The term “urban vagrant” has become a hot topic on Chinese social media recently. It is used to describe people who are unemployed or have difficulty finding work, forcing them to spend most of their days wandering the streets or in cafes during working hours.
The phenomenon stems from enormous social pressure in China, where success and financial stability are highly valued. Unemployment can lead to shame and stigma, leading many to hide their condition from family and friends.
The competitive job market is also a contributing factor. Finding the right job in China can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, especially for young, inexperienced people.
The "headache" of unemployed young people in China
Coffee shops have become a haven for “urban wanderers,” where they can access free Wi-Fi, use power outlets, and work on laptops to create the appearance of being busy with work.
Coffee shops become shelters for "urban wanderers"
It is understandable, especially for young people, to worry about reduced income and lack of achievement while not being able to start a new job they do not like. Social pressure and the desire to succeed can make them feel trapped in this difficult situation.
Finding a career that matches your interests and abilities is important, but it can also be a challenging and time-consuming process. Many young people face difficulties in finding a job that provides a stable income and fulfills their passion.
Using a coffee shop as a workspace is a temporary solution for young people in this situation. The quiet environment and internet connection at a coffee shop can help them focus on studying and honing their skills to prepare for a new job.
Unemployed people in China go to coffee shops every day
Coffee shops provide a safe and comfortable space for the unemployed, social pressure and stigma against the unemployed is significant. Coffee shops become places where they can hide their reality, temporarily escape the gossip and scrutiny from family and society. Some coffee shops become gathering places for the unemployed, creating opportunities for them to exchange, share experiences, and support each other in the process of finding jobs.
However, this phenomenon also has its downsides. Spending all day in a coffee shop can be expensive and affect the mental and physical health of the participants. Sitting in one place for a long time can lead to health problems such as obesity, back pain, eye strain, which negatively affects mental health.
In addition, it can also create an illusion of reality and make it difficult for people to face their unemployment situation effectively. Pretending to work at a coffee shop can cause them to delay facing the reality of unemployment, avoiding serious and effective job searching.
China’s unemployment problem needs to be tackled comprehensively, involving measures from the government, businesses and the community. Creating more job opportunities, supporting vocational training, and changing social awareness will help unemployed people find suitable jobs, integrate into the community and have a better life.
The unemployment problem needs to be solved comprehensively to avoid consequences for other phenomena in Chinese society.
Since mid-2023, the topic of “Starbucks crowded with people not going to work” has caused heated discussions on the Internet. The reality of unemployed people flocking to Starbucks or similar cafes to “pretend to work” every day is increasing. They wear neat office clothes and carry a briefcase with a computer in hand, but in reality, they just sit in one place until the end of office hours.
This phenomenon occurs mostly in first and second-tier cities. It is worth noting that the unemployed are not only middle-aged people but also young people. While sitting all day in these cafes, people can sit and send CVs, study or simply surf the internet to escape the harsh reality.
There is also a lot of talk about the “35 crisis” on Chinese social media. Many companies reject job applicants over 35, so if they are fired at that age, it will be harder to find a new job.
