Transcript

I want to talk about my experience of moving out and living on my own. Moving out to live on your own is
not very common in Hong Kong. Many people still choose to live with their parents even though they
have a decent job and they’re already at (in) their 30s. Many of them would stay with their parents until they
get married. There are several reasons behind – firstly, Hong Kong’s rent is expensive. Many people
would rather save up more money to purchase an apartment instead of renting one. Secondly, the Chinese
traditional value of family is that the parents are the ones who brought you up. When you become an adult,
you should also take good care of your parents and you should spend more time to be with them. And of
course there are people who are still dependent on their parents for food, clothing, household chores,
etc.

When I tell people about the idea of moving out, many people’s reaction is like, ‘What do your parents say?’,
because they assume the parents would not like their children to leave them.
Well, I don’t know if my parents like it, but I can tell you my parents support and respect my decision. They
think it is good for me to try and live on my own and then I would know it is the best to stay with my family.

The most important reason for independent living is to save the travelling time to work. It used to take me
one hour 15 minutes to travel to work from my previous living place. From my new apartment, it just
takes me 30 minutes, so I saved 45 minutes’ travelling time. I don’t have to get up so early and I save two-
third (two-thirds) of my travelling cost. It does not only save my time to travel for work, but also from most
of the places in Hong Kong. In addition, I gain my personal space and freedom by independent living. I
make my own decision (decisions) all the time, I do not have to say whether I would go home for dinner, I
can invite my friends to come up and stay late.

Of course, there are some trade-offs in living on your own. If you want to rent an apartment, there are lots of
preparatory works (work) to do. You have to keep visiting the apartments to search for your ideal one. You
have to negotiate with the landlord about the price, furniture inclusion, who is responsible for the
maintenance of the furniture and equipments (equipment). My experience was that after we moved into the
apartment, it was not until the kitchen cupboard was soaked with water that we found out there was water
leakage (leak) in the kitchen sink.

Money is the main issue in living on your own. You have to be responsible for all the expenses, for
example the rent, electricity, gas, water, telephone, internet bills, etc. Therefore, you’ve got to be well prepared
and save up for your bills. Although I find my transportation time much shorter, the saved time is spent on
other things, such as cooking and some other household chores. I think preparing and cooking the food
do occupy a significant portion of my time; therefore, I always try to make simple meals. On the other hand,
I have to regularly tidy up my apartment and wash my clothes, so it doesn’t really save much of my time after
all.

Now everything is settled down, I’m getting used to my new life and I am enjoying it. I feel that moving out
makes it easier for me to strike a balance between my work, my social life, my study and my family. It may be
troublesome, but it may worth (be worth it).
 Answers

Preparation task
1. d
2. a
3. h
4. c
5. f
6. g
7. e
8. b

Task 1
1. Young people do not often live away from their family for reasons of cost and custom.
2. For the writer, living on her own means she is nearer her work.
3. She has to be responsible for all the financial aspects of having an apartment.
4. Finding a good apartment is not easy, nor is negotiating with the owner.
5. The time she saves on cooking she spends on cleaning and washing clothes.
6. Despite the problems, she is enjoying being independent.

Task 2
1. out; own
2. even
3. rather
4. addition
5. trade-offs
6. negotiate
7. issue
8. after all
1. Have you ever thought about moving out? Why or why not?

Yes, I have considered moving out because I want to experience independent living and learn how to
take care of myself. However, I also feel attached to my family, and living with them is more
convenient and cost-effective. So, while I like the idea of moving out, I haven't made any concrete
plans yet.

2. At what age do you think people should move out of their parents' house?

I think the right age depends on a person’s financial situation and level of maturity. Some people
move out at 18 when they start university, while others wait until they have a stable job. In my
opinion, the mid-20s is a reasonable time because, by then, most people are financially independent
and ready to live on their own.
3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of moving out?

Advantages:

 You have more privacy and personal freedom.

 It helps you develop independence and problem-solving skills.
 You can decorate your living space however you like.

Disadvantages:

 It can be expensive, especially when paying for rent, bills, and food.
 You may feel lonely without your family around.
 Managing everything on your own can be stressful and overwhelming at times.

4. Do you think moving out makes people more independent? Why?

Yes, definitely! When you move out, you have to take full responsibility for yourself, from managing
your budget to cooking and cleaning. Without parents to rely on, you learn how to solve problems
and make decisions on your own. Over time, this experience helps you become more self-sufficient
and confident.

5. What are some common challenges people face when they first move out?

 Financial pressure – Many people struggle with budgeting and unexpected expenses.
 Cooking and cleaning – Living alone means handling all household chores by yourself.
 Loneliness – It can take time to adjust to living without family.
 Time management – Balancing work, personal life, and responsibilities can be difficult.
 Homesickness – Missing family and the comfort of home is a common challenge.

Transcript:

Why do you have those bags?

Where are you going, Agatha?

I've already decided. I'm moving out.

What? Now? You're leaving now?

Where are you going?
What? What has happened?
Why are you moving out?

I don't want to disturb anyone.

I think Victor and I need to lead separate lives.
Victor needs his freedom.

I'm so upset.
Not everyone has the same character.
Elena, you're timid and shy, Victor's more reserved,
not everyone is sociable and outgoing like me.

I'm too demanding.

Now you're being dramatic.

I don't fit in here. I'm leaving. I'm going to Betty's.

Upset? Does it mean sad?

Yes, a combination of sad and angry.

Perhaps you didn't like the new furniture Victor bought while you were away?

She said she liked the bookcase,

anyway, you're not moving out. Don't be ridiculous.
Where will you live?

I'm going to stay with Betty for a few weeks.

Then I'll decide.

Are you two fighting?

No, well, we had an argument last night.

You just have to respect other people's decisions more, that's all.
You don't have to move out.
I think Victor is saying you just have to give him more space
but you don't have to move out to do that.

Agatha, it... it won't be the same without you here!

It's just... sometimes you're stubborn and selfish.

But... but you're also very caring,

loyal,
generous, funny...

Funny? Like fun?

Humorous. I'm demanding and bossy too, right?

Listen, you two. I think we all have to calm down.

I don't understand all the words you are using,
but insulting each other is not going to help.
Victor, you have a lot to do and I am sure
you have been a little anxious recently.

Sorry, Agatha. When I'm studying for exams,

I become very nervous.
This is an important time for me.

See, Agatha? He's apologizing.

And I'm sure he's going to be kind and understanding from now on.