but then I realised that there was a lot
about my past career that I can apply
to related fields.”
Back in Holland, Gouke Terpstra
had a packed life, juggling a career in
finance, managing a home and raising
her children. With the move to Hong
Kong and without a nine-to-five job
to hinge her day to, she was restless.
“Looking back, I wish I had been more
relaxed about the transition. It will
work out and you will eventually find
something that you enjoy doing, even
if it is different from your past career.”
She’s now a real estate consultant for
Savills.
Build a social network
For most parents, the first foot into
a social circle comes through their
children. At a playground, waiting for
the bus drop-off or outside the school
gates all present perfect opportunities
to spark a conversation with a fellow
parent. Mawgan recalls how meeting
a fellow playgroup mum for a coffee
led to dinners with spouses, which then
became introductions to other families.
Facebook has dramatically
changed the dynamics of social
networks – both online and off – and
provides a ready-made community for
any newcomer transitioning into the
city. Groups such as Facebook’s “Hong
Kong Moms” which has more than
9,500 members and is growing daily,
have encouraged off-shoot groups
on more focused subjects ranging
from “Healthy living in Hong Kong”
to “Budgeting and saving in Hong
Kong”. These groups offer a lifeline
for questions about everything from
reliable hair-dressers to local etiquette.
There is also a thriving Meet-Up
culture in Hong Kong – from trail
runners to art groups and Cantonese-
English language exchange groups,
there is something to interest everyone.
The YWCA’s Centre of Learning
and Life Enhancement (formerly
called the English Speaking Members
Department,
.
hk) and the American Women’s
Association (
have
helped scores of women settle into
Hong Kong. The YWCA, for example,
provides insightful talks on key
Chinese dialects and talks you through
the differences between the traditional
versus simplified script.
Tap into your local community
Connecting with your immediate
community, especially your
neighbours, is a priceless support
system. Gouke says, “My European
May 2014
59
