Report: HK techie sells all to prepare for December 21 'doomsday'

A Hong Kong man who formerly worked in the information technology sector is preparing for December 21 – which the Mayan calendar had marked as Doomsday – by living it up as if there's no more tomorrow. The 40-year-old man sold his flat and possessions last June and has gone on a spending spree since, a report on Hong Kong's The Standard quoted his psychologist as saying. "He quit his job, sold his flat and traveled everywhere, eating at high-end restaurants and living in hotel rooms in anticipation of December 21," psychologist Ng Siu-sun said of the man. Ng pointed out the man isn't alone: the psychologist said he is treating up to eight other people in a similar situation. While The Standard withheld the man's name, it described him as 40 years old and who once worked in information technology sector. It said the man "used to be caring to his family and prudent with his spending." His family sought Ng's help after seeing him drain his credit card and even borrow money from others. "If doomsday doesn't arrive, his accumulated debts will definitely become a nightmare," Ng said. Ng said the behavior of these people is "the result of pressure," adding people should "stop blaming them" because "they need more understanding and support from family members." On the other hand, Ng also said there is the danger that depressed people may decide to end their lives before Dec. 21. "Guide them to think about the consequences of their behavior and to think positively," Ng said. — LBG, GMA News