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The term "urban vagrant" has become a hot topic on Chinese social media recently. It's used to describe people who are unemployed or struggling to find work, forcing them to spend much of their day wandering the streets or in cafes during working hours.
This phenomenon stems from immense social pressure in China, where success and financial stability are highly valued. Unemployment can lead to shame and stigma, causing many to seek ways to conceal their situation from family and friends.
In addition, the competitive labor market is also a contributing factor to this phenomenon. Finding a suitable job in China can be time-consuming and laborious, especially for young people with little experience.
The "headache" of youth unemployment in China.
The coffee shop became a refuge for "urban wanderers," where they could access free Wi-Fi, use power outlets, and work on their laptops to create the illusion of being busy with work.
Cafes have become a refuge for the "urban wanderers".
It's understandable, especially for young people, to worry about declining income and not achieving success while being unable to start a new job they don't like. Social pressure and the desire for success can leave them feeling trapped in this difficult situation.
Finding a job that aligns with your interests and abilities is important, but it can also be a challenging and time-consuming process. Many young people struggle to find a job that provides both a stable income and fulfills their passions.
Using a coffee shop as a workspace is a temporary solution for young people in this situation. The quiet environment and internet access at the coffee shop can help them focus on studying and honing their skills to prepare for new jobs.
Unemployed people in China go to coffee shops every day.
Coffee shops provide a safe and comfortable space for the unemployed, as social pressure and stigma against them are significant. Coffee shops become a place where they can hide their reality, temporarily escaping the gossip and scrutiny of family and society. Some coffee shops become gathering places for the unemployed, providing opportunities for them to socialize, share experiences, and support each other in their job search.
However, this phenomenon also has its downsides. Spending the whole day at a coffee shop can be expensive and negatively impact the mental and physical health of those involved. Sitting in one place for extended periods can lead to health problems such as obesity, back pain, eye strain, and negatively affect mental well-being.
Furthermore, it can create an illusion of reality and make it difficult for people to effectively confront their unemployment. Pretending to work at a coffee shop can cause them to delay facing the reality of unemployment, avoiding a serious and effective job search.
Unemployment in China needs to be addressed comprehensively, encompassing measures from the government, businesses, and the community. Creating more job opportunities, supporting vocational training, and changing social perceptions will help the unemployed find suitable jobs, reintegrate into society, and lead better lives.
The unemployment problem needs to be addressed comprehensively to avoid negative repercussions for other aspects of Chinese society.
Since mid-2023, the topic of "Starbucks crowded with unemployed people" has sparked heated discussions online. The reality is that unemployed people are increasingly flocking to Starbucks or similar cafes to "pretend to work" every day. They dress smartly, carry briefcases and laptops, but in reality, they just sit there until the end of the workday.
This phenomenon mostly occurs in first and second-tier cities. It's noteworthy that the unemployed include middle-aged people, not just young people. Spending all day in these cafes, people might be sending out resumes, studying, or simply browsing the internet to escape the harsh realities of life.
There is also much discussion on Chinese social media about the "35-year-old crisis." Many companies reject job applicants over 35, so if they are laid off at that age, it will be even harder for them to find new jobs.
