Employment, or the Lack of, in Hong Kong

Or rather, in my case, the lack of it. Given the current economical outlook, with downsizing and redundancy both on a vengeful path towards crisis point, I think I'll get to keep my current job title (as an unemployed bum) for a bit even though I've came quite close to losing it twice.

The first one took place about 5 months ago, my very first job offer in Hong Kong, needless to say, I was very excited. I was also naive enough to believe the company would be open to contractual negotiation, well, apparently not in this case (or place)! I was shocked by the company's quick rebuff to my counter proposal, the initial disappointment has worn off but has left a bad taste in this experience.

I guess in a densely populated place such as Hong Kong, there must be hundreds of hopefuls out there who would be grateful for this opportunity. I also imagined the person-in-charge probably sneered at my effort and thought what a fool I am! Ho hum!

The second one happened just a few weeks ago. The role itself sounded very interesting and is in line with what I've been desperately seeking in a job, the company is a globally known firm and everything else look very good - they like me and I like them, except that I will need that in writing. It never came.

Well, I received news after a brief delay that the company is currently facing a recruitment freeze, meaning they are not able to make the hire. It also mentioned that the company will have a policy review early next year on this matter but nothing is certain.

That was a real disappointing blow. When I was told about the offer verbally, it was the best news I've had for a long time; I imagined how my life style would change for the better, I imagined all the things I will be able to achieve, I imagined all the freedom I will have, and I imagined how proud my loved ones would be of me. Alas, it was not meant to be.

Being an unemployed bum hasn't exactly been a cruise for me. No matter how hard I've tried, I still find myself swimming against the tide, not quite winning my fight with the griefs of unemployment - boredom, stress, lack of financial freedom, and loss of self-esteem. Unlike fine cheese and wine, unemployment don't age well, one just don't forget about unemployment, it is always at the back of my mind gently reminding that me I am not supposed to be unemployed.

The morale of the story for me is: employment is good, unemployment is not.