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Is fighting for a life in the city really worth it?

By Wang Chao (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-02-08 10:25

One of my best friends and a graduate of Peking University recently quit her job and started a language training school in her hometown. She has refused to be forced to work extra hours every day.

Many others are also retreating from Beijing. The capital's living cost is so high now that it seems that residents have to devote most of their time to fight for a few basic needs: a house, a car and a secure job.

Most of my friends choose to live in Beijing because it has better job and education opportunities. But after a year or two, many of them begin to question the word "better". Yes, a foreign company is renowned enough to print on a business card, but it doesn't help with solving practical problems like accommodation and transportation. Those extra digits on the salary slip lose their worth immediately when it is time to pay the mortgage.

I admit that there are more opportunities and resources in Beijing, and it is still the best place to realize my career dreams. However, many of my friends find out that they are deviating from their dreams when confronted with the reality. Some of my classmates have moved to PR companies and beg the media every day to publish advertorials just to earn extra money.

My parents have never understood why I stick in this city. I always joked it was because I wanted to create a better environment for my children. Even worse, when my friend traveled from Inner Mongolia to Beijing, she noticed that the flight was packed full with the "newly rich", taking their kids to the best schools in Beijing or perhaps to purchase another apartment close to downtown. As a city known for its good resources, Beijing seems also to be at the mercy of speculators.

Maybe it is time to return to an old story: a poor guy is bathing in the sun on a beach, and a millionaire comes to lecture him. "You should go to work, work hard." "For what?" "To earn money." "Then what?" "Then you can afford to relax here with ease." "But I'm already doing that."

If we really want to enjoy a brilliant and luxurious life, then risk all and fight the fight. If not, then lie down and appreciate the sunset. It all depends on your heart.