Look, I forgot how lucky I am now, until I host Singapore visitors. No doubt everything seems plentiful for Singaporeans, esp the material life (I have some millionnaires among my visitors), but I still like my lifestyle over here. It is a personal choice.
For instance, I am in control of my life. No need to worry what is the next government move, because the gov here not as intrusive. Sort of like "Tax me but leave me alone to run my private life"
Also, also worked here, I am getting pretty good at dealing with things around me, whereas before that, I am KKK (Kaisu, Kaisee, Kaibor)
Anyway, I am ex-divorcee but no stigma here. I was a past failure, but no worries, Aussie support underdogs too. So, you know why I am happy. These are not important, unlike "Confusious" societies, where your name card state your status. (Eg more alphabets after your name the better, the job title even more "important" still)
I have working class attitide - like becoming vehicle commander in a taxi.
(Even PM Julia Gillard also like sitting next to her taxi driver - maybe her butt is too big to fit behind) Americans have to call me Sir, but I call them by first name.
It give me great joy to see angmos looking at me for some logical advice, after spending hours and hours making baby progress on the project - they just like to communicate - we Asians called "talkcock". Sometimes, we have to engage in this talkcock to make our points, like what I am doing now. (We bananas have the best of 2 worlds) Their eyes very big but cannot focus on the big picture. When they give instructions to the Singapore Office people, you shake your head. These Singaporeans don't listen to a quitter me but will worship the angmos who were parroting instructions I provide.
So, back to your question. Happiness.
My response,
Being treated with Dignity, living the dream lifestyle - of course have to be realistic I worked for it. Clean fresh air, good food where I know who grow and make them, time for leisure, time to pursue my hobbies and better companionship. Getting well-deserved respect. I do not have many expensive toys but I get to play with them (eg on a race track) and not put them in "showcase" (Companionship: I do not go for luxury-brand woman who expect me to be driver and go shopping, neither do I like the independent Singapore girl professional type with super unrealistic expectations of men)
Take care!
UPDATE >>> I just spotted a troll lurking somewhere. I think my comments will attract jealous netizens - not my problem. I am not cash rich or wealthy class. I just live sensibiliy, using selective options given by a first world country.
For those migrants who do not want to do hard yakka and groan too much, please return to your country of origin and don't troll.
For whose unhappy red-dot islanders trolls, find a life.
