local chinese tend to be:
kiasu kiasi
like to compare/compete/go one-up 人比人气死人
want alot of face/thin-skinned
more judgemental of others
less happy go lucky
uses income/status to gain high ground
like to haolian via job/condo/car/branded stuff
the harsh reality is that for guys who do not have higher education or earn high income, they are less desirable as a spouse/partner. women who are willing to marry down/go through hardships with her partner are few and far between. as a result, some men have to marry foreign brides, where the brides may be seeking a better life elsewhere than their home country.
life is easier with money
that being said, ts can consider two options:
option 1: upgrade yourself. the society we are in looks at paper qualification with respect to job hunting. go for a diploma, equip yourself with new skills, secure a new job which pays higher. aim for median income level in the short-mid term, upgrade to degree if u want to earn higher salary in the long term
option 2: find jobs that pay commission. do note that u have to invest alot of time and effort in the job, some may bear fruit some may not, just have to keep at it.
when u are earning a higher income, set aside 2 portions, one to save, the other to invest. u can enjoy the fruits upon retirement
don't spend beyond your means, spend on what u need not what u want
don't keep up with the joneses, u end up spending on things u don't need, to impress the people u don't like
if u have credit card, use it prudently, because one can get into deep shit because of uncontrolled swiping and the snowballing of debt