Hong Kong Man’s ‘Lying Flat’ Plan Sparks Backlash
SingTao · 1 SOURCESabout 20 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
A 42-year-old Hong Kong man said on an online forum that he was exhausted by work and wanted to resign and “lie flat” while depending on his retired civil servant father’s pension support . He said his father receives more than HK$20,000 a month in long-service pension payments and gives him HK$10,000 for living expenses, which he felt was barely enough if he spent carefully . The post quickly divided opinion, with some calling him a parasite and others joking that he was a “winner in life” . Many commenters, however, pointed to a major flaw: the pension stops when the retired father dies, leaving a potentially long financial gap before the son reaches old-age welfare eligibility at 65 .
Key Points
- The poster described himself as 42, single, living with his parents, and having no plans to marry, while considering quitting his job entirely .
- He said his retired civil servant father receives over HK$20,000 monthly in pension and gives him HK$10,000 as living expenses .
- Reactions were polarized, with critics accusing him of “living off parents” in middle age, while others joked about becoming the father’s godson .
- Commenters highlighted the central risk that old-scheme civil service pensions are paid monthly only until the retired officer’s death .
- Some netizens advised practical fallback plans, including obtaining a taxi licence or taking shorter-hour part-time jobs in catering or social welfare .
Why It Matters
The discussion reflects wider frustration with work pressure in Hong Kong and the appeal of “lying flat” as a response to burnout and social fatigue . It also highlights how family resources can mask long-term financial vulnerability, especially when support depends on a parent’s pension rather than the recipient’s own savings or employment history .