Aussie San shares his personal reflections on his 27 years in Australia, including a period back in China, and contemplates whether he regrets immigrating. He acknowledges the subjective nature of the topic and the idealized view many have of immigration. Many people immigrate to Australia through various means like student visas, skilled migration, working holiday visas, or finding a partner. He notes that a significant portion (approximately 2/3) of his immigrant friends have returned to their home countries. He will discuss five reasons for his regrets.
The Importance of Chinese Language Education
One of the primary reasons Aussie San initially moved his children to Australia was for its superior education system. He wanted them to enjoy learning without the intense pressure and workload often found in Chinese schools. However, he now realizes he overlooked the importance of maintaining their Chinese language skills.
Neglecting Chinese Language Skills
Aussie San emphasizes that Chinese is a vital language and laments the common oversight of neglecting one's native tongue in pursuit of a foreign education. He recalls advice to wait until children complete the fourth grade before moving abroad, allowing them to establish a strong foundation in Chinese. He now finds it challenging to teach his children Chinese, even with weekend Chinese school, and worries about their future ability to navigate a Chinese-speaking environment. It's important to remember that only about 2,000 Chinese characters are used daily, and a solid foundation of 2,400 characters can be built by the end of fourth grade. He regrets bringing his children to Australia too early and suggests that others carefully consider the timing of their move.
Concerns About Aging Parents
Aussie San acknowledges that many immigrants consider their parents' well-being but often postpone these concerns if their parents are still relatively healthy. He, too, initially thought he could simply have his parents visit Australia frequently.
Facing the Realities of Aging
As time passes, the realization that parents are aging and experiencing health issues becomes a significant concern. He recounts a frightening experience where his mother was hospitalized shortly before he was scheduled to return to Australia, highlighting the unpredictability of life. Several friends have expressed regret over being unable to adequately care for their parents after immigrating.
Work-Related Regrets
While Australia is known for higher salaries and a better work-life balance compared to many Asian countries, Aussie San identifies work-related regrets. While it is a common perception that Australian jobs provide work-life balance, that isn't the case for some immigrants.
The Two Types of Workers
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Employees: Many immigrants, especially those with limited English proficiency, often end up working for Chinese-owned businesses. In such environments, the work culture can resemble that of Asia, with long hours and lower pay compared to Australian-owned businesses. Finding a good Chinese employer can be a matter of luck.
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Business Owners: Many believe starting their own business will provide flexibility, but Aussie San points out that entrepreneurship is a 24/7 commitment. If you continue to do things the same way, immigration won't necessarily improve your quality of life. Even with his company based in China, he finds himself constantly engaged due to the time difference and the need to stay connected.
Lifestyle and Convenience Differences
Aussie San highlights the challenges posed by Australia's vastness and low population density. He notes that while public transport is adequate for students, owning a car is almost essential for immigrants due to the distances between amenities.
Limited Convenience and Availability
Convenience stores are few and far between, and shopping malls close early. Finding late-night meals can be difficult, unlike the readily available options in China. The availability and cost of familiar foods can also be a source of frustration. He uses the example of a favorite drink that costs significantly more in Australia than in China. Dietary restrictions, such as vegetarianism, can also be more challenging to navigate in Australia.
Food and Culture
Many people enjoy the food offered in Australia, but sometimes it's not enough. Sometimes, you want a taste of home. You can find food from home, but it will come at a higher price.
Conclusion
Aussie San emphasizes that his intention is not to discourage immigration but to encourage thorough consideration. Many people fail in their immigration attempts, and even those who succeed often experience regrets and eventually return to their home countries. He acknowledges that the benefits of immigration are subjective and may discuss them in a future episode. Ultimately, he chose to return to Australia primarily for his children's education but feels the timing may have been premature. He concludes by encouraging viewers to share their thoughts and questions in the comments.