Pretend Work: A New Trend in China

In response to China's sluggish economy and persistently high youth unemployment rate, a novel trend has emerged among young, jobless adults: paying to pretend to work in simulated office environments. This phenomenon, now widespread across major Chinese cities, reflects the dire state of the job market and the psychological toll of unemployment on the country's youth.

These 'pretend work' companies offer fully-equipped office spaces, complete with computers, internet access, meeting rooms, and communal areas. For a daily fee ranging from 30 to 50 yuan ($4.20 to $7), attendees can utilize these facilities to job hunt, develop entrepreneurial projects, or simply maintain a semblance of a work routine.

Shui Zhou, a 30-year-old former entrepreneur, exemplifies this trend. Following the failure of his food business in 2024, Zhou began attending a mock office in Dongguan. He cites improved self-discipline and a sense of camaraderie as key benefits of this arrangement. Zhou's experience is not unique; many attendees report enhanced motivation and reduced feelings of isolation.

Experts like Dr. Christian Yao from Victoria University of Wellington view these 'pretend work' spaces as transitional solutions in a rapidly transforming economy. They provide a buffer for young adults grappling with the mismatch between their education and the current job market demands.

However, this trend also raises questions about the long-term implications for China's workforce and the sustainability of such coping mechanisms in addressing systemic economic challenges.