Embracing Freedom in Hong Kong: A Journey from New York

After spending several months working in Hong Kong after relocating from New York, I finally find myself basking in the summer I love! Each day, I enjoy wearing dresses and shirts, heading to work under the warm sun, a joyful contrast to last year when I shivered in my Canada Goose coat waiting for the subway during a snowstorm in New York.

Rediscovering Personal Freedom

Living in Hong Kong has allowed me to experience a long-forgotten sense of freedom. This freedom transcends mere ideology; it is the empowerment stemming from a civilized, orderly society that operates efficiently while respecting talent and skill.

Walking with Ease

One simple yet profound aspect of my new life in Hong Kong is the ability to walk freely on the streets. In New York, the fear of encountering homeless individuals or unusual behaviors on the subway often made me feel uneasy. Now, I traverse the city with ease, leaving behind the exhaustion of daily commutes, and the constant vigilance that accompanied life in the Big Apple.

Enjoying Culinary Adventures

Gone are the days of outrageous prices, tips, taxes, and service fees typical in New York. In Hong Kong, the freedom to order any dish I crave without watching my pocket is delightful. I can indulge in any takeaway or restaurant without worrying about excessive fees, and I no longer feel obligated to cook at home, saving both time and effort.

Reconnecting with My Roots

Perhaps the most profound freedom I have experienced is returning to my homeland. I no longer have to navigate the complexities of H1B visa renewals, which had kept me away from my family and friends for years. Travel within Asia is so accessible, and with ample public holidays in Hong Kong, a new destination is just a long weekend away!

Understanding Hidden Freedoms

There are also intangible freedoms that only those who have lived in both Hong Kong and New York can appreciate. For instance, the high cost of living in New York makes mundane tasks – like hiring help for child care or moving – quite expensive. Many of my colleagues had to make sacrifices, commuting long distances from Connecticut or New Jersey just to make ends meet. I witnessed brilliant women giving up their careers because the cost of hiring a nanny was prohibitive. I refuse to accept a future where my career stagnates by my thirties.

Work-Life Balance in an Asian Context

In contrast, cities like Hong Kong and Singapore offer solutions to these challenges through affordable domestic workers, known as helpers, who alleviate the burden on working women. Thanks to this support, many of the accomplished women here can balance family life while continuing their professional growth, even after having children. This dynamic has opened doors to a life brimming with possibilities.

A Lighter Social Environment

With all these freedoms, social interaction in Hong Kong feels lighter. People seem less burdened by responsibilities and more inclined to engage in joyful conversations about personal growth, love, and travel, rather than dwelling on pressing obligations.

I am grateful for the opportunity to compare my experiences, allowing me to gain a deeper understanding of the world. I eagerly look forward to more exciting adventures in Hong Kong and Asia! 🥰