Why young adults in China are becoming ‘full-time children'
Oct 9, 2023
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Some young adults in China are choosing to remain in their childhood role due to a tough job market. They discuss the challenges faced by young adults and the concept of 'full-time children'. They also explore emerging trends of resignation parties and embracing unfulfillment among the younger generation in China.
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Quick takeaways
Young adults in China are resorting to 'full-time childhood' jobs to support their families amidst a limited job market and a mismatch between qualifications and available jobs.
The high unemployment rate among well-educated young adults and the rising trend of 'lying flat' and 'let it rot' reflect a general dissatisfaction and burnout among workers, highlighting the complex economic situation and strained labor force in China.
Deep dives
The Challenge of Unemployment in China
In China, many young adults are facing a job market with limited opportunities. Despite years of pursuing education and training, there is a significant mismatch between their qualifications and the available jobs. The unemployment rate for 16 to 24-year-olds in urban areas reached 21.3% in June. This has led to the emergence of a trend called 'full-time childhood,' where young adults take on jobs that involve providing unpaid care and support to their families. This trend is a departure from the intense work culture in China, and it highlights the challenges faced by young adults in finding fulfilling employment.
Cultural Clash and Job Dissatisfaction
The Chinese president's call for young adults to accept any job, regardless of pay grade, has met with cultural pushback. Many young people have spent years studying and training for specialized positions, and being told to settle for less can be demoralizing. The high unemployment rate among well-educated young adults, combined with the rising trend of 'lying flat' and 'let it rot,' reflects a general dissatisfaction and burnout among workers. Some individuals are even celebrating quitting their jobs with resignation parties. This indicates the complex economic situation and the strained labor force in China.
Impact of the Unemployment Crisis
The unemployment crisis in China is exacerbated by factors such as strict pandemic lockdowns, decreased consumer spending, rising debt, and a struggling real estate market. The scale of the problem is staggering, with an estimated 16 million young people currently 'lying flat.' This equates to a significant portion of the labor market, highlighting the magnitude of the issue. With an incredibly large population, the impact of high unemployment rates is particularly pronounced in China. The combination of economic challenges and a lack of fulfilling job opportunities creates a daunting reality for young adults.
Facing a brutal job market and the prospect of taking unfulfilling jobs, some young people in China are sticking with a role they held before leaving for college: child. Some professional kids are earning an income from their families (or at least having their expenses covered) in return for providing caretaking services, cleaning, or running errands. Plus: 23andMe gets hacked and Crocs for cowboys.
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