When I read stories about how our community has the highest percentage of suicide rates in the 25-34 category due to high expectations I just have a few things to say:
1. Getting your Ph.D is great, but look at some of the best our society has bred - all college dropouts.
2. Making partner at your firm is something that might be in your sights - and it's a good goal - but if you don't make it to become the first Asian American partner in your firm by the time your 30, don't think too much about it. Those other people are going to die off sooner or later, and when they do - you'll be ready to take their still warm seat.
3. So you didn't make it into that Ivy League school your parents had their heart set on. In this economy, you're just doing them a favor - but really - this is their fault anyway. I know that'll be a tough sell (and you might want to have a backup place to stay if you go that route with them) - but in time, they'll realize that it was their own parenting habits that created the mess that they thought you were - and in the meantime - you'll do amazing things at that state school they thought was beneath them, make friends with a political wunderkind, and the next thing you know you'll be taking office with your parents by your side during the press conference, and afterwards (when they're boasting to their friends about you) you'll secretly be smiling when you hear about those other folks who have a mountain of student loans and are losing their hair because of all the malpractice suits they're involved in.
4. If you don't have the biggest T.V., the most expensive car, a huge house/condo/apartment, you haven't been saving for retirement like you know you should, your kids are killing you and you're significant other isn't helping out either - and it's kind of making you depressed keeping you up at night -- at least your name isn't Madoff - and really - there's a lot to be said for that.
This Is Who We Are? Having The Highest Suicide Rate In The 25-34 Category?
Sunday, January 04, 2009Labels: Asian, Asian American, Self Love Is The Best Love