Pretend Work: A New Trend in China

A new trend is emerging among unemployed young adults in China - paying to pretend to work in mock offices. This unusual phenomenon has gained popularity as China faces economic challenges and high youth unemployment rates.

These 'pretend work' companies provide office-like environments complete with computers, internet access, meeting rooms, and tea areas. For a daily fee of about $4-$7, attendees can use the space to job hunt, work on personal projects, or simply socialize with others in similar situations.

Shui Zhou, a 30-year-old whose food business failed, has been attending one such office in Dongguan for over three months. He finds the environment helps improve his self-discipline and provides a sense of community. Zhou often stays late, sometimes until 11 pm, and enjoys the team-building aspect of the experience.

Experts suggest this trend reflects the frustration and powerlessness felt by young job seekers in a tough market. It offers them a way to maintain a sense of dignity and purpose while navigating unemployment. Some attendees even use these spaces to fulfill university requirements or appease concerned parents.