Facing Joblessness: The Rise of Young Adults in China Pretending to Work

No one wants to work without pay, right? Yet, in China, some young adults are willingly spending money just to pretend to work in an office. This unusual trend has arisen against the backdrop of a struggling economy and a tough job market, where youth unemployment hovers around 14%.

In cities like Dongguan, more young people are opting to pay about 30 yuan ($4.20) a day to work in mock offices. Shui Zhou, 30, who suffered a setback with a food business in 2024, is one of these individuals. He enjoys the social aspect of being in an office, saying, “It’s like we’re working together as a group.”

These “pretend work” spaces are popping up in major cities such as Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Nanjing. The offices look real, complete with computers and meeting rooms. While some spend their time applying for jobs or working on side projects, the environment fosters a sense of community. People often bond over meals and shared experiences.

Dr. Christian Yao, an expert on the Chinese economy, notes that this trend addresses a crucial need. “Young people need places to think about their next steps or to do odd jobs,” he explains. Even Shui Zhou feels this office environment boosts his self-discipline. By sending photos of himself at the office to his parents, he eases their worries about his unemployment.

Xiaowen Tang, a 23-year-old, used a pretend work office in Shanghai. She needed to provide proof of work to her university to receive her diploma. Similarly, she sent a photo from the office, even though her real work involved writing online novels. “If you’re going to fake it, just fake it to the end,” she remarked.

Dr. Biao Xiang of the Max Planck Institute emphasizes that pretending to work highlights feelings of frustration among youth facing job scarcity. The trend also reflects a desire to maintain a semblance of normalcy in their lives.

Feiyu, the owner of the Dongguan office, shares that he aims to provide dignity to those struggling with unemployment. He noted a huge interest from recent grads and freelancers looking for a community. “What I’m selling isn’t just a workstation but the dignity of not feeling useless,” he states.

With the workplace culture shifting, approximately 40% of his customers are fresh graduates, many of whom are under pressure to prove they are gaining work experience. The other half includes freelancers and digital nomads.

In the long run, Feiyu questions the sustainability of his business but views it as a social experiment. He believes it provides an opportunity for individuals to bridge the gap between their fake circumstances and real job opportunities.

While young adults like Mr. Zhou explore new skills—such as AI—this unique trend sheds light on the evolving nature of work and the challenges faced by today’s youth. The “pretend” office experience may just be a stepping stone toward finding genuine employment in the future.

For more insights on employment trends, check out reports from sources like Trading Economics.

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