HONG KONG: When Hong Kong collectively stares in dismay at the mounting youth unemployment, some unemployed kids couldn't care less while some unemployed are loving it.

The jobless rate of people aged 15 to 19 during the May to July period surged 4.4 percent from June to 28.7 percent, meaning 16,300 were out of work. That's the bleakest picture since the SARS outbreak of 2003.

The situation for those aged between 20 and 24 was no better, where the unemployment rate was 12.1 percent. The overall unemployment rate stayed flat at 5.4 percent.

Perhaps the first step to ameliorate the problem of youthful unemployment is to affect a change in the attitude of young people.

"Actually many of them don't care if they get a job or not. They feel neither the need to do so, nor such responsibility," said Rain Lau Wing-hung, assistant project development officer of Hong Kong Playground Association (HKPA).

As a social worker helping youngsters to find jobs, Lau was not surprised at the numbers of indolent people or their attitude. Many have completed only junior secondary studies. They overvalue their capabilities and are too picky about available jobs.

"Some of them are reluctant to accept a monthly salary below HK$6,000 as they know even a mover can earn such an amount. But given their low academic qualifications, the market can offer only HK$4,000 to HK$6,000," Lau said.

Worse still, their families exacerbate the problem by supporting the youngsters financially.

One of Lau's students has been idle for three years, since he was 21. His parents keep giving him pocket money so he is content with the status quo while his head remains adrift in a cyberworld.

Lau worries as the problem grows. The HKPA is getting about two cases like that every month, as compared to a total of four in all of last year.

She also noticed there are more unengaged youth, which can be a heavy burden to society.

"Their friends may also be influenced as they get into thinking that unemployment is normal," Lau added.

Nonetheless, there is a minority who show more zeal in joining the real world.

Jay Tse, a fresh electronic engineering graduate from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, has sent out over 40 applications since June but less than one-tenth offered him an interview.

"It's torture. Most of my classmates got hired. Also my parents are putting pressure on me," he said.

Tse doesn't have high expectations. He wants a job at a monthly pay not less than HK$8,000 and suited to his field of studies. Yet he is also willing to work as a clerk.

"As a university graduate, I still expect a job with better prospects. But owing to my insufficient experience, I can only lower my bottom line," he said.

While Tse is still waiting for an opportunity, he takes time to improve his mandarin and English as well as learn practical skills in engineering.

Tse's case indeed is an encouragement to all job seekers, a human resources expert said.

"It's not the high time to ask for return (better remuneration) now. Inexperienced job seekers should not get annoyed with the rather low pay but should take a broad view - your experience today will be an advantage to your future career," said Lancy Chui, Manpower's general manager in Hong Kong operations.

She added young people should equip themselves with different skills as added value to their qualifications.

Chui reckoned the government provides various resources to help the jobless, yet it is more important that they embrace the chance. Nevertheless, she reminded youths to choose jobs that match their capabilities.

Therefore it is important for the youngsters to understand themselves and the business world first.

"After all, education is the best intervention to present what they will face in the long run in order to help them find a match job," Lau said. "Otherwise, they will ultimately quit the job that they dislike and become unengaged."

(HK Edition 10/13/2009 page1)