I feel that we work for whole life more for the kids! For any one kid,we have to raise him or her for 22 years... not just $$$$, but more our time and effort! And when we become old, we cannot expect anything back!
You are correct. Actually, even if we land on a good job, it doesn't mean that you have already succeed in your career. Life-Long learning is almost a must for all industries in Hong Kong. However, I would just point out that some industries are high demanding but low return, which may discourage a lot of youngsters when they plan their career. (e.g. IT/Engineering industry is a high input but low return industry).
I know that interpersonal skill is very important. However, I would just want to say that some ppl are not so "socialable" when you meet him/her in the first place, however, when you get approached to him/her, you may find that it is completely different from what you think and he/she may work excellent for their tasks if they have fitted in their interested post....and I just want to mention that there are a lot of cases in job-hunting just like the "unemployed - CU master grad". Even though their interview skill is not as worse as him, but they should have some assistance from the society/gov/companies......That's the shame of Hong Kong.
Now, I just want to point out one thing is that "not so sociable" does not mean he cannot get along with the teammates/austim as long as he/she can accomplish his/her tasks well and fit with the job requirements and the boss need and then I think he/she is a good employee. Well, some guys may be a little bit introvert when it is not in office hour but when during work, he/she can perform well and doesn't not show any problems in human-relationship dealing. In fact, in Hong Kong, if you are not socialable/very sociable (an impression from others), it will put a disadvantage for you in the job career development < -- for some industries, yes. Maybe Hong Kong is a place which puts highly emphasize on the servicing industry.
Say for example, if a student who is working as an intern trainee, he/she doesn't have enough salary to afford expensive food. However, if he/she doesn't join the team lunch frequently/every week. Is it meaning that he/she is not socialable ? I dun think so becoz their salary is not affordable and they want to save $$.
Anyway, we need to add oil at any time so that we can afford to have our dream house.
UME, I understand what you said and I dun have an intention to get angry with your sayings, dun worry :)