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parents. Indeed in some fields, with their qualifications and transnational
background, there might even be superior economic opportunities in Canada.
I think my daughter will probably go back to Canada for her studies. Being
that the education system here is such a mess. Going to international school,
it costs so much money. She has to go back.
There were some variations around this theme, but a general recognition
that having children in Hong Kong required careful educational planning
that sooner or later would take the children overseas as long as finances
permitted.
I have definitely thought about that. I believe that if I have kids then I will
definitely be moving back to Canada if there is an opportunity. Mainly because
of the education of my kids.
And again,
I would like my children to stay until they have finished primary school and
then I may send them to international school like the Canadian International
School in Hong Kong, or I could send them after primary school overseas.
But I would at least let them learn some Chinese in Hong Kong.
There was considerable support for sending children overseas for the
final two or three years of secondary school with time enough to prepare for
university admission and also to miss the dreaded Hong Kong Certificate of
Education Examination, an unwelcome experience for many children and
parents (Waters 2005, 2006). Typically at least one parent would make the
move with the children: 'when they go there for school, we'll go with them.'
In this manner the transnational cycle is replayed, links with Canada
restored for parents and made afresh for their children. The reproduction of
these processes through the next generation suggests continuity to existing
circulation patterns linking Canada and East Asia.
The arrival of children sharpens a decision milestone, but even without a
family, there may be a shelf life to the long hours typically expected by
employers - though some participants found foreign companies and
overseas-trained bosses encouraged a more balanced work culture. For
many, however, the stereotype of relentless long hours was their daily regi-
men, and it could not go on indefinitely.
In the beginning when I just came back, I was working for an advertising
agency and worked crazy hours… at that age I didn't really mind. But after a
few years, you start to realize, 'OK, well, I'm working long, crazy hours. As
long as I'm paid for it, as long as the reward is justified, OK. Just put in ten
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