China's unemployed young adults who are pretending to have jobs
Published: 8/11/2025

Unemployed Chinese youth are paying to pretend to work in mock offices amid a tough job market. These "Pretend To Work" companies offer fully-functional workspaces with amenities for a daily fee of 30 to 50 yuan. Participants can job hunt, work on start-ups, or simply socialize. This unconventional trend is seen as a coping mechanism for the frustration of job scarcity and a way to maintain dignity while navigating challenging economic circumstances.