In a world where joblessness can carry a heavy social stigma, a growing trend in China is allowing unemployed individuals to “pretend to work” by renting fake office spaces. For as little as $4 per day, or approximately 30 yuan, people in China are utilizing these office spaces to avoid the shame and stress associated with unemployment.
This innovative service, which helps individuals maintain appearances with family and friends, is spreading across the country, particularly in regions with high unemployment rates. According to reports from the South China Morning Post, these “pretend to work” spaces offer a temporary solution to maintain the illusion of employment. The service has become particularly popular in northern China’s Hebei province, where a video showcasing such services gained massive attention.
Fake Offices Provide ‘Normalcy’ Amid Youth Unemployment Crisis
One example includes a service offering office space from 10 am to 5 pm for just 29.9 yuan (about $4), which includes lunch. The idea behind this arrangement is to allow clients to keep up appearances by showing they are employed, thus avoiding any difficult conversations about joblessness. Additionally, another service offers clients the opportunity to pose as “bosses” in a high-end office, complete with plush chairs, for 50 yuan ($7), to take convincing photos for family members.
The service has sparked widespread debate across Chinese social media, with over 100 million views. Supporters argue that it provides psychological relief, offering the unemployed a sense of normalcy, while critics warn that it promotes avoidance of the real issue: finding stable employment.
Youth Unemployment in China: A Growing Concern
Youth unemployment in China has reached alarming levels. In June 2023, the jobless rate for individuals aged 16-24 hit a record high of 21.3%. Although the government recalibrated its statistics to lower the reported rate to 16.1% by November 2023, the crisis remains dire. The growing number of job seekers applying for multiple positions daily adds to the stress, leaving many feeling like personal failures due to circumstances beyond their control.
With the pressure of unemployment mounting, it is no surprise that many are turning to fake office spaces as a means of coping. Some netizens, however, have suggested that unemployed individuals should consider seeking counseling and use these spaces as a chance to continue their job search instead of concealing the issue.
Conclusion
As youth unemployment continues to plague China, the rise of “pretend to work” offices may reflect the social pressures and emotional toll of joblessness. While some view this trend as a coping mechanism, it raises questions about the psychological effects of hiding the reality of unemployment. Moving forward, addressing the root causes of unemployment and providing more mental health support will be crucial in alleviating these challenges.
Source: Web Team, C6N
