Youth in China Take Unconventional Jobs Amidst Economic Struggles

Wed Jul 09 2025 10:47:47 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
Youth in China Take Unconventional Jobs Amidst Economic Struggles

A growing trend in China sees recent graduates taking on low-skilled jobs as the economy slows, illustrating the disconnect between educational qualifications and job availability.


With a high youth unemployment rate and a competitive job market, many recent graduates in China are forced to accept roles well below their qualifications, leading to a re-evaluation of career aspirations.

China is facing an economic predicament as university graduates experience an alarming mismatch between their qualifications and available job opportunities. As the nation produces millions of graduates annually, a significant proportion are now settling for roles such as waiters, delivery drivers, and film extras, as more traditional and expected career paths remain elusive.

Take the example of Sun Zhan, a 25-year-old finance graduate working as a hotpot waiter in Nanjing. Once envisioning a career in investment banking, he is now grappling with the reality of an economy that can't absorb the bachelor's and master's degrees being churned out. With a youth unemployment rate that has fluctuated around 18% as of late 2024, Sun's journey is emblematic of a broader trend. "I looked for such a job, with no good results," he admits, reflecting the frustrations faced by many in a stagnating economy.

The situation has galvanized criticism and concern from family members, many of whom feel embarrassed by their children's downgrading to what they consider "low-barrier jobs.” Professor Zhang Jun from the City University of Hong Kong notes that students are increasingly pursuing higher degrees in hopes of better prospects, only to confront a harsh job market. "Many students are seeking higher degrees in order to have better prospects," she explains, but the results remain disappointing for many graduates like Wu Dan, a 29-year-old trainee at a sports injury massage clinic.

Despite leaving a position in finance that her family believed was ideal, Wu saw potential in pursuing a career aligned with her new interests in physical therapy. The struggle of young graduates to find stable employment has led some, such as Wu Xinghai, a 26-year-old studying electronic information engineering, to take temporary work as extras in the film industry. "I mainly stand beside the protagonist as eye candy," he joked, pointing to a preference for flexibility over stability.

This trend amplifies the anxiety of an entire generation. As uncertainties loom over the economy, graduates urge others to reassess what constitutes a "good job." The ongoing shift in values indicates a more significant metamorphosis in expectations, as many young people resign themselves to "going with the flow," as Wu Dan put it.

The situation exposes the precarious nature of the economy, where layoffs and declining opportunities in once-reliable sectors begin to redefine young people’s aspirations, echoing wider themes of insecurity that have come to characterize the Chinese job landscape today.

MORE ON THEME

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 06:09:14 GMT

Trump Postpones Tariffs Amid Global Trade Tensions

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 06:09:14 GMT
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 05:31:34 GMT

The Global Rare Earths Puzzle: Independence from China?

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 05:31:34 GMT
Tue, 08 Jul 2025 21:24:26 GMT

Redefining Trade Deals: A Closer Look at Trump's Approach

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 21:24:26 GMT
Tue, 08 Jul 2025 21:22:52 GMT

Rethinking Rare Earths: A Global Perspective Beyond China

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 21:22:52 GMT
Tue, 08 Jul 2025 09:40:23 GMT

Europe’s Race to Secure Rare Earth Minerals: A Plant in La Rochelle

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 09:40:23 GMT
Tue, 08 Jul 2025 09:37:40 GMT

Nepal-China Bridge Collapses Amid Devastating Flash Floods

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 09:37:40 GMT
Mon, 07 Jul 2025 21:57:06 GMT

Emerging Economies Forge Independence Amid U.S. Tariff Threats

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 21:57:06 GMT
Mon, 07 Jul 2025 18:27:56 GMT

**Trump Urges Brazil to Cease Prosecution of Bolsonaro, Calling It a 'Witch Hunt'**

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 18:27:56 GMT
Mon, 07 Jul 2025 00:36:44 GMT

Controversial Video Game Sparks Sexism Debate in China

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 00:36:44 GMT
Mon, 07 Jul 2025 00:33:47 GMT

Global Supply Chains Transform Amidst Tariff Uncertainty

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 00:33:47 GMT
Sun, 06 Jul 2025 20:47:22 GMT

Celebration of Dalai Lama's 90th Birthday Draws Thousands in Dharamshala

Sun, 06 Jul 2025 20:47:22 GMT
Sun, 06 Jul 2025 12:43:34 GMT

Navigating Geopolitical Tensions: Europe's Dilemma Between America and China

Sun, 06 Jul 2025 12:43:34 GMT
Sun, 06 Jul 2025 09:29:31 GMT

The Fragile Alliance: Russia and China Distance Themselves from Iran Amid Conflict

Sun, 06 Jul 2025 09:29:31 GMT
Sun, 06 Jul 2025 08:21:28 GMT

Dalai Lama Celebrates 90th Birthday Amidst Global Tributes

Sun, 06 Jul 2025 08:21:28 GMT
Sat, 05 Jul 2025 09:17:39 GMT

Concerns Grow Over Potential Militarization of Antarctica Amid U.S. Funding Cuts

Sat, 05 Jul 2025 09:17:39 GMT
Fri, 04 Jul 2025 05:30:59 GMT

China's Silence on Trump's Domestic Policy Bill: A Strategic Observation

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 05:30:59 GMT
Thu, 03 Jul 2025 16:07:32 GMT

Angélique Kidjo Makes History as the First Black African Performer with Hollywood Walk of Fame Star

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 16:07:32 GMT
Thu, 03 Jul 2025 15:30:46 GMT

Tibetan Resistance Grows as Dalai Lama's Future Sparks Tensions with China

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 15:30:46 GMT
Thu, 03 Jul 2025 07:12:21 GMT

Kerala Government Stands Firm on Zumba Classes for Schools Amid Religious Protests

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 07:12:21 GMT
Wed, 02 Jul 2025 18:53:13 GMT

**Preliminary Trade Agreement Between the U.S. and Vietnam Announced by Trump**

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 18:53:13 GMT

Follow us

© 2024 SwissX REDD UK ltd. All Rights Reserved.