Denny's Background
Mr Suen, just turned 31, is a graduate from University of San Diego who believes knowing how the economy runs can help him to acquire enough money for a modest, if not prosperous life. Without hesitation, he chose Economics as his college major and with hard work; he secured a first honor award. Having a high-educated background from a renowned university would, and should lead him a comfortable life. Yet, the reality speaks the other way round.
Shortly after his graduation, he started working at a toy-selling company. His salary was USD 3,000 per month, and he saved most of it to buy an apartment in Hong Kong. “I only spent USD 300 for a 600 squarefeet apartment in San Diego, including a parking space!” he exclaimed. His hard work was appreciated by his boss and he was promoted to be the manager of the toy-selling company, which he earned a double of his original salary. “I finally save enough to secure the down payment for my first apartment in Hong Kong, and I figured it was time to go back,” he recalled.
Suen was so determined to go back to Hong Kong that he resigned from the company. He was not moved even he was offered a higher salary and the attractive position as the director of the company. After six years, he returned to the city with fond hope. “I stepped off the plane and I said to myself, I miss Hong Kong,” he recalled.
After three months of job hunting, he finally settled down running a small salary.
He now earns almost HK$35,000 per month. “It is still hard to survive in Hong Kong with such an income,” he said. Saving money is an arduous task - Suen still needs to pay $8,000 for his debts, $10,000 for daily expenses and $10,000 for the insurance and management fees.