In 1986, Fan Yangjing came to the United States from Taiwan to pursue a Master’s degree in Mass Communication at San Diego State University (SDSU). In 1988, he took a leave of absence and traveled through China on a bicycle for four months. Upon his return to the US, he studied traditional Chinese medicine diligently, obtained a medical license, but eventually switched careers to become a plumber. He said, “I used to heal people, now I heal houses.”
Fan Yangjing has been living in the US for nearly forty years. Starting as a broke international student, he has now accumulated multiple properties and leads a content life. He attributes his success to hard work and honesty, stating “not cheating, not stealing, not robbing,” as the key to his prosperity and happiness.
He reflects on the significant changes he has observed in American society over the years. The pure and diligent work ethic of Americans seems to be fading, with more people becoming lazy and seeking easy gains. Coming from a rural Hakka village in Hsinchu, Taiwan, Fan worked hard from a young age for survival. Arriving in the US with $17,000, he soon realized it was not enough to cover tuition and living expenses. Starting from scratch, he believes that the advantage of American society lies in the opportunities available for those willing to work hard and earnestly.
Specializing in unclogging pipes, fixing faucets, and installing water heaters, Fan Yangjing can tackle any household issue. Despite achieving financial freedom, he continues to enjoy working, taking on tasks like fixing toilets, locksmithing, renovations, and painting. Witnessing the satisfaction of his customers after problem-solving gives him a sense of accomplishment. As his business grew, he hired apprentices, many of whom later bought their homes after working with him for two to three years.
After living and working in the US for nearly four decades, Fan Yangjing acknowledges certain unfavorable trends in American policies. However, he believes there are distinct differences between good and bad neighborhoods in the vast and diverse country. For those seeking a better life, with effort, it is possible to find comfort in more desirable locations. Despite getting dirty from his hands-on work, he earns respect for his dedication and skill.
Comparing Taiwan to the US, Fan appreciates the American environment more, where wealth does not guarantee happiness. In Taiwan, even millionaires endure traffic congestion, noise, and air pollution due to limited geographical options.
Fan Yangjing enjoys his current work situation as it allows him to make friends without the constraints of a typical nine-to-five job and commuting. Despite having the option to pursue more prestigious and less labor-intensive work, he prefers to bend down and solve customers’ problems personally.
Although tasks like repairing and detecting leaks may seem straightforward, they are common issues that require immediate attention. Fan advises against attempting DIY solutions, as they often lead to wasted time and more complex problems, ultimately requiring professional intervention.
Reflecting on his late 1980s visit to mainland China, Fan fondly recalls his journey. Originally planning to tour on a motorcycle, he had to switch to cycling due to concerns from the Chinese authorities. Despite the scenic views, Fan believes that the social atmosphere in China is not conducive to normal life, stating that the Communist Party is the biggest fraudulent group.
Fan Yangjing has encountered instances of acquaintances, including wealthy individuals, delaying payments for renovation work, and new mainland Chinese immigrants borrowing without repaying, leading to a sense of betrayal within the Chinese community. Despite encountering scams and fraud, he emphasizes the importance of vigilance and integrity to avoid being deceived.
In conclusion, Fan believes that professionalism and prioritizing essential tasks over trivial savings are crucial for efficiency and success. Choosing expert assistance over DIY approaches can lead to more favorable outcomes in the long run.