Hello. I'm a Hong Konger that immigrated to London at the age of 3. After living comfortably here for about 19 years, many factors have lead me to consider coming back to Hong Kong. I have a job offer there but it only just about covers the ridiculous rent. Also, I speak fluent English, Cantonese and Mandarin (from my ex).
1.) For the people that came back to HK after growing up in a Western country, what is something you would like to share or advice you would possibly want to give to me?
2.) I am aware of the current instability of Hong Kong's political situation. How much do you think this may affect my quality of living? In other words, has this been a significant issue for anyone?
3.) Do you think what I'm doing is a wise choice? To just temporarily give up my life here in the UK and leave to Hong Kong?
Keep in mind I would one day like to return to London. It’s just that the job market is so difficult to "break into" here. I don't want to waste my 20s in a place where I live an overly comfortable place, working a stale job with no room for personal growth.
Please talk to me like you are talking to a younger version of yourself. Thanks, I appreciate any advice you can give.
bump for you op.
>Also, I speak fluent English, Cantonese and Mandarin
that's powerful. I don't know anything about hong kong, but I would expect you to be able to land a decent job in your field if you speak the big three
>>1077655
not really, it's the minimum needed
>>1077332
>1.) For the people that came back to HK after growing up in a Western country, what is something you would like to share or advice you would possibly want to give to me?
Sorry I don't know.
>2.) I am aware of the current instability of Hong Kong's political situation. How much do you think this may affect my quality of living? In other words, has this been a significant issue for anyone?
It's a bit overblown. There are just more protests because of the suffrage issue but we are always mad at the government. The ruckus will die down after Leung Chun Ying finishes his term. He is very unpopular.
>3.) Do you think what I'm doing is a wise choice? To just temporarily give up my life here in the UK and leave to Hong Kong?
If you have a job offer, and are not giving up a particularly high-paying job I don't see why not.
As much as it pains me to say it I think you would get better advice from reddit. By the way OP are you Chinese?
I'm maybe not the best man to reply to this, but I moved to Macau 9 months ago from Canada to teach primary school.
My only concern (or hidden benefit) is the upcoming economic shakedown that'll effect China & the S.A.R.'s this year. I'm not worried about my job (kinda pleased to find places with cheaper rent now). To answer your question....
I came here because it was an opportunity to do something new and different, and I'm really loving it. If you can get your hands on something new and different (or at least something that sparks your interest), then pursue it and go do fun stuff in your spare time. Sounds like you gave the UK a shot, and it's time to move on.
>>1077332
>2.) I am aware of the current instability of Hong Kong's political situation. How much do you think this may affect my quality of living? In other words, has this been a significant issue for anyone?
Absolutely 0
>>1077655
>speak fluent English, Cantonese and Mandarin
>that's powerful
It's pretty normal among educated Honkies. I meet people like that all the time. Especially in finance fields.
>>1077332
1. I'm sort of in the opposite position; I grew up in HK but moved to the UK to study. If you're fluent (as in native level) in Cantonese, you'll pretty much blend in with everyone else. Also there are actually quite a lot of ABC / CBC / BBCs returning and working in Hong Kong (especially in finance I think), so there will be plenty in the same situation as you are.
see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hong_Kong_returnee
Be prepared for a huge reduction in space and a much faster pace of life than you're used to, and the incredibly humid and hot weather for a large part of the year (dehumidifiers are a must). One thing that shocked me the most when I went to the UK is how expensive transport is compared to HK. Also you can live your whole life without owning a car in Hong Kong. There isn't that much of a drinking culture ('Friday night let's get smashed'). Obviously there's bars and clubs and entire districts dedicated to partying, but it’s only a section of society that does it. As far as I can tell in the UK basically everyone goes to the pub and drinks as a form of socialising, whether you’re a quiet nerd or extroverted partygoer. (I may be completely wrong so correct me if so) Oh and there are a lot of domestic workers here, so on Sundays the parks/public areas tend to become a mini Indonesia/Philippines
>>1077762
2. Not a significant issue at all. A large majority are actually quite indifferent to politics, and just want to get on with their lives. HK does have relatively more protests (they tend to happen during the weekends), but they're extremely orderly (because they have to apply to the police beforehand or something) and just consists of people walking down a road holding banners. However it is true that HK is changing quite a lot. You'll see a lot of people from mainland China (if you're here long enough you'll be able to differentiate), and they are changing the city for better or worse. Many would say HK is becoming something they don't recognise, so I guess try and visit before it's fully under the control of China...
3. I don't see why not. You're young and you don't have that many commitments (unless gf or something), and it's probably one of the best places you could go to considering you can speak Canto and English. Like, it's not too foreign but just foreign enough to have a novelty factor I suppose. And the fact that you’re ethnically Chinese means you can sort of disguise yourself as a local and get a more authentic experience, if that’s what you’re after
