Archive · 14 Aug 2025
China's Youth Pay to Pretend at Work: An Emerging Trend
In China, some young people are paying companies to go to an office and pretend to work, even though they don't have real jobs.
They pay around 30-50 yuan a day to sit in an office.
This helps them feel like they have a job, meet friends, and some even use it to show their families or universities that they are employed.
These "pretend" offices can also help people look for a job, work on their own projects, or just have a place to go.
Some of these places also offer meals and a sense of community.
Young Chinese individuals are paying companies for the experience of having a job, even without actual employment.
This trend is observed in major cities such as Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Nanjing.
Participants pay 30-50 yuan daily to use office spaces.
Reasons for joining include self-discipline, social interaction, and providing proof of employment to families or universities.
These 'pretend to work' companies often provide meals and a sense of community.
- Who
- Unemployed young adults in China.
- What
- Young Chinese individuals are paying companies for the experience of having a job, without actual employment.
- When
- The trend is currently growing.
- Where
- Major cities in China including Shenzhen, Shanghai, Nanjing, Wuhan, Chengdu and Kunming.
- Why
- To provide a sense of purpose, social interaction, or satisfy requirements for family or education.
Youngsters Paying for "Fake Jobs"
Companies Provide Comfort
Participant Purposes
Youngsters Paying for "Fake Jobs"
Participants are mostly unemployed and feel aimless.
Companies Provide Comfort
Some use these fake offices for their own needs and future plans.
- Daily cost
- 30-50 yuan
- Primary Motivation
- Sense of purpose and social interaction
- Cities where trend exists
- Shenzhen, Shanghai, Nanjing, Wuhan, Chengdu, and Kunming
- Primary Purpose
- Pretending to have a job