Caption: A visual representation of China's economic downturn. Across both first-tier cities and remote towns, shopping malls and markets face waves of closures, with vendors often outnumbering customers. (Video screenshot)
[People News] Amid economic recession and a worsening employment landscape, young people in China are shifting away from seeking decent, stable, and upwardly mobile jobs. Instead, they aspire to a 'normal job' that ensures basic safety and survival, yet even this fundamental desire has turned into an elusive luxury.
As reported by Sanlian Life Weekly, the employment environment in China is projected to worsen further by 2025. Many young individuals, despite their hard work and dedication—some taking less than a day off in a month, while others frequently adhere to the '996' work schedule (working from 9 AM to 9 PM, six days a week)—find themselves in a challenging situation. Even civil servants often work overtime until 11 PM. One employee at a leading internet company, who just returned from maternity leave, had to embark on consecutive business trips, leaving no time to care for their newborn. Ultimately, the year-end bonus fell short of expectations, leading to disappointment.
In this context, senior career planner Lu Yang (pseudonym) has noted a significant shift in the work expectations of today's 'Generation Z' compared to the 'post-80s' and 'post-90s' generations. They no longer prioritize organizational development visions but instead emphasise personal growth. They are less interested in the prestige associated with large companies and platforms and more focused on fair compensation. Rather than valuing leadership charisma and innovation, they seek respect and a healthy, positive work environment.
In late December 2025, Zhilian Recruitment published the '2025 China Annual Best Employer Selection Report', revealing that college students primarily define a good job by three key factors: salary and benefits security, opportunities for career growth and development, and the stability of employment relationships.
The report highlights that young people's workplace demands have reverted to the most fundamental needs of 'safety and survival'. When these basic needs are unmet, many young individuals choose to resign or even completely withdraw from the work environment. On mainland social media, the term 'work' is frequently tagged as 'meaningless', with concepts like 'lying flat' and 'waiting for retirement' emerging as the ultimate aspirations for many young people's careers.
According to the report, over the past two decades, foreign companies, emerging internet firms, and small to medium-sized startups have been regarded as exemplars of 'good jobs' because they fulfilled young people's desire for self-actualisation in their work. However, as economic conditions shift and industries face upheaval, young people's quest for self-meaning has been significantly hindered. They no longer seek a 'good job'; instead, they desire a 'normal job' that offers balance in all aspects—one without excessive overtime, with timely salary payments, reasonable annual and sick leave that is not denied, healthy colleague interactions, and opportunities for learning provided by the company.
Nevertheless, the report cites experts who indicate that even such 'normal jobs' are currently quite 'scarce' in China. △
News magazine bootstrap themes!
I like this themes, fast loading and look profesional
Thank you Carlos!
You're welcome!
Please support me with give positive rating!
Yes Sure!