I started working when I was eighteen. That sounds really young. My first job was in a shipping company. The salary was not too good, and I always found nothing to do. So I changed to another job. That is, my present job - in a computer company which is run by a person from Hong Kong. The company is not very big, but really makes me busy everyday. I enjoy that .You know, people at my age are always full of vigor. The salary is better than before. I also feel more proud because I think I can make more contribution to my family.

I give my whole salary to my mother every month and then she returns me half of the money for me to use. Maybe I am unique to deal with my salary like that, because most of my friends and my colleagues don't give any money to their parents. I think it was very hard for my parents to bring me up. They have spent countless amounts of money and love on me, so I should do something for them. And I also want them know that I am useful now, and I needn't ask for money from them.

I still live with my parents. I think I'll never move to another place unless I get married. I once thought of renting an apartment with my girl friend, but that was refused by my parents immediately. They worried about my living without their care. In fact, I worried about myself. I'm not good at housework. How could I manage my own apartment? Surely it would be a mess.

How to deal my remaining salary? I always save one hundred yuan in the bank every month. That's a good habit, I think. I'm not a big customer for the bank though. As for eating, the business gives only one hour for lunch, so there is not enough time for me to have lunch at home. I have to get my lunch at some restaurant which is not too expensive. That always means two or three dishes and a bowl of rice. Oh, that's not all eaten by myself! I share them with another two colleagues.

Sometimes, my colleagues or some friends invite me to have supper, or do some shopping, or have a chat in some bars after work. But that's not too often, because I have to have my evening courses. I like to go to bars with my friends, because I enjoy the atmosphere there, very quiet and romantic. The prices there are too high to me at present though.

How about the rest of my income? I have to spend much on birthday gifts. It seems that my friends are always having their birthdays. I have to buy gifts for them. It seems to be the custom. I have to write a list: for the best friends, the most expensive gifts, and then better than average friends receive more expensive than average gifts, and then we come down the list ...

Oh, I almost forgot the cost of transport. Yes, that doesn't cost me too much each day. But adding it all up, I still find the cost troublesome. Sometimes I go home late from the office or from bars, there aren't any buses. Then I have to take a taxi. Sometimes I'm going to be late for work, I have to take a taxi again. That really cost me too much.

Luckily, I don't have to worry about my clothes. My mother will pay me for those. Maybe she knows I have little money to spend after food, gifts and transport, so she will pay the clothing bill for me on the condition that I have to get her permission before I buy expensive clothes. That sounds reasonable. So I agree with her.

That is how one "average" young professional woman in Wuhan spends her salary. But "average" doesn't mean anything in this matter. Everyone here has his or her own way of spending their salary. It's up to themselves. As for me, I can only say that I 'm still a good child in my parents' eyes.

yours, rebecca