Work-life clash as new Hong Kong graduates say they prioritise happiness over career goals
- Graduates of two city universities say they have reservations about full-time work because of fears they must give up free time
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Hong Kong’s post-Covid graduates look to the future while recalling student life
Decked out in black gowns, hoods and graduation caps on a summer afternoon, the class of 2024 at a university in Hong Kong streamed into a congregation ceremony organised to celebrate their achievements and launch them into the next stage of their lives.
But some graduates told the Post of their worries over entering the world of full-time work.
Some said they prioritised happiness and work-life balance over their careers – a trend in Generation Z also spotted by human resources experts.
“I want to be a slacker for a while first before working full-time,” said Kwok, a 22-year-old graduate of Hong Kong Metropolitan University.
“Working full-time is exhausting. My friends have lost some of their freedom as they cannot travel as much as they want.”
The imaging design and digital art graduate added it was common practice for people working at renowned design agencies to work overtime until the early hours and continue to work the next day.
Kwok, who asked to be identified only by her second name, said she planned to go for part-time jobs that were “more relaxing”, such as reception or administrative staff.
