Migrants Work Hard

Often in the eyes of our Aussie peers, we, the Chinese, appeared to work hard & speak little. We are often highly valued in workplace due to our efficiency. Is it in our genes that make us workaholic? Or our culture of collectivism tells individual of us to play faithful role as community member? Or we just don't believe "the most squeaky wheel gets the oil", but rather the troublemaker gets punished?

In my opinion, I think working hard could be a coping strategy for isolation, homesickness, and even depression. Migration removes us from our well-established social network. Being physically distant from family & friends creates isolation. No listening ear, no shoulder to cry on, yet we still need to unload our thoughts, relieve emotions. Turning to gambling, drugs & alcohol, or any other self-harm is seen to be morally wrong, and on the other hand, is regarded as a form of weakness, failure & stupidity. While working harder brings pride, it also protects people from admitting & revealing their loneliness & depression.

It is ironic that while i am working on & addressing social isolation in my health promotion project, it often seems like mirroring myself...