Faced with Job Scarcity, Young Chinese Opt for "Pretend" Workspaces

The phenomenon of unemployed young Chinese adults paying to work in mock offices is gaining traction as traditional employment opportunities dwindle. This trend serves as both a coping mechanism and a transitional solution for youth navigating economic challenges in a landscape where actual jobs are scarce.

In China, an unusual trend is emerging among its unemployed youth as they opt to pay to participate in mock workspaces, a reflection of the staggering youth unemployment that currently sits above 14%. With the nation grappling with a sluggish economy, many believe that spending a little money to create the illusion of employment is preferable to remaining idle at home.

One such individual is 30-year-old Shui Zhou, who began paying 30 yuan (approximately $4.20) daily to work at a collective known as the Pretend To Work Company in Dongguan, a city located about 114 km north of Hong Kong. After his food business flopped in 2024, Zhou sought a semblance of productivity and structure that a "real" office offered, joining a cohort of like-minded individuals facing similar job-market frustrations.

Zhou remarks, "I feel very happy," relishing the camaraderie with his fellow "colleagues" as they support one another through their job searches or entrepreneurial pursuits during the workday. These mock offices feature amenities like computers, meeting rooms, and refreshments, often fostering a productive environment where attendees can connect over shared experiences.

Dr. Christian Yao, a senior lecturer who focuses on the Chinese economy, notes that this trend is becoming increasingly prevalent among youth navigating a disconnect between their education and job opportunities. He describes the mock workplaces as "transitional solutions," where individuals can contemplate their next career steps while surrounded by a supportive community. Zhou's social media presence has even reassured his parents about his current employment status.

Another young adult, Xiaowen Tang, graduated from university recently without a full-time job secured. In a creative twist, she utilized her time at a mock office in Shanghai to write online novels while also providing proof of her so-called "internship" to fulfill her school’s requirements for graduation. "If you’re going to fake it, just fake it to the end," she quipped.

Experts like Dr. Biao Xiang attribute this newfound trend to both a widespread sense of frustration concerning job scarcity and the psychological need for young people to carve out a niche for themselves, even if it involves some level of pretense. According to the owner of the Dongguan branch, known only as Feiyu, the service he provides goes beyond mere workspaces. "What I’m selling isn’t a workstation, but the dignity of not being a useless person," he revealed, explaining that more than 40% of his customers are recent graduates.

This alternative employment model presents a social experiment of sorts, challenging norms around professionalism and economic acceptance. However, Feiyu also expressed concerns about the long-term viability of such operations. He sees the need for the business to evolve beyond merely facilitating pretenses. Zhou, for instance, is actively upskilling his AI abilities, signaling a shift towards preparing for genuine employment opportunities, even as he enjoys the social aspects of his current situation.

Though mock office spaces offer a temporary reprieve for many young Chinese adults confronting unemployment, they underline the deeper issues of economic instability and youth disenfranchisement in a rapidly evolving job landscape. This scenario emphasizes the urgent need for innovative approaches to bridge the gap between higher education and the labor market, where far too many are left floundering without real options.