Only pretense? How unemployed Chinese citizens are 'working' in offices to maintain appearances

Viral News: A rising trend in China sees unemployed individuals renting office spaces and posing as bosses to escape societal stigma surrounding joblessness.

How Unemployed Chinese Citizens Are 'Working' in Offices to Maintain Appearances

How Unemployed Chinese Citizens Are 'Working' in Offices to Maintain Appearances (Pinterest)

Viral News: A growing trend in China reveals a unique coping mechanism for the unemployed: individuals are "pretending to work" by renting office spaces and even posing as bosses. This phenomenon emerges as many face societal stigma surrounding joblessness, with some opting for this temporary escape to avoid disclosing their unemployment status to family members. For as little as 30 yuan (approximately 350 INR) per day, these services provide a semblance of normalcy for those struggling with their circumstances.

A Discreet Escape from Reality

One notable service in Hebei province gained attention through a viral video, showcasing an office that charges just 29.9 yuan daily. This package includes access to a workspace from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., complete with lunch. The netizen promoting the service emphasized its appeal: “For 29.9 yuan per day, you can ‘work’ here from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with lunch included.”

In a similar vein, another anonymous entrepreneur offers a service where individuals can sit in a leather chair and pose as a "boss" for photos, charging 50 yuan (US$7). The owner of the unused office space explained the motivation behind this venture: “Many big companies are laying off workers. I had a spare office and thought this could give the unemployed a space to stay and connect.” Despite the interest online, he noted that no one had yet visited his office.

Social Media Buzz and Mixed Reactions

The concept of "pretending to work" has sparked considerable discussion on social media platforms, amassing over 100 million views. Opinions vary widely; while some users support the initiative for alleviating the psychological burden of unemployment, others criticize it as an escapist tactic that may hinder genuine job-seeking efforts.

The Unemployment Crisis in China

Unemployment remains a pressing issue in China, particularly among youth. In June 2023, the unemployment rate for individuals aged 16-24 reached an alarming 21.3 percent, prompting the government to halt the release of jobless data for several months. Later adjustments recalibrated this figure to 16.1 percent by November 2023 by excluding students from the calculations.Personal stories of hiding unemployment status are increasingly common across China.

Jiawei, a former e-commerce worker from Hangzhou, shared his experience of applying for jobs while maintaining the façade of normalcy: “Unemployment is stressful, but I did not want to pass that negativity onto my family.” Similarly, Chen, a former semiconductor worker from Hubei province, concealed his jobless status from his girlfriend while preparing for civil service exams.

Expert Insights on Societal Pressures

Zhang Yong, a professor at Wuhan University of Science and Technology, described this trend as indicative of societal pressures that compel individuals to maintain appearances despite their circumstances. He urged those affected to seek professional counseling and adopt healthier perspectives on employment: “They need to take an honest look at their situation and understand the job market.”

While "pretending to work" may provide temporary relief for some unemployed individuals in China, it also highlights deeper issues related to societal expectations and mental health.

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