China’s youth unemployment has reached a crisis point, with Gen Z job-seekers increasingly turning to unconventional solutions to simulate a sense of productivity and career progression. In a growing trend across major cities like Shenzhen, Shanghai, Nanjing, Wuhan, Chengdu, and Kunming, young professionals are paying up to 50 yuan—approximately $7—per day to sit in faux office setups operated by services such as “Pretend to Work Company.” These spaces offer amenities like computers, snacks, and communal work environments, giving jobless graduates a semblance of office life amid a stagnant job market
The phenomenon reflects the stark reality of China’s youth unemployment, officially reported at 14.5% for individuals aged 16 to 24 [1]. However, some independent analyses suggest the situation may be far worse, with one economist estimating a rate as high as 46.5% in 2023, before government tracking of the issue was suspended [1]. The mismatch between education and labor market needs has left many graduates struggling to find employment, despite holding prestigious degrees. In response, some are choosing to spend money on mock office experiences rather than remain isolated at home, where “bed rotting” on phones and social media has become a common coping mechanism.
The cost of these faux office spaces, while small in daily terms, adds up significantly over time. At $7 per day for five days a week, the annual cost reaches approximately $1,820, a substantial amount given China’s average non-private sector annual salary of nearly $16,000 [1]. For many young people, the value of these spaces lies not just in the environment but in the social and psychological benefits of being among peers facing similar challenges. Experts suggest these setups may serve as transitional spaces, helping individuals brainstorm new career paths or pursue freelance work while maintaining a sense of normalcy.
The rise of the “pretend to work” trend also highlights a broader cultural and economic shift. In contrast to global trends where remote and flexible work are increasingly favored, young Chinese job-seekers still place a high value on traditional office environments. This is partly driven by societal expectations and the pressure to project stability, even in the absence of real employment .
The problem is not confined to one demographic or sector. With limited job prospects, many young people are being forced into a paradoxical job market where experience is a prerequisite for employment, yet experience is hard to gain without a job. This has led some to withdraw from the labor force entirely, adopting a lifestyle described as “lying flat”—doing the bare minimum to survive without chasing ambitious careers . Others, meanwhile, are using social media to embrace the identity of being “rat people,” a term symbolizing disillusionment and exhaustion in the face of limited opportunities.
The long-term implications of this crisis remain uncertain. If left unaddressed, the lack of meaningful employment for a significant portion of the population could lead to diminished consumer spending, lower productivity, and potential social instability. While the government has taken steps such as reviewing underperforming university majors to align education with market needs, critics argue more targeted and effective interventions are required.
The situation also raises ethical concerns. In 2023, reports surfaced that some Chinese universities were encouraging students to falsify their employment status to meet government targets, further inflating data on job placement rates. This has led to growing skepticism about the accuracy of employment statistics and the true depth of the youth unemployment crisis .
As the labor market continues to struggle, the “pretend to work” model offers a glimpse into the lengths to which Gen Z job-seekers are going to maintain a semblance of purpose. It is a sign of both resilience and resignation, as young professionals navigate an environment where traditional career paths have become increasingly inaccessible.
Source – https://www.ainvest.com/news/china-gen-tackles-unemployment-fake-office-spaces-2508/