November 6, 2008

Hong Kong was Worth a Thought

Five years ago, I would have packed up and left immediately upon being offered a job as an editor in a publishing company in Hong Kong. I would have gone without a care or thought, excited by the possibilities that lay head. But today, I choose to reject the offer because at 29 (OK, just indulge me while I can still say I’m 29 for a couple more days - it also means I have to change the 'About Me' blurp on the right) I’m feeling lazy about having to rebuild a life and dreading the thought of living like a student should I relocate to Hong Kong on local package terms.

As much as I love Hong Kong, I think it’s very different when you work and live there. I would have to live in a pigeon hole with the amount I can afford for rent on the far-from-spectacular pay. I’ll end up complaining that I have no money to do anything after paying for rent, utilities, food and transport. No money to socialize and meet people. In which case, I’ll then end up moaning about feeling lonely. After London, I just don’t feel very adventurous when it comes to relocating on my own. I figured I’m just spoilt – I like the creature comforts of home.

I had applied for the job on a bit of a whim and, you could say, desperation. I had a phone interview and had to take an editorial test which was emailed back to the company. At the back of my mind, I think I always knew I probably wouldn’t go even if offered because I had told myself that I wouldn’t relocate again unless if it were with a partner. I had written the same thing several weeks ago to a few people I hadn’t contacted in a long time. But I went through the process because I wanted to see how far I could go. And hey, it doesn’t hurt to open a few doors for one’s self.

So after telling myself all that, it was rather stupid to even think about Hong Kong. Still, it was worth a thought nonetheless. Ha.

Posted by DSD at November 6, 2008 3:45 PM
Comments
Oooooh... If I was still living there, I'd DEFINITELY tell you to go! Not sure what your package terms are like but if you want to talk about what standard of living is like, just let me know! Posted by: Sui Mai at November 6, 2008 7:22 PM
it's the loneliness factor for me too... london's fun right now, but it would be all sorts of awesome if there was a special someone to share all of this with. some friends and i were chatting about dubai, and it boiled down to, yeah, we would, but only if it was with a partner. Posted by: milli at November 7, 2008 7:09 AM
HK is hella cheaper to do stuff and live in than (rip off) London and the UK... Plus, HK isn't as alien as the UK wound up being...and it's a lot closer to SG, should you want to zip back for a long weekend! Besides, dun u know more people there? Posted by: abraxis at November 8, 2008 6:26 PM
Oh, come to HK!! you know me, you know Josh!!! And it's so easy to meet people here. c'mon, change your mind - is it too late to accept the position? and rental prices are going down down down... (like the economy) Posted by: Susan in HK at November 10, 2008 7:20 PM
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