The issue of emigration involves two generations of a family. Some elderly members may not choose to follow their children in leaving Hong Kong, meaning the family has to face living apart across different places.
Recently, a Hong Kong man shared the hardships of being a "spaceman," someone whose spouse lives abroad while they remain in Hong Kong. He said his wife stays in the UK, while he continues to live in Hong Kong to earn money because he is worried about his elderly and ailing parents. However, last month he was laid off by his company and has yet to find a new job.
The "spaceman" posted on the social media platform Threads, saying that he and his wife had already emigrated to the UK. His wife stayed in the UK, while he remained in Hong Kong to take care of his elderly parents, visiting the UK from time to time.
"My wife and I originally emigrated to the UK together, but because my parents are getting older and their health is deteriorating, my wife went to the UK first, while I visit her in the UK now and then. Of course, we have been married for many years, so there is no need to worry about our relationship."
However, things took a turn for the worse. The man who stayed behind to earn money was laid off by his company last month. Even after accepting a pay cut, he still has not found a new job. "My job was cut in June, and my salary will only last until July 6. Basically, I've applied on Jobsdb and only got one interview. If I don't hear back by Friday, I probably won't be hired. I also have some connections through my network that might help, but of course I have to accept the reality of a salary reduction; as long as it doesn't go below my absolute minimum, I'm willing to accept it."
The man admitted that he is unhappy in Hong Kong and really wants to leave as soon as possible, but he cannot let go of his elderly parents, who suffer from chronic pain and depression, respectively.
"What makes me feel most helpless is that my parents are starting to have many aches and pains. I already feel terrible, but every day when I come home, all I hear is them talking about death constantly. And I know my mother has depression; she has seen a doctor before."
The man works in the IT industry. Although he had considered working in the UK, he gave up on that idea because he needed to stay in Hong Kong to care for his parents. "Since I'm in IT, some colleagues have referred me to IT jobs in the UK, but because I want to stay with my parents, many plans have been disrupted."
"Of course, I don't want to be in the UK when it comes time to see them for the last time... Of course, personally, I am going through a lot of anguish in Hong Kong."
When some netizens suggested bringing his parents along to the UK for a change of environment, the OP bluntly said that it is impossible.
"Taking them to the UK would be no different from sending them to their deaths."
He explained that his parents are now too old to adapt to new things, let alone the UK; they can't even figure out how to use a smartphone or adjust the TV volume, no matter how many times they are taught.
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