Jobless in China Resort to ‘Pretending to Work’ in Rented Offices to Escape Social Stigma

As global layoffs continue to rise, they are taking a toll not only financially but also emotionally and psychologically. In China, a unique trend has emerged where unemployed individuals can rent office spaces for as little as 30 yuan (around ₹150) to “pretend to work” and avoid the social stigma of joblessness. This trend allows those who have lost their jobs to temporarily escape the pressures of unemployment, especially from their families.

A viral video from Hebei featured a workspace being rented out to the jobless for 29.9 yuan per day from 10 am to 5 pm, including lunch. In another similar post, people could sit in leather chairs and pose as “bosses” for photos. The individual offering these spaces, who had a spare office, believed it could serve as a temporary refuge for those facing job losses, helping them stay connected and alleviate their distress.

However, this “pretend to work” trend has sparked debate online. Some users see it as a psychological relief from the stress of unemployment, while others criticize it as a form of escapism that delays active job searches.

Jiawei, a former e-commerce employee from Hangzhou, shared his experience of unemployment and returning to live with his parents. He explained, “Being unemployed is stressful, but I did not want to pass that negativity onto my family,” adding that he kept to his former work schedule to avoid raising suspicions.

Zhang Yong, a professor of social work at Wuhan University of Science and Technology, believes the “pretending to work” phenomenon reflects societal pressures. He said, “Society places a lot of pressure on people to succeed, and young adults sometimes set their job expectations too high. The sudden shock of losing a job can lead to depression.”

Unemployment, especially among youth, has become a major concern in China. In June 2023, the unemployment rate for the 16-24 age group reached a record high of 21.3%, prompting the government to halt the release of unemployment statistics for several months.