13 August 2025
In China’s rapidly shifting economy, a curious trend is taking shape among some of the country’s unemployed young adults: they’re pretending to have jobs. From posting about “work meetings” online to dressing up for imaginary commutes, these young people are creating an illusion of employment — not to fool employers, but often to protect their dignity in the eyes of friends, family, and society.
The phenomenon is tied to a harsh reality. Youth unemployment in China has reached record highs in recent years, driven by slowing economic growth, layoffs in tech and education sectors, and a mismatch between graduate skills and job market needs. Many young adults, especially recent graduates, struggle to find stable work despite having good qualifications.
For some, the pressure from parents and relatives — who expect them to be working hard and building careers — becomes overwhelming. Rather than admit they are jobless, these individuals craft believable routines. Some leave home in the morning and spend hours in cafés, libraries, or co-working spaces, pretending to be “remote employees.” Others use social media to post staged photos of work desks, laptops, and coffee cups, creating an image of professional success.
Psychologists say this coping mechanism is a mix of pride, social pressure, and a need to maintain self-worth. In China’s competitive culture, unemployment can carry stigma, making it difficult for young adults to openly discuss their struggles. Pretending to have a job offers a temporary shield from judgment — but it can also create more stress in the long run.
Experts warn that this trend is a sign of deeper economic and social challenges. Without meaningful job opportunities, many talented young people risk falling into cycles of anxiety, underemployment, or even disengagement from the workforce altogether. Addressing the issue, they say, will require not just economic reforms but also a shift in societal attitudes toward career breaks and alternative work paths.
For now, as the job market remains uncertain, the illusion of employment is serving as both a mask and a coping strategy — a quiet performance played out daily across China’s cities.
