Is China's Youth Facing Unprecedented Stress Due to Soaring Unemployment?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
As China's youth unemployment hits an alarming 11-month peak, many young people resort to pretending to work in public spaces, shielding their families from the harsh reality. This unique coping mechanism sheds light on the emotional toll of joblessness in a competitive job market.
Key Takeaways
- Youth unemployment in China has hit an 11-month high.
- Many young people are pretending to work to cope with their joblessness.
- Shared office spaces are becoming popular among the unemployed.
- Maintaining a routine is crucial for mental health during job searches.
- Cultural pressures significantly impact young people's self-worth.
New Delhi, Sep 10 (NationPress) With youth unemployment in China reaching an 11-month high, numerous anxious jobless individuals are leaving home each day to "simulate work" in libraries and cafes, while their families remain unaware of their actual situation, as reported by media sources.
Some unemployed graduates even rent desks in mock offices, allowing them to spend time searching for employment without feeling isolated, as they share the space with others engaged in similar activities, according to Channel NewsAsia (CAN).
The report is based on comprehensive interviews with jobless graduates and young people in Shanghai and Hangzhou.
These environments, equipped with computers, desks, meeting rooms, and internet access, are emerging in major Chinese cities like Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Chengdu.
One young jobseeker noted that “simulating work” provides her with a sense of routine and privacy, allowing her to continue her job search without family pressure.
Others expressed that keeping their families unaware of their unemployment status helps alleviate stress for loved ones, who would otherwise feel concerned. Meanwhile, these unemployed youths are urgently seeking jobs while relying on their previous savings.
However, finding employment is challenging. One youth shared with CAN that she had submitted around 1,000 applications but received interview invitations for only four offers, none of which resulted in a job.
In July, China's youth unemployment rate reached its highest level in 11 months, with the urban jobless rate for the 16-24 age group, excluding students, climbing to 17.8 percent as an unprecedented number of graduates entered the job market.
Similar to the concept of “lying flat,” the act of simulating work reflects a sense of self-deprecation and playful acceptance, as stated by Zhan Yang, an associate professor of cultural anthropology at Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU).
A culture and anthropology associate professor at PolyU commented, “It is particularly difficult in China, where self-worth is closely linked to a culture that values work and productivity. Simulating work allows youth to sustain routines, identities, and social ties in the absence of meaningful employment.”
Point of View
It is crucial to understand the psychological and societal implications of young individuals resorting to 'pretending to work.' This behavior highlights a broader challenge, as it reflects not only personal struggles but also the cultural pressures that youth face in a competitive job market. It is essential for policymakers to address these issues and create supportive environments that nurture the aspirations of the younger generation.
NationPress
10/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current youth unemployment rate in China?
As of July, the youth unemployment rate in China reached an alarming 17.8 percent for those aged 16-24, marking the highest level in 11 months.
Why do young people pretend to work?
Many young individuals simulate work to maintain a sense of routine and privacy while searching for jobs, alleviating stress for their families who might worry about their unemployment status.
What coping mechanisms do unemployed youth in China use?
Unemployed youth often rent desks in shared office spaces to feel less isolated, while also engaging in the act of pretending to work as a way to cope with their situation.
How does unemployment affect young people's mental health?
The stress of unemployment can lead to feelings of isolation and anxiety among young individuals, prompting them to adopt coping strategies such as pretending to work.
What role does cultural pressure play in youth unemployment?
In China, cultural values that emphasize productivity and work can intensify feelings of inadequacy among unemployed youth, impacting their self-worth and identity.
