Lol. Kinda similar experience we faced. Another common thing is expat are always backing up each other,  for instance, our current project is about to end in few months time, and before the next project starts kick in,  it will have a window of about 2 years for preliminary works. Despite the known fact that the 2 expats are unable to contribute and perform during this stage,  the HoD decided to keep both of them,  and posting them for some defects rectification work. That's literally like paying a director wages to carry out housekeeping work in the office.
With that kind of arrangement, the HR seems to be ok with it,  but still, increment and promotion for local. Yes, but follow the standard increment rate please,  no express way.

Ya,  you are right,  it's not the HR scope as the headcount have been allocated. That's why HR only bother when the boss is trying to adjust the salary or recommend promotion for the locals, which is under their scope.

Hi guys, i am struggling between two options now.

I am drawing 8.5k MYR per month, work life balance, good boss, and friendly colleagues. (Got time to develop my apps and web-site, intent to start my own co. if there is a chance)

But recently, i got a SG job offering me 5.5k SGD,  By the look of the director and the speed they process my job application. I think it will be a BIG NO work life balance + heavy workload.

I know the final decision is always lied on my hand but i would like to hear some opinions from the forumers here. Thank you.

*I am a IT programmer

Because I do not want to hold a screwdriver for the rest of my life. Might as well do a management training and maybe can climb higher.
Just taking it as a free MBA class.

Why bother with 35%? Break free from that HR crap. Ask for what you want. Try, lets say 8k

- They already know you can do the task
- They know they can trust you
- Hiring process is tedious and sucks for company. It cost money, time and morale. 1/10 not reccommended

Stop thinking company behave like you and me. 2k for us is better car and house. 2k for company is that 1 time your director eat out at upscale restaurant. Or that new state-of-the-art coffee machine that nobody know how to use.

1. "But I don't want to be an opportunist. They're my friend"
You're gambling your future in new company. Why bother joining if its not worth it. If they made it, bravo, but you're unlikely to get anything fat. If they don't make it, you're farked too.

2. "But that salary is too much for my age. I'll be doing the same thing as now"
How do you think people got 20k salary? Wait for latuk generous offer? No, they asked for it.
As for the type of work, I think there misconception. I'm paid quite decent amount now, doing the same thing I'm doing when I was paid 2k/month. Lots of others can resonate too.

Take a chance. Overconfident is bad. But not knowing your self worth is even worse.

I hope you've read this http://www.kalzumeus.com/2012/01/23/salary-negotiation