Yesterday I talked to my youngest sister about life in America and in China. She thinks the job market is super competitive 内卷 (nèi juǎn, internal competition) in China and that life is a lot easier in America than in China. It really depends. There is no one-size-fits-all answer.
It is true that the job market in China is highly competitive, especially in urban areas like Beijing. Many young professionals feel immense pressure to perform and succeed. Beijing to China is more like America to the world.
In China, there is also some cultural bias against taking low-end service jobs for college graduates, such as restaurant workers, janitors, lawn care, security guards, delivery persons, baristas, or any unskilled job or even blue-collar workers. I don't think my sister's son would take any of these jobs.
On the other hand, there are some bright sides to living in Beijing, especially if you have financial and emotional support. Take my first sister’s son for example. He lives in Beijing now, in an apartment given to him by his parents who also pay the HOA and utilities fees. He only needs to take care of his food and spare money. There’s no danger of his becoming homeless. This kind of support alleviates huge financial burdens, so the young man can chase his dreams, travel, and enjoy a stable living environment, relatively free from too much worry. Of course, his situation would be different if he didn't have this financial support.
Another support is emotional and psychological. Coming from a culture that emphasizes collectivity and togetherness, my nephew is not used to the American culture that emphasizes individualism and independence. He was in America for his bachelor’s degree and could not get over homesickness and his longing for his friends in China.
Many young people in America must take care of their own rent and utilities independently, which can be a substantial financial strain. The risk of homelessness is very real in America for those without a strong support network or sufficient income.
On the whole, life in America can be adventurous and opportunistic, offering numerous paths for personal ambitions and professional growth. However, it also comes with challenges such as high living costs and the need for specialized skills, along with a lack of support and safety nets that seem more prevalent.
Moreover, making a decent living in America entails both hard work and a willingness to learn and acquire hard skills. Many Chinese 小皇帝 (xiǎo huángdì, little emperors), the only child in their family, grow up in a very sheltered life and find themselves not prepared for the challenges of living in America.
One section that stands out in the U.S. is its education system. The Chinese one is highly competitive from an early age, with a single focus on academic achievements, leading to entrance exams for prestigious schools and universities.
The American K-12 public school system is generally less competitive and more relaxed compared to China, so children can enjoy their childhood in a less stressful environment. On another side, Chinese parents are not as worried about mass shootings in China as the American parents are. Safety is a real concern in America.
I hope people can recognize that both countries have their unique sets of advantages and challenges. If we idealize life in America without understanding and preparing for the potential difficulties, we set ourselves up for unrealistic expectations and disappointments.
Conversely, appreciating the strengths and acknowledging the weaknesses of both systems can lead to a more balanced and informed perspective.
By understanding and respecting the differences and similarities between life in America and China, we can make more informed decisions about where and how we want to live.