Real talk after three years in Hong Kong: A few words of wisdom for fathers here.
After three years in Hong Kong, I’ve seen too many mainland dads here fighting tooth and nail.
They’re shouldering the sky-high rent, insurance, and visa fees, working like machines just to secure a 'Hong Kong status' and a better future for their kids.
So what’s the outcome? You end up half-dead from the grind.
Here’s some straight talk for these Hong Kong dads:
First off, don’t treat your Hong Kong status like a lifeline.
Having Hong Kong status has its perks, but it’s not a magic bullet.
Putting all your hopes on Hong Kong might leave you empty-handed on both sides.
The best strategy is to have one person holding a Hong Kong identity and another maintaining a Mainland residency, covering each other’s positions.
Second, don’t go bankrupt just for an identity.
I’ve seen too many people pour all their savings into visa renewals and identity preservation, only to end up struggling to even enjoy a meal.
What the kid needs isn’t a ‘dad with Hong Kong identity’, but a healthy dad who can be there for him.
Third, don’t just focus on making money and forget that you’re still a person.
Every day is just about paying off loans, sharing safe updates on social media, and growing increasingly distant from your kid.
If you turn yourself into a tool, in the end, all you’ll get is your kid asking: ‘Dad, why didn’t you come home back then?’
Fourth, be realistic, Hong Kong isn’t paradise.
There are plenty of opportunities here, but the competition is fierce and the costs are high.
First, make sure your own balance sheet is clear before deciding to keep grinding.
I’ve been in Hong Kong for three years, and I see it clearly:
A truly great dad isn’t the one who sends his kid to Hong Kong, but the one who ensures their family can live with dignity in different places.
Identity is a tool, not the goal.
The hardest hitting advice:
Take care of yourself first, only then can you talk about a better future for the next generation.
Otherwise, all your hustle might just earn you a sigh from your kid when they grow up.
What about you?
Are you already a dad in Hong Kong, or are you still considering this path?
Finally,
Happy Father’s Day to all dads around the world!