for example E27.

1. Maintain the Core

The number one tip is to keep your core group of NOC people close. People whom you’ve grown together with, and people that will keep you growing… It helps you not get sucked into the hole when the water plug is pulled and everyone is getting sucked into the drainage pipe. You could do it alone, but I wouldnt advise it. Its just alot easier and fun staying afloat when you do it together!

Posted in http://freshpress.wordpress.com/ by Vinod on the October 12th, 2006