I can't agree more that the career path gets stagnant for most Chinese in mid career. But I don't agree that it is because of the focus on kids. The objectives are not all conflict. We know how to manage ourselves, good example is the good grade. But we are not good at competing with others. Chinese culture nurtures harmony but not comfrontation, modesty but not confidence, obedience but not leadership. Breaking routine requires self-conciousness and continued practice. That's why I suggested workshop to make it real.
