Page 60 - Words

People Tsang Kei Yan, Katrina 6D (2016-2017)

there are drawbacks as well. Owning a flat seems to be an impossible
mission for Millennials. Most of the flats in Hong Kong cost more than
$10,000 per square foot. Even with financial support from parents, it
is difficult for Millennials to pay off the mortgage. As a result, many
Millennials have to live with their parents. If we don’t have a well-paid
job like doctors and lawyers do, it is difficult for us to get on the property
ladder. Furthermore, most Millennials cannot benefit from public housing.
Since many Millennials are university graduates, their incomes greatly
exceed the income limit for public housing. Obviously, housing is one of
the biggest challenges for Millennials.

Another disadvantage of being a Millennial is joblessness. Universities
in Hong Kong churn out 20,000 graduates every year. Sectors once
regarded as potential ones have become saturated. Only those people
with first honours degrees are guaranteed a high-paying job. For example,
the employment rate of HKU pharmacy graduates is 20% only. Even
if Millennials can get a job, the job security is low due to the stalling
worldwide economies. To stay competitive, many of them have to continue
their studies despite their heavy workloads. Back in the 1980s, people
could easily find a job even if they did not possess a bachelor degree. When
it comes to landing a job, Millennials have it worse than any generation in
fifty years.

All in all, no generation is luckier than others. People born in different
times have different barriers to overcome. We should not envy people of
other generations. To overcome the difficulties, all we can do is work hard
and be hopeful of our future.

60 With Pride, We Stride