Striking a balance between 'lying flat' and being greedy

WE are in the midst of 15 days of celebration to welcome the lunar year of the tiger. Amid the socialising, eating, drinking, exchanging of gifts and tossing to prosperity, the festive period can be stressful for young adults who get quizzed on marriage prospects, having children and career progression.

Just as some people yearn to escape the festive celebrations, some people in China, which is a competitive society where academic, career and material success are highly prized, choose to largely escape from the rat race. In recent times, a counter culture of "tang ping" or "lying flat'' has emerged among some young adults.

The idea behind lying flat is not to overwork, but to be content with more attainable achievements and allow time to unwind. Some young people opt to lower their professional and economic ambitions, simplify their goals, and prioritise psychological health over materialism. They may quit stressful jobs in big cities, take time off to find themselves, move to rural areas or work part-time.