The story of Julie, a 29-year-old game developer, reflects the harsh reality faced by many young Chinese professionals. Overworked and exhausted, she made a life-changing decision to step away from her demanding job in Beijing and become a “full-time daughter.” Julie’s days are now consumed with household chores and caring for her parents, as she seeks respite from the gruelling 16-hour workdays she endured in her previous position.
Julie is not alone in her circumstances. A rising number of young Chinese individuals are turning to the comfort of their parent’s homes, driven by a variety of factors. Some seek relief from their draining work lives, while others are forced back due to the lack of job opportunities in a bleak market.
The Dismal Job Market
The once-promising prospect of reaping the rewards of hard work and education has faded for many young Chinese. Joblessness is rampant, particularly among those aged 16 to 24, with the youth unemployment rate reaching a staggering 21.3%—the highest since data was first published in 2018. This concerning figure does not even account for the rural labor market.
Burnout: The Catalyst for Change
The prevalent “996” work culture in China, where long hours are considered the norm, has taken a toll on working adults’ mental and physical health. Chen Dudu, another “full-time daughter,” left her real estate job due to feeling burnt out and undervalued. Despite enjoying the leisure of living with her parents, anxiety clouds her mind, prompting thoughts of the future and what to do next.
Age Discrimination and Bleak Prospects
Jack Zheng, who left a prominent tech company, faced a constant stream of work-related messages outside office hours—a phenomenon known as “invisible overtime work.” This untenable situation eventually led him to quit. Yet, he acknowledges that not everyone can escape the cycle of despair, especially as age discrimination becomes a hindrance for job seekers over 35 years old.
The Struggles of Graduates
University students face their share of despair, leading some to drastic measures like deliberately failing exams to postpone graduation. The rapid increase in college enrolment rates has saturated the job market, leaving fresh graduates disillusioned and their dreams of a better future shattered.
Economic Factors at Play
China’s slower-than-expected economic recovery after the pandemic contributes significantly to the high unemployment rate. Additionally, crackdowns on popular industries for young professionals, such as major tech companies and the tutoring sector, have resulted in job losses, further compounding the issue.
The situation is dire, and many young Chinese professionals are opting out of the workforce out of sheer desperation. However, amid the prevailing despair, some individuals persevere in their job search or venture into entrepreneurship, hoping for a brighter future.
Slow Employment’: China’s Government’s Approach to Downplaying Job Woes
China’s government acknowledges the challenges faced by its young workforce but has taken a somewhat dismissive stance on the matter. In a notable instance, Chinese leader Xi Jinping was quoted in May, urging young people to “eat bitterness,” implying the need to endure hardships stoically.
State-run media has also contributed to redefining the issue by introducing the term “slow employment.” According to an editorial in the state-run Economic Daily, some young Chinese are indeed unemployed, but others have apparently “actively opted for slow employment.” The phrase first surfaced in a 2018 article by China Youth Daily, describing how an increasing number of university graduates were taking their time to find jobs, using this period for travel or short-term teaching positions.
The current definition of “slow employment” encompasses those who haven’t secured a job yet, as well as those who choose to continue their education, acquire new skills, or take a gap year. The paper advises people to take action and put in the effort, assuring them that as long as they work hard, they need not worry about being jobless, regardless of the challenging job market.
While this portrayal attempts to soften the harsh reality of joblessness, the underlying struggles faced by the youth remain a significant concern. The call for perseverance amidst difficult circumstances raises questions about the adequacy of job opportunities and support for young professionals facing an uncertain future in the Chinese job market.
