"Most couples I know wait until their 30's to have children, or simply stay child-free," said Chiang. "People want to have their own life, they want to have a successful career. When you see life in these terms, children are an impediment. ''

Chiang is a thoughtful and hardworking woman, born in 1966. Before 1991, there were only two universities, Hong Kong University and Chinese University, that offered official bachelor's degrees in Hong Kong. Students had to pass a very difficult entrance exam to fulfill their university dream. Hundreds of thousands applied, and Chiang was one of only 2000 students admitted by Chinese University in 1986.

Like most of her classmates, she found a decent and well-paid job after graduation, serving as a manager in the governmental Department. When Chiang was 30 years old, she got married, and she and her husband made the decision that they would have no children.

''There are times when I think perhaps I miss something important if I don't have a child,'' Chiang said slowly, trying to put her complicated thoughts into simple words. ''But modern women have so many opportunities to have the free lifestyle they want. Plus the serious pollution, high living expenditures: Hong Kong is not ideal place to raise children."

No Kids, free lifestyle

"I spend time on traveling, reading, attending lectures, watching my favorite football game," said Chiang. "Yes, you could say my husband and I want maximum flexibility to enjoy our leisure time and socialize with friends. But this is also a kind of valuable lifestyle."

Have a listen to Ms. Chiang audio clip in which she talked about her personal experience.

Audio one: I don't want to give up my enjoyable lifestyle. Listen in podomatic.

Audio two: Rather than having only one, spoilded child, I decided on none. Listen in podomatic.

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Childfree Kitty, I am sooooooo glad there's a story abou October 16, 2007     

I am sooooooo glad there's a story about HK women's choice to remain childfree. I feel alone sometimes in my choice, probably because most of my friends are baby-crazy. Reading this article certainly brought a smile to my face. Rock on, fellow childfree people!

Kitty | 203.163.105.227

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