1980s generation 'slaves' to happiness

• Source: Global Times
• [21:10 February 09 2010]
• Comments

As China's economy rapidly developed over the last three decades, so have the expectations of 1980s generation, the first generation of country's single-child families to enter the workforce.

Growing up with dreams of becoming the next business tycoon or Internet guru, they are now confronting a harsh reality.

"I used to be proud of my work, but that feeling is fading," says Xiao Yuexin, a 26-year-old working in advertising.

"I've worked for three years since graduation. But I have more and more debt every month, and I am always wondering where my money is going," she adds.

Xiao earns 5,000 yuan a month, a good income for recent graduate. But she has a taste for luxury and a very active social life – she calls these her "happiness investments."

Xiao is reluctant to give up buying Dior handbags or renting a flashy apartment. She feels it is through these things she can enjoy her life, even as the increasingly large monthly debt payments are stressful.

"I am exhausted. I'm like a slave. I don't know where my happiness went," she laments.

Xiao's situation reflects one of the social problems younger Chinese face: Their pursuit of happiness has met with the reality.

They feel they have become slaves to their house, car, credit cards, and even child – all the things that are supposed to make life more enjoyable.

In an Internet survey on people.com.cn, one of China's major Internet portals, nearly 61.5 percent of 2,384 respondents regard themselves as "slaves" to their children's futures.

"Some people's expectations for their lives, including those relating to children and houses, are too high. They can't afford them. So they become slaves to themselves," one netizen commented.

"The 1980s generation grew up in an environment where things improved and developed quickly, and as a result, they are more susceptible to temptations and pressure," said Professor Zhang Zhimin from Hubei University's Department of Population.

"This generation will become masters of their own happiness when the government reduces the pressure on them, as well as when these young people rethink what their 'ideal life' is," she said.

Xinhua