I think the author made a good point in suggesting that this is not an argument or competition on whether the best choice is staying or going back. It's about sharing your life story and hopefully others can learn something from it. Here is mine...

I came to the US at the age of over 30, having worked in China for 10 years. It was the last couple of years of last century in the capital city of a northern province. The south and southeast of the country was on its way of fast development and the north was somewhat lagged. I worked in the media industry - highly regulated but pretty profitable. Before I left I had a good apartment (with 70% ownership) in a best location of the downtown area, decent pay and plenty of fringe benifits. Nonethless I was unhappy about my life. My boss, who came from a poor village, was narrow-minded and hard to please. He was not appreciative at all and rude like a savage. There was little possibility of moving to another good position like this with my family background and social connections. Then in my daily life, I was badly treated in stores and hospitals all the time, pushed away by people trying to grab a seat in the bus, felt isolated and weird on many social occasions... often felt helpless and constantly wondered how I could get tougher so as not to be pushed around every day...

I started with $6000 in American (not a bad start compared with some others). With it and a scholarship, I switched major, supported a family and landed my first job in 2 & half years. Now I have a family gross income of around $160,000, living in a 3000 square foot suburban house close to a major city, two Japanese cars (not the high priced luxries), 3 TVs (do have a big screen plasma), 2 computers, 2 dvd players, 2 audio systems, 3 cell phones...none of them the most fashionable luxry kinds but with good quality and customer services. I need to go to work every day and make at least 6 out of 8 hours count, but don't work overtime usually. Like Chinese families all around the world, I send my kid to different classes and sports teams. I vacation twice a year on a budge and dine out once a week (no fast food doesn't count). It's true that with tax, morgage, savings for retirement, insurance premium and everything, I don't have much cash at hand. I need to check price for everything except food - like to get sales and bargains online (no time for collecting coupons though). That's part of the life and I don't think it's that bad. I also like the distance and courtesy between people, good public facilities, merciless and hilarious media and diverse entertainment - to name a few.

Am I satisfied with my life? Before answering that, let me tell you how I assess myself,which has everything to do with how I perceive my life. I was a good student through my school years - getting good grades, good problem solver but not very creative. I am mild tempered and respectful and hate to get into conflicts. I hate the "jungle" life - if I succeed at others expense I'd feel guilty and if I was taken advantage of I'd feel ????ty. I can tell you, I found a home in this new country.

I could give you a long list of things I wish I could change about my life, but what's the point? You know life is not perfect and you make the best choice for you at a particular moment. I know China is ungoing drastic changes, but getting in the line of the few elite members with high pay but non high pressure job for me is still too good to be true - at least not for everyone with an MBA...then again, I've never tried so go figure.

Looking back, I felt lucky that I worked and lived in both countries substantially, which makes me know for sure what I want. For people who came straight out from college, it is a tough choice. Without comparison, it's hard to know what you like, what you care most and where your personality fits better. Unfortunately we seldom have the convinience of trying all options and still have the chance/time to take the right one.