Hu Rujia on the Rocky Mountains in Canada, August 2014. (Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn)
Second, most Chinese young couples hand the baby-sitting job to their parents. It's really a Chinese-style of parenting, not common in the West. But I believe in the vital influence of family education on children. As an aside, I think many Chinese families meet children's needs in an upside-down manner. Parents allow their children to leave the nest for career development at an age when the kids need them most but tighten control when the children are mature enough to make their own decisions. It's unhealthy.
Q: Why did you choose China over U.S. where you were already pursuing a future?
A: I didn't have any specific preference as far as career development was concerned. I did thought of working in the U.S. for some years just to polish my resume, but I can't neglect my family or the need to be with my family in China.
Pregnancy interrupted my plan during the graduation season so I didn't try to find a job upon graduation. After giving birth, I also realized that parenting and work can't be managed well at the same time without the support of family. I particularly worried that we will not be able to provide our son a happy environment. Even though the salary upon graduation in the U.S. is enough to lead a decent life, we would have still struggled to make deep roots in the American society as the threshold in some prestigious private schools is still very high for a family that is not well-connected like ours.
So, my husband insisted we move back to China for future growth.
Q: Do you worry about the career gap in your resume?
A: Of course I do. But I should take the responsibility for what I chose. And I always believe it's never late to start something. Moreover, as setting up family and having children is popularly supported by the mainstream society, babysitting before joining the workforce is not a bad idea.
Q: What do you think is the most valuable aspect of the overseas studies?
A: It's hard to quantify what we gained through foreign studies, which may not translate into a decent job offer or high salary immediately. But we can sense our own growth. We know who we want to be. Through living and planning on our own, we become better problem solvers and pressure handlers.
Q: Do you think foreign studies can give a boost to your job hunting?
A: I don't think I'm the best person to answer that question. My understanding is that there are more opportunities in China. It's easier to crack into upper class in China right now. On the other hand, career development in the U.S. is already well-defined. It's not hard to lead a middle-class life for students of science and engineering but they are still hindered by glass ceiling. In general, foreign job seekers should be more qualified than the locals for the same position.
Q: Given a choice, where would you like to work?
A: I wish to find a job at a security trader or a fund management company in Beijing or Shanghai.
