Summary of the Core Content
An 18-year-old from Hong Kong, who has just finished the DSE exam (equivalent to the Chinese college entrance examination), decided not to go to university. Instead, he chose to obtain a security license and work as a security guard full-time, stating that “being a security guard can save one from taking 50 years of unnecessary detours in life.” This decision has sparked heated discussions online: some praise him for being “clear-headed” and understanding how to avoid the excessive competition and stress in society; others criticize him for wasting his youth. The young man responds by saying that there is no standard answer to life, and stability can also be a form of fulfillment. A security guard’s monthly salary is around HK$20,000 (higher than that of summer tutoring instructors), which reduces his financial pressure; he has pocket money and is applying for public housing, preferring to live a carefree life without being entangled by fame and fortune.
Analysis of the Situation
Why did the young man give up on studying?
The young man didn’t initially want to be a security guard. After failing the DSE exam in April this year, he felt exhausted by the competitive pressures of further education and the intense workplace competition in Hong Kong, where everyone is striving to get into universities and “respectable” industries, only to become “corporate slaves” (working hard with little joy). He considered options like financial management to achieve financial freedom or even immigration, but after a few months, he realized that it’s better to choose a life he can accept. He then enrolled in basic security training (QASRS Level 1) and shared photos from the classes to show his decision wasn’t impulsive. He says, “Any career requires effort, and rather than being overwhelmed by competition, it’s better to choose stability.”
The online debate: Is his choice a sign of clarity or laziness?
Supporters: They see him as an anti-competition “clear-headed” individual who understands the importance of stopping losses in time. Hong Kong’s competitive education system (e.g., low university admission rates) and workplace pressures (heavy overtime) make being a security guard a more stable option. Some share that transitioning from design to security work has freed them from the stress of working late on projects, while others point out that having a security license provides a basic skill that can help find a job easily. They argue that life doesn’t necessarily have to follow the path of “university → large company”; a simple and stable life is also worthy of respect.
Opponents: They feel it’s a pity for someone so young to give up on opportunities. They worry that 18 is a prime time for learning, and starting a security job early may limit future possibilities (e.g., lacking the qualifications for better jobs later on). They also point out that the security industry might become unstable with the influx of foreign workers, potentially reducing current stability. They believe the young man is avoiding personal growth and wasting his youth.
The young man’s response: I’ve done the math, and I’ve thought it through
Facing the criticism, the young man remained calm and provided specific reasons:
- Sufficient income: A full-time security guard’s salary is higher than that of summer tutoring instructors, covering his daily expenses.
- Low financial pressure: He has had HK$6,000 in pocket money since middle school and is applying for public housing, providing a stable living option even if he doesn’t get it.
- Different values: He believes most jobs are time-consuming, and even entering glamorous industries may not lead to happiness. Some value fame and fortune, while others prefer stability; there’s no higher or lower form of success.
The reality behind the young man’s choice: An alternative path under the pressure of competition
This story reflects the common anxieties among Hong Kong’s youth:
- Competitive education: The DSE exam is highly competitive, with many students studying late for university admissions but not necessarily getting into their dream schools.
- Intense workplace pressure: The culture of “corporate slaves” in Hong Kong means many white-collar workers work long hours for low satisfaction.
- The security industry’s reality: Security guards earn a decent salary (around HK$20,000, equivalent to RMB 18,000 on the mainland), and the entry barrier is low (just obtaining a license). For those who don’t want to compete, it’s a stable option.
However, the concerns of opponents are valid: The influx of foreign workers could increase competition for security jobs, potentially reducing salaries, and the job’s career prospects may be limited with age.
A final question: Are there really “unnecessary detours” in life?
The young man’s statement about avoiding 50 years of detours reflects his realization that society often defines success as “getting a university degree and making a lot of money.” His choice is not about giving up on effort, but about choosing a pace that suits him. He’s avoiding meaningless stress and pursuing stability and freedom.
In reality, there’s no standard answer to life; some prefer to strive for success, while others prefer a simpler and more stable path. As long as one makes a clear choice without regret, it’s not necessarily a detour. This story encourages us to reconsider what success truly means: is it about earning a lot of money, or about living the life we desire?