View Full Version : How to pass time as a dependent spouse in Pekanbaru?
honeystory
07-02-10, 20:44
Hello ladies =) I am new to this forum. My husband will be posted to Pekanbaru soon for few years. We just got married and so we decided to move there together.
As a dependent spouse, what can I do there? I have an engineering degree... is finding a job there possible? please advise. Thank you so much.
waarmstrong
07-02-10, 21:55
Too bad you could not work out a package deal with your new husband's Pekanbaru employer. I am always impressed by those who have persevered in a long struggle for complete an engineering degree. Speaks well for your chances of employment, but alas, all I can do is wish you success in your search -- have no information on job prospects in your new city.
Dear Honey,
First of all, CONGRATS! on your recent wedding....now, let's the adventure begin...:D...
My hearts with you, dear!...I've been there & done that my self for the first 11 years of our marriage - followed my husband around seven countries, away from a family that I used to know,feeling lonely at times,etc. BUT then I found out how to keep my self occupied and entertained all at the same time..
I don't know for sure how big is Pekanbaru and how large is the expat communities around you, since working will not be possible for you perhaps, you may like to look around for some kind of ladies social organization such as American Women Group, Australian Women association, ROTARY group, or other International Woman's group in your area. If such thing exist, you'll find your self busy with things to do i.e. Coffee Morning, Outing with the ladies, Art & Craft classes, Language classes, etc that may help you in your adjustment at the new place. Don't be shy to ask around - and incase, if you have a children in school age also help since you will find your self to interact more with other parent in your exact situations .
Either way, go out and explore....I wish you have a good time.
M
depends on the type of engineering you've done and the experience you have. possibly a good chance I would think.
honeystory
10-02-10, 21:52
thanks for all your wishes & suggestions.. =) my Engineering degree is in Electronics field, majoring in Communications. For the past 2.5 years, I am working as a product engineer in a memory company. Any job opportunity in Pekanbaru? From what I have found so far, seems like companies in Pekanbaru are mostly oil field related ones.
From what I have found so far, seems like companies in Pekanbaru are mostly oil field related ones.You're correct. And those oil companies the best payers of any companies, anywhere. Start studying what electronics and/or communications are used in the oil business now. Many control tools use electronics now.
Google will get you started. Read articles on the Internet and ask people in Pekanbaru. After a while you should have a good idea where you might fit in. Be prepared to sell your abilities to help an oil company solve a recurring problem. If its' supposed to be, you'll get an offer. If not, at least you gave it a good try. Good luck.
vertigenous
26-03-10, 18:13
hello honey,
I happened to stumble on your post after googling "expats in pekanbaru"!
I am in the exact same situation as you. I (a Singaporean) have just gotten married to an Indonesian, and have made the move to Pekanbaru in January. I am on a no-work KITAS, and my spouse is listed as my sponsor.
Unfortunately, you will not be able to find work in your field here, unless you are able to convert your current visa/kitas into one which allows you to work. You are also correct in stating that most of the engineering jobs are related to the petro-chemical/oil companies, since most expats coming to pekanbaru work for Caltex in Duri (3-4 hours away from PKU).
At the end of the day, it really depends on what you want to do, and where you are located. If your husband is posted in the city, for example, and you are unable to find engineering/communications related jobs (after managing to convert to a work visa), then you could possibly take up a teaching job, or something along those lines. Native English speakers are in high demand as teachers here.
Let me know if you have any questions pertaining to life in PKU!
Puspawarna
26-03-10, 19:46
.
Unfortunately, you will not be able to find work in your field here, unless you are able to convert your current visa/kitas into one which allows you to work.
In the past, I have done that without difficulty. If an employer wants your skills badly enough, they will complete the paperwork necessary to see that you are legally employed.
While it is best to be prepared for the eventuality of not finding work, I think it is premature to become discouraged. It may take a while, but a trailing spouse with a good skill set and determination can usually find employment. You do have to be flexible and prepare for (a) a long search period; (b) the possibility that the job you get will be a little outside your exact field of choice; and (c) the possibility that your salary will be lower. (Some companies love to hire trailing spouses for this very reason - it is a lot cheaper than bringing in an outside expat!)
I don't know anything about honeystory, but I'm guessing she is probably fairly young (therefore having expectations of a career regardless of gender) and childless. If I am right about that, finding a job may be a very important part of her happiness. (I mean no disrespect, Indomom, and the women's groups can be a lifesaver for some - but they are not for everyone. My own interests and attitudes - and those of most of my friends - are quite divergent from the women's organizations I know of in Jakarta.)
Good luck, honeystory! I hope you find a satisfactory life in Pekanbaru, whatever activities that ultimately involves.
welcome to my lovely city :)
English Teachers is best jobs in Pekanbaru City for expatriates. I have some expat friends work in lesson company and International School here.
Sorry for bad English and hope you and husband felt comfortable living here
English Teachers is best jobs in Pekanbaru City for expatriates.
:rofl:
i may be in the reverse soon and could use some advice. my lovely wife is indo and we have discussed going there to live (Bandung). i don't want to retire just her (i'm 64 and get bored easily) but don't have any teaching credentials to speak of and would be on some kind of kitas. any advice would be appreciated, thanks in advance.
:rofl:
laugh ? can you tell me best job in Pekanbaru city for expatriates ? since so hard to find company like chevron who can handle salary for foreign graduates. If you say PTPN, Chevron and others company like this, i just you need to make sure this not be in Pekanbaru Central area
make sure TS asking where can be found job easily in Pekanbaru city, not Duri, Minas, Perawang or Siak :)
travellingchez
26-08-10, 17:53
I used to work in Pekanbaru as a teacher. One women I know whose husband was a contractor in Pekanbaru worked in EF part time. I'm not sure about what they did about her visa as the boss at the time liked to bend the rules so to speak.
If you want to keep your sanity in Pekanbaru join the Rumbai Hash House Harriers. It's a running club but many people walk not run. Trust me it will help keep you sane as it was the only place I found in Pekanbaru where you were treated like a normal human being and not as an alien from out of space.
Puspawarna
26-08-10, 18:18
I used to work in Pekanbaru as a teacher. One women I know whose husband was a contractor in Pekanbaru worked in EF part time. I'm not sure about what they did about her visa as the boss at the time liked to bend the rules so to speak.
If you want to keep your sanity in Pekanbaru join the Rumbai Hash House Harriers. It's a running club but many people walk not run. Trust me it will help keep you sane as it was the only place I found in Pekanbaru where you were treated like a normal human being and not as an alien from out of space.
Honeystory hasn't checked in here for 6 months, so you can probably assume she won't see your comments. (She could be lurking without signing in, but I doubt it.) If you really want to contact her you should probably send her a PM and see if that works.
So often this happens to us regular posters, sigh ... new people come in, we get all excited and helpful and answer their questions, and never hear from them again. :sad: Is it our breath?
It would have to be pretty feriocious breathe to scare them away through a computer monitor puspa, more a case of someone jumping on the net, googling 100 pages for the new job, big move etc. And forgetting it all in the rush.
Sometimes the move and/job never even happen, anyone remember jamie and the trans javan bike ride? Other times they do move, but find friend there or forget about us in the excitement.
While you're job hunting ... a few ideas for spending that free time :)
http://www.expat.or.id/info/toomuchfreetime.html
wm
If you have a degree in electonics why not try applying the telecomm companies, or equipment providers.
travellingchez
01-09-10, 08:03
Honeystory hasn't checked in here for 6 months, so you can probably assume she won't see your comments. (She could be lurking without signing in, but I doubt it.) If you really want to contact her you should probably send her a PM and see if that works.
I'll do that. I know from experience how boring Pekanbaru can be. I was very lucky when I lived there to meet up with 2 Expat Couples and had a colleague the same age as me. We used to meet up at one of their houses and have a Bule Pool Party/BBQ every other weekend.
travellingchez
01-09-10, 21:17
Yeah she did say a few years. I pity her. I was only there a year and that was enough.
Saying that I still have to go back there as my In-laws are there. The only good thing for me going back is to see the family and my good friends.
Also it's just to bloody hot! :flame:
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