With over 14% youth unemployment, many young adults are opting for paid office experiences to simulate working environments instead of staying at home.
China's Youth Embrace 'Pretend Work' as Unemployment Rises
China's Youth Embrace 'Pretend Work' as Unemployment Rises
Young adults in China are turning to a new trend of paying to "pretend" to work amid soaring unemployment.
China's economy is facing major challenges, reflected in the high youth unemployment rate, which stands at a concerning 14%. In response, a wave of innovation has sprung up among young adults, leading to the rise of companies that allow individuals to "pretend to work." These establishments offer a makeshift office atmosphere for a daily fee, enabling participants to engage in job searching and network-building, rather than remaining idle at home.
One such participant, Shui Zhou, pays 30 yuan (approximately $4.20) daily to use a facility provided by the "Pretend To Work Company" in Dongguan. The office mimics a real workplace, boasting computers and meeting rooms, allowing attendees to pursue job opportunities or develop personal projects. Zhou, who has been utilizing this space for over three months, emphasizes the positive impact of the office environment on his productivity and social interactions.
Similar ventures are booming across major Chinese cities like Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Wuhan, attracting a diverse crowd of young adults, including recent graduates searching for vocational fulfillment. As one 23-year-old participant described, utilizing the office setting allowed her to provide proof of internship to her university while pursuing her passion for writing.
Experts highlight that this trend reflects a broader dilemma: the mismatch between educational attainment and available job opportunities. Dr. Christian Yao posits that these “pretend” offices serve as transitional spaces for young individuals to contemplate career paths during challenging economic times.
Feiyu, the owner of the Dongguan-based company, shares his motivation—seeing the potential for personal dignity in a seemingly desperate situation. Interestingly, 40% of his clients are recent graduates looking to fulfill internship requirements, while the remainder includes freelancers and digital nomads seeking more structured work environments.
Despite the success of these businesses, there is uncertainty regarding their long-term viability. As Feiyu acknowledges the moral implications of “pretending,” he aspires for his company to eventually evolve into a platform that fosters genuine professional development.
Zhou, along with many of his peers, recognizes the need to acquire relevant digital skills in an evolving job market. As unemployment challenges persist, the growth of the “pretend work” industry offers a unique blend of community, motivation, and an unconventional approach to navigating the harsh realities of youth unemployment in China.
One such participant, Shui Zhou, pays 30 yuan (approximately $4.20) daily to use a facility provided by the "Pretend To Work Company" in Dongguan. The office mimics a real workplace, boasting computers and meeting rooms, allowing attendees to pursue job opportunities or develop personal projects. Zhou, who has been utilizing this space for over three months, emphasizes the positive impact of the office environment on his productivity and social interactions.
Similar ventures are booming across major Chinese cities like Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Wuhan, attracting a diverse crowd of young adults, including recent graduates searching for vocational fulfillment. As one 23-year-old participant described, utilizing the office setting allowed her to provide proof of internship to her university while pursuing her passion for writing.
Experts highlight that this trend reflects a broader dilemma: the mismatch between educational attainment and available job opportunities. Dr. Christian Yao posits that these “pretend” offices serve as transitional spaces for young individuals to contemplate career paths during challenging economic times.
Feiyu, the owner of the Dongguan-based company, shares his motivation—seeing the potential for personal dignity in a seemingly desperate situation. Interestingly, 40% of his clients are recent graduates looking to fulfill internship requirements, while the remainder includes freelancers and digital nomads seeking more structured work environments.
Despite the success of these businesses, there is uncertainty regarding their long-term viability. As Feiyu acknowledges the moral implications of “pretending,” he aspires for his company to eventually evolve into a platform that fosters genuine professional development.
Zhou, along with many of his peers, recognizes the need to acquire relevant digital skills in an evolving job market. As unemployment challenges persist, the growth of the “pretend work” industry offers a unique blend of community, motivation, and an unconventional approach to navigating the harsh realities of youth unemployment in China.
