Moving to a new country is never easy, but nothing quite prepared me for the pace and pressure of life in Hong Kong.
As a Filipino overseas worker, I was excited and determined to make the most of this opportunity. Yet I quickly learned that success in this city required more than just skills and hard work. It also demanded adaptability, endurance, and emotional strength.
This is my story about adjusting to the fast-paced Hong Kong lifestyle; how it felt, what I had to overcome, and how I managed to stay effective and grounded amid the chaos.
First impressions: A city that never stops
Arriving in Hong Kong felt like stepping into a different world. The efficiency was impressive—trains arrived on time, people walked with urgency, and the work culture was intense. I came from a laid-back province in the Philippines where neighbours still found time to chat in the afternoons. In contrast, Hong Kong was a machine that ran 24/7.
Everything moved fast: public transport, transactions, even the pace of conversations with people. I felt like I was always running to catch up. It was a bit overwhelming at first, especially when I started work. My employer expected things to be done quickly and precisely. No room for delay, no time for small talk.
At first, I took this personally. I thought I wasn’t good enough. I questioned myself: was I too slow? Was I falling short? But then I realised, it wasn’t just me. This was the nature of the city. And to survive, I had to adapt.
Emotional toll and the pressure to perform
The pace of life in Hong Kong can take a toll on your mental and emotional well-being, especially for OFWs like me who are away from family. You’re constantly thinking about work, saving money, sending remittances, and making your family proud.
Add to that the pressure to adjust to a culture that rewards speed and results, and you start to feel exhausted—physically, emotionally, spiritually.
There were times I felt alone, even in a crowded place. I would ride the MTR surrounded by hundreds of people, yet feel completely isolated. My body was present, but my heart was back home in the Philippines. I missed the smiles and warm vibes of home.
But I knew I had to stay strong. This was the choice I made—not just for myself, but for my family.
Finding a rhythm in the chaos
It took time, but I gradually learned how to cope. I started by observing how locals managed their day. I noticed they planned everything—even small tasks. They used apps to schedule appointments, ordered food online, and maximised every minute.
So I tried to do the same. I began planning my week, breaking down chores into manageable blocks. Instead of rushing through everything, I allowed myself short breaks. I also learned to say no to unnecessary distractions and focused on what truly mattered: doing my job well, staying healthy, and keeping in touch with loved ones.
One important thing I did was set boundaries. For many OFWs, especially domestic workers, the line between work and rest can get blurry. But I realised that to be effective, I needed time to recharge. I talked with my employer and asked for small adjustments—like ensuring I had Sunday off or getting a bit of quiet time during the day. Surprisingly, they understood.
Building a support network
Another big help was finding a community. Hong Kong has a large Filipino population, and every Sunday, parks and streets turn into small gatherings of kababayans. At first, I was shy, but slowly, I made friends. We shared stories, food, laughs, and even struggles.
These friendships became my safety net. When life got too stressful, I had someone to talk to. Someone who understood exactly what I was going through. It reminded me that I wasn’t alone.
I also joined church groups and attended free workshops offered by NGOs that support OFWs. These helped me stay spiritually grounded and gave me useful skills—from financial literacy to stress management.
Staying effective without losing yourself
One thing I learned is that adjusting doesn’t mean changing who you are—it means growing. You don’t have to become someone else just to survive. Instead, you take what you know and adapt it to your new environment.
I remained proud of my Filipino values such as hard work, respect, compassion. But I also embraced efficiency, time management, and assertiveness. I learned to balance both worlds.
And as I became more effective in my job, I also became more confident. I stopped second-guessing myself. I realised that just because Hong Kong was fast-paced didn’t mean I had to rush everything. It’s okay to pause and reflect, especially if it helps you move forward in a better way.
Final thoughts
Adjusting to the fast-paced lifestyle in Hong Kong isn’t easy, especially for first-time OFWs. But it’s possible. The key is to be patient with yourself, seek support, and develop habits that help you stay organised and emotionally grounded.
Yes, life in Hong Kong is fast. But you don’t need to lose yourself in the rush. With the right mindset, discipline, and support system, you can not only survive—but thrive.
If you’re preparing to work abroad or are already in the middle of the hustle, remember this: every challenge is a chance to grow.