Helpless in Hong Kong.

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Bumps

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I am an expat living in HK and every day I go to work i feel so helpless - bordering on suicidal (I do not kid you). I work for a kindergarten and there is so much waste (and underhandedness) there that you would not believe. Hundreds of pieces of paper are wasted each day just to earn a dollar. It makes me want to cry. Waste, Waste, Waste..... I hate this about Hong Kong. I feel like there is no point in any existence in Hong Kong and thus, in this life. I feel it is all about the now and not about the future. Why try? Why recycle, why turn the lights off? does anyone care?
I'm sorry, I may need a little help now...., but I can not see any future in bringing up my family here.
I'm tired of Hong Kong - it makes me sad, it makes me feel dirty, and it makes me feel like there is no hope.

Sorry for the depressive post. but this is how I feel.

xxxxxx Please make a difference.
 
Wow. You should live in Japan. They are great recyclers :) Is there any way that you can raise awareness about recycling? I wouldn't know the first way to recycle in HK. I hope you are not serious about the suicidal part. Please find someone professional to talk to about this! Take care of yourself. If you feel that strongly about HK, is it an option to move back home to be closer to family for emotional support?
 
Sorry to hear about your situation. It doesn't sound like HK is the place for you. Is there any chance of you moving to another country or going home with your family? Can you quit your job, take a break and go somewhere clean and serene?

HK can become claustrophobic at times but we just have to find our little haven somewhere to get away from it all. Please find someone to talk to and I hope you can work it out.
 
Hi Bumps,

If situation allows, I thinking leaving your job would give you a breather. Underhandedness means a huge workload and stress, and it might be thinning you out. Overtiredness is breeding ground for pessimistic thoughts. If you are feeling suicidal, am afraid things have gone way beyond your thresholds (be it stress levels, work loads, emotion bearings etc) and I think stepping out of wherever you are would give you a chance to gain some perspectives.

How long have you been here, or should I say, how rooted are you here in HK? If there is something strong holding you back from leaving this place, could you identify if it's worth more than what's driving you away?

HK is not the most environmental friendly cities, but it is by no means the worst. If you do plan to move, I hope you make a careful choice.

Through the years, I've learnt to accept I cannot make a big change, not as much as I want to, and a lot of things are beyond my control. But it does not really stop me from trying. The difference is that I've learnt to have a little hope, instead of big hopes.

I too second seeking some professional help if you feel things are blown out of dimensions! Easier said than done, but please do take care of yourself!

Sending you lots of smileys, hope it'll (at least) bring a little bit of cheer!

:flower::flower::flower::flower::flower::flower::flower::flower::flower::flower:
 
I also see HK as being a very environmentally unfriendly, wasteful place and see little hope of things ever changing here. For heavens sake, we just had the highest pollution levels ever and it flashed by the news so quickly with the hope of it quickly blowing away with the weather! Not a solution! As with many expats, one thing that keeps us here are the great salaries (compared to our home country). It's a double edged sword.

Too many folks see recycling as the way to solve all problems instead of REDUCING their own contributions to the problem - buying local organic veg, reducing the amount of meat consumed, taking public transport, reducing the number of flights taken,...

Bumps, I hear you. It IS depressing BUT I see hope in the faces of my two children. I cannot change the world, but I can raise 2 children who can also help to make change by being environmentally conscious. We maintain our sanity here by hiking in one of the most beautiful places (in my opinion) in HK - the Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve.

Please take care of yourself and try to find something that helps you keep your sanity and makes you feel like you're making a difference.
 
The kindergarden I take my son to has organise 2 large bins for plastic and paper... I think it's a great idea, doesn't cost anything (the boxes are made of cardboard) and it's a good start for the kids.... little things like this can make a difference, but it has to start in people's mind !
 
I think if you work in a kindergarden, then you may be able to teach the next generation about how to help our environment.

I do know HK is not very environmentally friendly. I just try to do my part by recycling our paper, plastic and metallic garbages. Also I seldom take any flyer or paper advertisement from the streets, and usually don't take those newspaper they give for free on MTR stations or on the streets. It is sad how many people take them just to take a look, before dumping them on the "recycling bin". People sometime don't know that recycling waste lot of resources.
 
Be kind to yourself, find someone you can speak to and take care.

Dear Bumps,

All of the things in your post that left me feeling concerned and worried for you.

You describe yourself as bordering on suicidal, feeling both hopeless and helpless and that there is no point in existence.

If not for yourself, but for your family. Seek some psychological help and support.

Here are a few contacts:

24-hours Suicide Prevention Services 2382 0000
24 Hour Multi-Lingual Suicide Prevention Hotline 2896 0000
St. John's Counselling Service
ReSource The Counselling Centre
http://www.soultalk.org/soultalk/main/content.asp?lang=E&id=122

If you feel comfortable talking to your family doctor about this, they may be able to recomend a psychologist that you could work with to help you through how you are feeling.

Take care of yourself.
 
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I understand how you feel. I find that HK is depressing and its all about the money. Isnt that why we are all here. Sometimes I feel like such a hypocrite, enjoying the good life, the xpat perks without giving back, truly giving back.. The lure of the financial is so strong and unfortunately most of us are too weak.

My only sanity is knowing that I can do my best to leave a positive footprint and be kind to everyone I can...there is no attachment to the results just the act is enough.

pls take care.
 
Hi Bumps,

don't feel too depressed...i was in the same situation as you when i worked at an international school here too...but what i did was i actually started the recycling program at the school. it's not so hard really because there are plenty of companies that are willing to come to your school to collect paper (because it is $$$ for them). it was real simple....
1) get the OK with the school (costs them nothing)
2) call the recycling company (list is at the link below) and have them a) provide you with bins for collection (or you could you use empty paper containers) b) a time for collection on a weekly basis
3) as long as the waster paper is in an open area or the security know about it, the program will run itself!

HK is slow, I know for sure but after implementing the program, lots of teachers actually tookup the oportunity to include it into their teaching, so there is hope! Hang in there!

https://www.wastereduction.gov.hk/a...ector&material_type=waste_paper&district_id=0
 
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