Saving less than $197 a month forces me to leave HCMC and return to my hometown

Workers leave a factory in HCMC, November 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran

I was born in a coastal village in northern Vietnam and moved to HCMC in 2012. Over the past 12 years, I’ve lost more than I’ve earned, and I would rather earn less in the countryside than continue losing more by insisting on staying in HCMC.

Although I graduated with a degree in accounting, I probably wasn’t meant to work for a company, so after just one year in HCMC, I switched to operating a small-scale business. Currently selling street food, I also drove for a ride-hailing service for nearly seven years. However, I sold my car a month ago for various reasons and am now focusing on my business to save capital for my plan to return to my hometown next summer, even if that means I will earn a few million dong less each month.

One of the reasons I made this decision is that my monthly savings makes it impossible for me to purchase a house here, forcing me to rent a place that’s less than 30 square meters. With two children—one in third grade and the other starting first grade next year—I always prioritize their education, considering it my top responsibility. If I stay in HCMC, I would need to rent a larger space for more room, but the rent would also be higher.

To increase our income to adapt to the higher rent, my wife and I would have to work much harder, cutting back on time with our children. I’d rather accept that my children might miss out on some material things in exchange for a larger home in the countryside, with more space, fresh air, and the chance for them to have friends and a real childhood.

Additionally, I will have better health and more living space, no longer having to endure the noise from neighbors’ loud "karaoke" sessions. My child will also be able to study in a quieter, more focused environment. Plus, I won’t have to spend money traveling back to my hometown every year.

Still, I want to emphasize that the decision of whether to return to the countryside or stay in the city to pursue the dream of becoming rich and changing one’s life is an important one. It’s not about following the trend of "leaving the city for the countryside," nor should we romanticize or be under the illusion that life in the countryside will be "easier" or more relaxed, as movies often depict. Every place has its own challenges.

The key is to know what you really want and carefully weigh the gains and losses. Whether returning to the countryside is a suitable option depends on each person’s circumstances. In my opinion, only those with certain qualities should consider starting a new life in their hometown.

First, they must have a deep love for their homeland, a love that can motivate them to return. Only those who truly love their homeland will feel happy to come back. A strong love for one’s homeland will help them accept all the potential difficulties and hardships of life in a poor rural area.

A deep love for one’s homeland will also drive them to contribute to its development. For those without this strong love, even if they have the financial means, they won’t be happy with their life and lifestyle in the place where they were born.

Second, they must have a sense of filial piety toward their elderly parents in rural areas and deceased ancestors. Everyone has some level of filial piety toward their parents, but it varies in degree. Those with a strong sense of filial piety will be happy to return to their hometowns, as it allows them to spend more time with their parents.

Third, they must be hardworking, not afraid of hardship, always willing to work hard, and ready to adapt and learn new skills to fit into rural life. Only those possessing these skills will be able to live sustainably in their homeland.

These are my thoughts on the matter. Would you prefer living in the city or in your hometown?