While many make ambitious New Year’s resolutions, a Hongkonger in the UK has voiced profound regret for leaving home, lamenting there is no "turning back" for migrants.
The post, shared on Threads last Wednesday (Jan 7), opened with a blunt statement, "Having lived in the UK for nearly five years, I deeply regret immigrating."
The poster contrasted his positive experiences as a student a decade ago—marked by accessible healthcare through a then-functional National Health Service (NHS) and a thriving economy—with today’s grim reality.
“But now, we all know the reality—both politically and economically, things are in decline and they will only continue to get worse,” the poster wrote.
Despite five years in the country, he revealed he still feels excluded, with his rights disrespected, describing himself as "a foreigner working a menial job with no economic power."
Reflecting on his former life in Hong Kong, where he held a stable position with promotion opportunity, he highlighted the stark financial disparity.
He estimated he could now be earning over HK$60,000 monthly if staying in Hong Kong, potentially saving up to HK$140,000 in a decade, compared to his current post-tax UK income of under HK$20,000.
"The situation would likely be much better if I hadn't immigrated back then," the poster lamented.
"But there's no turning back now, leaving me with grey strands of regret. Living is tiring,” he added.
The heartfelt revelation resonated with hundreds, with many sharing similar feelings of regret about moving to the UK, noting that their experiences had not met expectations.
While some revealed plans to leave after saving more money, others suggested staying in Hong Kong could also lead to a life burdened by high mortgage and job insecurity.
Many also shared encouraging personal experiences, with one commenter noting a better quality of life in the UK despite earning five to six times less.
They listed advantages such as lower work pressure, new growth opportunities, better education for children, and the ability to invest savings from Hong Kong.
However, the post also drew criticism as some commenters argued that no one was forced to stay in a challenging new environment.
"If you're prioritizing money, you shouldn't have left," one wrote, stating he decided to stay in Hong Kong after carefully weighing different options, claiming to now earn around HK$200,000 per month.
