As I see it, the aversion toward ritual-like meetings cuts across generational lines and as long as they are not frequent most would bear them with a grain of stoicism. As for handling personal business during office hours, Chinese employers are more flexible as far as I know. You don't fly in their face and they would probably turn a blind eye.
The important thing is, be reasonable - for both sides.
It is very difficult to generalize about who is right and who is wrong when a new employee quits on an impulse. One has to dig deep and find out both sides of the story before coming to a conclusion. It is just like a marital squabble. One should not assume that one side is automatically and totally in the right.
But if one cannot hold a job - any job - for longer than three months, most people would suspect the employee may have a problem adapting to a work environment. He or she may not be adequate at teamwork, for example.
Social adaptability is a skill that is picked up by most people. More of China's youngsters lack it because they have skipped the crucial link of siblings, with whom they would have to share and compete. High-tech gadgets have taken away much of the necessity for face-to-face communication, to the extent that some heavy users display split personalities online and in reality.
Above all, the youngsters who cite seemingly trivial causes for voluntary termination of employment can afford it.
Our society has reached a level of affluence that a growing number can climb the learning curve not in playgrounds and classrooms, but on the job. The woman in the post is said to spend 14,000 yuan ($2,150) a month of her parents' money, far exceeding her 8,000 yuan salary, which is not meager in the first place.
Her parents have three properties in Beijing, not counting those owned by the four grandparents. So, taking impromptu journeys overseas to find new inspiration for life is indeed a romantic undertaking for her.
I envy her for that luxury. It is always nice to know you have that option when you're caught in a dead-end job or you don't get along with your colleagues. But it would be an abuse if one indiscriminately applies it, venting every glint of frustration with a grand enunciation of relinquishment.
The woman in the uncorroborated story ended up changing her mind and staying with her job.
Her parents decided to cut off their subsidy, which made it necessary for her to earn her own living. Honestly, I don't think many Chinese parents can act with such principles.
It sounds more like the American way. The freedom to veer from prescribed roads and to embark on spontaneous trips in life - physical or figurative - hinges on financial freedom, one's own financial freedom.
Most Chinese youngsters understand that.
Those who wallow in their parents' wealth will ultimately learn it, too.
Contact the writer at raymondzhou@chinadaily.com.cn
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