Facing high unemployment rates, many young Chinese adults have turned to spending money on mock office spaces provided by companies like 'Pretend To Work.' This trend encourages social engagement and allows individuals to create an atmosphere of productivity while job hunting.
The Rise of 'Pretend Work': Young Chinese Adults Pay for the Illusion of Employment
The Rise of 'Pretend Work': Young Chinese Adults Pay for the Illusion of Employment
A growing trend in China sees unemployed youth paying for desk space in mock offices, leading to a new form of social interaction during economic stagnation.
In China, a unique phenomenon is emerging among the nation’s unemployed young adults, who are opting to spend their money on mock office spaces, creating a curious environment where they appear to work without being employed. As the country's economy struggles, the youth unemployment rate has exceeded 14%, prompting creative, albeit unusual, solutions for many seeking employment.
Among those participating in this trend is Shui Zhou, a 30-year-old who saw his food business fail in 2024. In search of structure, he now pays 30 yuan ($4.20; £3.10) daily to access a fake office setup provided by a company aptly dubbed 'Pretend To Work Company' in Dongguan. "It's like we're working together as a group," Zhou expressed, clearly finding camaraderie amid shared circumstances.
These sessions aren't simply about pretending to work. The offices resemble fully equipped workplaces, complete with computers, internet access, meeting spaces, and even refreshments. Participants are encouraged to utilize these resources to either seek real employment or start side ventures. The environment aids many in combating feelings of isolation often associated with prolonged joblessness.
Experts note that such innovative solutions arise from economic shifts that have left many young adults feeling disoriented in their career aspirations. Dr. Christian Yao highlights this phenomenon as an adaptation by youth struggling to navigate a misaligned job market. The mock office setups serve as transitional spaces for motivation and planning.
Another participant, Xiaowen Tang, a 23-year-old graduate without full-time employment, rented a workstation under the same pretense. Tang cleverly used her time to write online novels while presenting her time at the mock office as internship experience to her university—a strategy born out of necessity given her institution's requirements.
The owner of Pretend To Work, Feiyu, recognizes both the psychological and practical elements involved in this trend. "What I'm selling isn't a workstation, but the dignity of not being a useless person," he states, referring to his own past struggles with unemployment. He observes a diverse customer base where recent graduates frequently use their time to document experiences they can showcase to potential employers.
Although this operation may raise questions about authenticity and long-term viability, Feiyu approaches it as a social experiment rather than merely a business endeavor. He hopes to eventually assist his clients in transitioning from pretend roles to real jobs, emphasizing the importance of transformation within this unusual employment landscape.
As for Zhou, he’s actively enhancing his skills, particularly in artificial intelligence, as he believes it will increase his employability in a rapidly evolving job market. While bold and unconventional, the trend of 'pretend work' is helping address deeper issues within the current unemployment crisis, reflecting a generation's unique battle against economic stagnation.
