The renowned Chinese financial columnist and commentator, Ye Tan, has advised young people who have decided not to have children to prepare both mentally and financially for potential future illness. The 50-year-old married woman, herself childless, recently emerged from a year out of the public eye after being diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer.
Despite successful treatment which has now rendered her body free of detectable cancer cells, Ye confessed to a period of introspection and self-doubt during her illness. In an interview with ifeng.com, she shared her regret of not having a child when she had the opportunity. Reflecting on her intensive work commitment, she expressed feelings of inadequacy compared to those with children.
She noticed that among her fellow patients and the nannies she employed to assist her, children served as a substantial source of emotional strength and support. Observing the joy in their eyes when they discussed their children helping them with hospital appointments or shouldering the burden of medical bills made her question her choice.
However, she found solace and a method to mitigate her conflicted emotions by turning to Buddhism and other spiritual supports. Ye firmly asserted that a childless life doesn’t necessarily translate into a miserable one. She derived her happiness from her work and confessed that dealing with the daily responsibilities of a child wouldn’t have suited her lifestyle.
China has experienced a falling birth rate over the past decade, with younger generations choosing not to have children or marry. Ye acknowledged that it’s easier to make such decisions when young, but advised people to contemplate the potential implications of their choices as they age. The absence of children can present challenges when old age and illness set in, especially if financial resources are limited.
Being a self-confessed workaholic who worked excessively and neglected her health, Ye’s experience with breast cancer has given her a new perspective on life. Her story and advice sparked a significant online debate about the importance of having offspring, with her video interview attracting 10 million views on Douyin alone.
Various opinions were expressed during this discussion. Some individuals argued that having a child is a continuation of life, an inheritance, and a societal responsibility, while others cited the regret of DINK families they knew. Some posited that child rearing provides a unique experience of reciprocal love that childless people cannot understand.
Conversely, some people shared different experiences. A 60-year-old stated they had been happily married for 33 years without regretting their decision not to have children. Another individual, an employee at a hospital’s oncology department, pointed out that many elderly patients were accompanied by their partners, not their children, and stressed the importance of financial resources.
In conclusion, Ye Tan’s story has sparked a rich debate about the decision to remain childless and its implications for one’s future. It highlights the importance of emotional and financial preparation for later life, regardless of one’s decisions about childbearing.
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