Recent events have unequivocally shattered any hopes of democracy in Hong Kong. For many, the accelerated deterioration of progress on democracy before 2047 was a shocking disappointment. For others, the intervention signifies strong central leadership and the restoration of stability. Regardless of one’s point of view, the ability to adapt will be essential. Emigrating requires adapting to a new country, whereas staying put calls for adapting to an evolving political landscape. So what now? Everyone’s situation is different. Many Hongkongers have spent the best years of their lives in the city and would stay no matter what. For young families, the choice to stay or go becomes a fine balance of many factors: career trajectory, financial prospects, lifestyle adjustment, family cohesion, language fluency, social connections, and optimal timing for children’s education and assimilation. Each of us have our own experiences, perspectives and priorities. Whatever you choose, once you decide, own it, embrace it, don’t compare or look back. Don’t waste the next chapter of your life second-guessing your decision, wondering what “could have, should have, would have” been, or getting caught in a comparison trap. Fate can be unpredictable. Perspective in hindsight can be riddled with blind spots. As an immigrant to Canada, I learned from my parents’ decades-long struggles that outcomes from the very same decision can seem vastly different at different points in time, depending on circumstances at various points in our lives. Emigrating is tough, but it’s not impossible. I have seen thriving careers wasted and personalities adversely affected, but I have also seen inspiring immigrant success stories. Surviving in a new environment only takes a proper reset of expectations. But to thrive takes grit, agility and mental strength – certainly not for the faint of heart. Stay or leave? There’s no right or wrong answer. Be confident in your choice, don’t judge others for theirs. Since none of us can predict what the future holds, the best we can do is to be mindful of assessing the gap, understanding what’s missing in each place and recognising the trade-offs. Ellen Wong, London