(EN) In this enlightening letter exchange, Yifan from China, currently studying in Belgium, and Apoorva from India share their unique perspectives on SDG Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. Through their correspondence, they explore the economic landscapes and job markets of China, Belgium, and India, highlighting challenges and opportunities faced by young professionals in these regions. Yifan discusses the slowing economic growth and job market pressures in China and Belgium, while Apoorva provides insights into India’s rapidly growing economy and the challenges of finding well-paying jobs. Their thoughtful dialogue underscores the importance of cross-cultural understanding in addressing global economic issues.
Letter 1
Dear Apoorva,
I hope this email finds you well.
I am currently residing in Belgium, where the winter is harsh, but summer seems promising. How is the weather treating you in India?
My name is Yifan, and I am from China. My interests are watching movies, reading, and sometimes producing my podcast. It’s so nice that I pair with you to discuss SDG Goal 8, “decent job and economic growth’. Since I have only been in Belgium for less than a year and am still grasping the local job market, I would like to discuss my experiences in China in the first letter, which I hope, also interests you.
Over the past three decades, China’s economic growth has slowed. Thirty years after the “Reform and Opening” policy (the policy of opening ports and introducing a market economy in the 1990s), the Chinese are no longer as optimistic about the future as before. The real estate market is a key indicator as well as a reflection of China’s weak economic growth. Previously, despite soaring housing prices, people would exhaust their savings and take loans to buy apartments, driven by a deep-seated desire to own property and steady positive future expectations. Now, however, there is hesitancy, with fears that investments might not yield returns.
The current work environment in China faces challenges. Traditional large companies can have a less stressful work rhythm but often lack innovation, making it difficult for employees to grow in their careers. For smaller companies, they always make employees work overtime, causing excessive pressure. With a lack of strong labor unions and the inaction of the HR department, many issues reported by employees are often not taken seriously. Although the law specifies employee rights, because this situation has become an unspoken norm, it is common for employees not to receive the compensation and reward they deserve.
From my own experience at an advertising firm in Shanghai, I encountered a toxic work environment. Despite high initial enthusiasm, I soon observed the poor management, internal power struggles, and a high turnover rate—60% within a year, with some talented individuals leaving within a month. Although I admit this isn’t necessarily representative for the entire advertising industry, it sure is a real experience.
The younger generation is particularly responsive to these challenges. During the two years I worked in Shanghai, it was easy to feel the decadent atmosphere among everyone. People are talking about “lying flat”—a popular term signifying a refusal to work due to perceived inadequate rewards. Additionally, terms like “involution” (intense competition over limited resources) and “fire” (retiring early after saving enough) are prevalent.
We are also finding ways to improve our own conditions through small actions. We share successful experiences on social media about how to do upward management, ask for salary increases, negotiate for dismissal compensation, etc. We engage in unconventional arrangements to broaden career opportunities, with part-time positions, freelance roles, and remote work becoming increasingly popular. Recently, I’ve also noticed initiatives aimed at enhancing company transparency through collective information sharing.
My reasons for moving to Belgium include experiencing a European work environment, immersing myself in diverse cultures, and sharing my observations and insights with family and friends. I hope once I get a job and gain real experience here, I can also share my stories with you.
I’ve shared my experiences related to China’s economic situation and workplace atmosphere, and I’m eager to learn about your story in India:
1. India’s economy has grown rapidly. What is your perspective? Have ordinary citizens benefited?
2. Could you share any experiences from you or those of your friends regarding the working environment in India?
3. What is your ideal working environment, and how do you plan to achieve it?
I hope this has provided some new insights for you. Looking forward to your reply!
Best Regards,
Yifan
Letter 2
Dear Yifan,
I hope this email finds you in good spirits.
I would like to share a little bit about myself, I’m Apoorva, a 23-year-old. My interests revolve around painting – I love painting to express my thoughts, experimenting in the kitchen while cooking new recipes, and learning about anything that interests me. I’m pursuing my PGDM in Rural Management, where each day brings new challenges and exciting opportunities to grow. I am excited to connect with you and discuss SDG Goal 8, “decent job and economic growth,” as our paths align with meaningful insights on this topic. I believe our shared interests can lead to meaningful conversations.
It’s lovely to hear from you from Belgium. The weather here in India is quite warm currently, as we are heading into the summer season. I hope you’re finding some respite from the harsh winter in Belgium.
Firstly, it’s fascinating to know more about your background and your experiences. Pursuing your second master’s degree in Belgium sounds like a remarkable journey, and I admire your determination to find a decent job there. It’s great that we both share an interest in discussing SDG Goal 8, “decent job and economic growth,” and I’m indeed looking forward to exploring this topic with you.
Your insights into China’s economic growth and its impact on the job market are truly thought-provoking. The shift in people’s attitudes towards investments and property ownership is quite telling, and the challenges faced in the work environment, especially among the younger generation, are concerning yet very insightful.
As for your questions about India, here are my thoughts and some questions for you:
1. India’s economy has indeed shown rapid growth in recent years, especially in sectors such as technology, healthcare, and renewable energy. While this growth has created opportunities, there are also disparities, and not all ordinary citizens have benefited equally. What are your thoughts on economic growth and its impact on ordinary citizens in Belgium?
2. The working environment in India is diverse and varies across different industries. Many people in India work in the technology sector, which has seen significant growth and innovation. However, there are also challenges such as long working hours and workplace stress. What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Belgium’s job market?
3. My ideal working environment encourages creativity, collaboration, and personal growth. I believe in a healthy work-life balance and an organizational culture that values employee well-being. What aspects of a working environment do you prioritize, and how are you planning to seek out such an environment in Belgium?
I’m eager to hear more about your experiences and viewpoints. It’s wonderful to connect with someone open to sharing insights from different parts of the world. I’m looking forward to your thoughts and continuing this exchange of ideas. Wishing you the best in your endeavors in Belgium, and I’m excited to learn more from your future experiences.
Warm regards,
Apoorva
Letter 3
Dear Apoorva,
I hope you are doing well recently.
I’ve been quite busy with course assignments and job interviews. How about you? Thank you for your appreciation of my thoughts on China’s current situation. Your questions were also thought-provoking. As mentioned, I’m still searching for a job in Belgium, so my practical experience is limited. However, I’ll share what I’ve gathered from those around me.
Belgium enjoys steady economic growth, experiencing inflation rates between 5%-10% annually. Fortunately, a reassuring policy requires companies to increase wages in line with the inflation each year, helping to maintain purchasing power for the population.
Belgium also has the highest tax rates in Europe. In 2024, the average monthly salary in Belgium is around 3,900 euros; after taxes, which can exceed 40%, people can expect an average net salary about 2,500 euros. Tax deductions in Belgium slightly vary depending on marital status and the number of children in a household. Nevertheless, high taxes generally come with better benefits. Belgian people enjoy a minimum of 32-day vacations yearly and a good work-life balance. A comprehensive insurance service and other social benefits also enhance the quality of life here.
One aspect that truly interests me about Belgium is the relatively narrow salary gap. The highest salaries are only about seven times the minimum wage, an absolute contrast to countries like China or the USA, where high-income individuals, such as CEOs, can earn thousands of times more than minimum wage earners. I appreciate this aspect of Belgium, as it reflects a greater sense of societal equity.
In terms of your second question,” common challenges faced by professionals in Belgium’s job market”, I may not answer quite well since I am not yet a professional locally. So, I decided to share some challenges I encountered when seeking a job, from the perspective of a non-EEA who speaks no local language.
The biggest challenge for us, no doubt, is the language. Even though English-speaking people account for a large proportion, most Belgian companies require either Dutch or French in their job description. I received tons of rejection letters for this reason. Another challenge is visa sponsorship. For non-EEA nationals, finding a company willing to sponsor our visas is necessary. Even though many companies are willing to ponder, it’s still an extra procedure compared to the EEAs, thus creating an additional competitive disadvantage for us.
For the third question about my priority for a working environment, my answer is good work-life balance, a promising career path and a supportive team.A balanced work environment is crucial to me. I’m eager to learn and develop within an organization, provided I have sufficient personal time. Additionally, I prefer to approach my work creatively.
I plan to find a job in the field that interests me, for example, the data science field I am currently exploring. While discovering an ultimate professional passion can be challenging, beginning a career in a field that intrigues me is relatively straightforward. Next, I want to quickly connect with the culture and people at potential workplaces. I need to align with the company’s values and get along well with team members. For me, psychological safety in work is a crucial part, sometimes more than the work content itself. If it is not a good match, I’m open to exploring other teams or companies where I might find a better fit.
I’ve talked about the economy, salary, and job-seeking in Belgium. Now, I’d love to learn more about the situation in India:
1. Like China, I understand India has a significant income disparity. What is the typical starting salary for a new graduate, for example, in the IT field? Is it challenging to find well-paying jobs? What salary is needed to maintain a quality life?
2. From your perspective, what are the common challenges for young generations in India? What traits are most valued in employees or candidates in the Indian work environment?
3. Do young people prefer to find jobs locally or abroad? What motivates their decision to stay or leave?
I hope you find these questions interesting and worth sharing. I hope everything will be fine for you and looking forward to your reply!
Best Regards,
Yifan
Letter 4
Dear Yifan,
Thank you for your email, and I’m glad to hear from you. It sounds like you’re navigating some exciting and challenging times as you pursue job opportunities in Belgium. It’s interesting to learn about the economic landscape and job market dynamics in Belgium.
The insights you provided about the salary range, tax deductions, work-life balance, and employment challenges are quite enlightening, especially for someone like me currently focusing on rural management as part of my MBA. It’s fascinating to compare and contrast the employment dynamics between different countries, and I appreciate your perspective on these matters.
Regarding your questions about the situation in India:
1. Starting salaries for new graduates in the IT field in India can vary significantly based on factors such as the individual’s qualifications, the company, and the location. Generally, entry-level salaries in the IT sector can range from INR 3-6 lakhs per annum, depending on the specific role and the employer. While there are opportunities for well-paying jobs in the IT sector, competition can be fierce, and the quality of life is often tied to the cost of living in different cities. In metropolitan areas like Bangalore, Mumbai, and Delhi, a higher salary may be needed to maintain a comfortable lifestyle compared to smaller cities or rural areas.
2. Common challenges for young generations in India include employment opportunities, skill development, adaptability to rapidly changing industries, and the need for continuous learning. In the Indian work environment, employers often value traits such as adaptability, problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and a strong work ethic. Additionally, demonstrating a willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and business practices is highly regarded.
3. The decision to seek employment locally or abroad varies among young people in India. While there is a growing trend of individuals pursuing opportunities abroad, many also prioritize staying in or returning to India to contribute to its growth and development. Motivations for staying or leaving often revolve around factors like career growth opportunities, work-life balance, exposure to diverse cultures, and the desire to make a meaningful impact in their home country. Your perspective on Belgium’s job market and your experiences with job seeking have provided valuable insights, and I appreciate your thoughtful questions about the situation in India.
I can relate to some of the challenges you mentioned, especially when it comes to seeking opportunities that align with our personal and professional values. I’m looking forward to further correspondence and wish you all the best in your pursuit of meaningful employment in Belgium.
Warm regards,
Apoorva