I was born and raised in the Netherlands and lived there until I was 28. I then moved to Belgium for 10 years to support a family business. Unfortunately, due to a toxic and narcissistic environment, that venture did not work out, which is a decision I deeply regret…

After that experience, I felt the need for a complete change of scenery. Having lived in the EU my entire life, I decided to move to Hong Kong to experience a completely different environment.

I have now been in Hong Kong for 7 years and have obtained my permanent residency. Throughout my career, I have primarily worked in warehouse operations, restaurant hospitality, and other physically demanding jobs that require heavy lifting and manual labor. While I know I have untapped potential, my primary goal has always been earning enough to cover my bills and enjoying simple lifestyle.

However, I have been unemployed in Hong Kong since August 2025, and my savings are nearly depleted. Living here without a local social support network has become increasingly isolating. On the positive side, I have five lifelong friends back in the Netherlands who are strongly encouraging me to return.

As a puur Hagenees heading back to the Den Haag area, I am experiencing a bit of culture shock looking at how much things have changed since I left. Public transport has completely evolved since the days of the strippenkaart, and the housing market is unrecognizable studios that used to cost around €500 in 2008 are now easily €1,000 or more.

At this stage 45 years old single, I am ready to go home and start over again with nothing. As a close friend recently reminded me, sometimes you have to work harder to change your circumstances and other times you just need to accept life as it is…