Posted by
Hongers
18 yrs ago
I'm being relocated to Hong Kong for a minimum of 2 years. I spent some time working in HK last year, although this was only for 2 months. My first impressions were that I loved the place and I'm 70/30 in favour of taking the opportunity.
My only concern is on the social side. I'm single, in my early 30s and the office is predominately Asian with 1 or 2 expats at senior levels who are a lot older than me. So my doubts arise from making new friends, as usually when you change jobs you rely on connections made in the office environment at first.
How did you find setting yourself up here and building a network? I do plan to join a gym, language classes and a football team if I can find one. I guess in short I'm looking for people to hang out with, similar age and interests who like a pint.
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I am Asian so it was a lot easier for me but still hard. I went to the gym but it got nowhere but i find night time interest classes (like wine tasting, language, stuffs like that ) to be helpful for me.
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There are so many people in the same situation. It's really not an issue as I see it. Plenty of clubs (from bars to country and yachting), lots of activities...
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Yeah trust me, finding a social scene in Hong Kong to participate in is going to be a non issue all together like axptguy38 said there are plenty of activities you can get involved in and there is a thriving expat bar scene, you will have no problem finding friends if you are even slightly outgoing. Everyone is in the same boat when they first arrive, so people do tend to be a lot friendlier here to strangers then in say New York or London. At least in my experience.
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"Everyone is in the same boat when they first arrive, so people do tend to be a lot friendlier here to strangers then in say New York or London. At least in my experience."
This has been my experience as well. And perhaps I am generalizing but I think expats in general tend to be rather gregarious. After all, we all chose to move thousands of miles from everything we know. Can't blame us for seeking contact with like minded people.
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Well...that's a bit more reassuring. Last year I was on a project so there were a few of us in HK. I guess nothing too much to worry about just a few nerves
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"I guess nothing too much to worry about just a few nerves."
Well, there will be jolts and bumps in the move. Part of the experience. But not to worry. I have moved to Orange County (California), London, Connecticut, and now Hong Kong. HK is by far the most expat friendly of the lot. The community is large and very varied.
BTW the nervousness is still there before every move, even after all these years and all these moves. Wouldn't have it any other way!
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Yeah, like the others said.
Just be sure to get involved in activities because you like them not because you think the social scene is good.
If you're a sporty type you might even put a 'tennis partner wanted' type of advert in the personals column here at this site and you might get some hits.
There are walking clubs, foodie groups, etc and I'm sure you'll find something your speed.
I'm from Melbourne originally and have been living in Sweden for 6 years and if there's any bunch of people harder to break into their social circles, I'd be surprised! !(no offence at all intended axptguy38!!!)
As also stated above, don't forget that you're far from being the only expat or the only westerner in HK, so there'll be 'someone' you can hang out with!
I'm in an easier position of moving to HK in a couple of months with a 1 year old in tow, so any other mum with a kid is fair game for company for me!
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"Just be sure to get involved in activities because you like them not because you think the social scene is good"
Well, I play football in a competitive Saturday leagye back in the UK so would ideally be looking for a team to join when I get to HK. I see there are a few with adverts on the noticeboard
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"I'm from Melbourne originally and have been living in Sweden for 6 years and if there's any bunch of people harder to break into their social circles, I'd be surprised! !(no offence at all intended axptguy38!!!)"
None taken. I agree with you. ;)
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