In Hong Kong, a growing number of young people from Generation Z are stepping back from the relentless pace of traditional full-time work. They’re embracing a philosophy known as "lying flat"—a quiet rebellion against the societal expectation to hustle endlessly for success. This trend, which first gained traction in mainland China, is now resonating with a generation in Hong Kong facing sky-high living costs, grueling work hours, and a future that feels increasingly out of reach.
For 25-year-old Chloe Lam, the shift came after years of chasing the conventional dream. She graduated with a marketing degree and landed a corporate job, only to find herself burned out by 60-hour workweeks and a salary that barely covered her rent. "I was giving everything to a company that didn’t care about me," she says. "I started asking myself—what’s the point?" Last year, she quit, opting instead for freelance gigs and part-time work that allow her to reclaim her time and mental peace.
Chloe’s story isn’t unique. Across Hong Kong, Gen Zers are rethinking what success looks like. The city’s hyper-competitive job market, paired with a housing crisis that makes homeownership a distant fantasy for most, has left many questioning the value of grinding away in traditional roles. Instead of climbing the corporate ladder, they’re choosing flexibility—freelancing, side hustles, or even periods of intentional unemployment—to prioritize well-being over wealth.
The "lying flat" movement isn’t about laziness, though. It’s a deliberate response to a system that feels rigged. Hong Kong’s economy, long celebrated for its dynamism, demands long hours and unwavering dedication from its workforce. Yet, for many young people, the rewards—financial stability, a family, a home—seem perpetually out of reach. Official figures paint a stark picture: youth unemployment has hovered above the city’s average in recent years, while property prices remain among the highest in the world. For a generation raised on promises of prosperity through hard work, the disconnect is jarring.
Sociologists see this shift as part of a broader global trend. "Young people today are rejecting the narrative that your worth is tied to your productivity," says Dr. Vincent Tsui, a researcher at the University of Hong Kong. "In a place like Hong Kong, where the pressure to succeed is immense, ‘lying flat’ is a way to reclaim agency." Some, like 23-year-old graphic designer Marcus Cheung, take it a step further. After leaving his full-time job, Marcus now spends his days on creative projects and his evenings with friends. "I’d rather live simply and enjoy my life than kill myself for a paycheck," he says.
Not everyone approves. Older generations often view this attitude as a lack of ambition or resilience. "We worked hard to build this city," says 55-year-old businessman Alan Ng. "Now, these kids just want to give up?" Employers, too, are feeling the pinch as more young workers opt out of traditional roles, leaving gaps in industries like finance and retail that rely on fresh talent.
Yet, for Hong Kong’s Gen Z, "lying flat" is less about giving up and more about redefining what matters. Some are channeling their energy into passion projects—art, music, or small businesses—while others are simply taking time to breathe in a city that rarely slows down. As Chloe puts it, "I’m not against working hard. I just want it to mean something—for me, not someone else."
The trend raises big questions for Hong Kong’s future. Can its economy adapt to a workforce that values flexibility over loyalty? Will this generation’s push for balance force a reckoning in a city built on hustle? For now, the answers are unclear. But one thing is certain: by choosing to "lie flat," Hong Kong’s youth are carving out a new path—one that prioritizes living over merely surviving.