they knew The job market would be tough. No one was prepared for how hard it would be.
China's economy is struggling with a prolonged downturn, real estate developers are mired in debt, families are fearful of spending and entrepreneurs are reluctant to take risks. Youth unemployment has reached record highs.
We spoke to five young Chinese people about what it took to find a job amid this uncertainty. They said they moved in with their parents, exhausted their savings, took unpaid internships, or worked two jobs.
You also spoke of generational disillusionment. Born in the strongest years of China's economic boom, they grew up with more opportunities and more comfort than their parents – and also with higher expectations. They were told that with hard work and the right education, their future was all but assured.
Now these boom years are fading and with them the hopes of many young people – with unforeseeable consequences for China and the world.
Nadia Yang, class of 2019
Fiona Qin, class of 2023
Qilai Shen for The New York Times
Until recently, Fiona Qin had always had a plan. She wanted to go to a good college, then go to a top graduate school, then get a job as a journalist at a news agency in a big city.
By fall 2022, as her graduation neared, she appeared to be well on her way. During her master's degree in Beijing, she completed several internships. She set a goal of submitting applications for 100 positions—certainly enough to get an offer, she thought.
Ethan Yi, class of 2022
Qilai Shen for The New York Times
Look back, Ethan Yi says he was a little entitled, or at least naive.
Mr. Yi, who graduated with a bachelor's degree in management in June 2022, has always been told that higher education brings certain advantages. He wouldn't have to toil like his parents, who worked as vegetable wholesalers. He could expect good pay and respect.
Two weeks after his arrival, he was hired by an agricultural chemical company for $730 a month. He rented an apartment on the outskirts of the city and threw himself into training.
“I'll see how things develop. Take it slow,” he said. “Making money quickly is impossible. I see that now.”
Phoebe Liu, class of 2022
Gilles Sabrié for The New York Times
Still, Ms. Liu was shocked by how difficult it was to get her first full-time job. Other traditional measures of adulthood, like buying a house, seemed more out of reach than ever, especially in a city as expensive as Beijing. Although her father was successful as a businessman when China's economy was booming, she doubted she would be able to achieve the same level of success.
“Even if I do my best for 10 or 20 years, will I really earn as much as them?” she said of her parents' generation. “Now you can’t achieve the same things through your own hard work.”
Tsuki Jin, class of 2020
Qilai Shen for The New York Times
Tsuki Jin grew up in a small town in the interior of China, but had long wanted to experience life outside. And in April she decided to make that dream come true – tough job market or not.
Ms. Jin, who asked to be identified by her last name and a nickname, quit her two-year job in human resources and moved to Shanghai with no new prospects and about $700 in savings.
“I think it’s not good for young people to be too comfortable,” she said. “It’s good to get out and see things.”
Ms. Jin's journey shows how some young Chinese are able to hold on to their ambitions: to be willing to compromise on almost everything else.
Despite her new job, Ms. Jin is already thinking about her next adventure. After a few years in Shanghai, she wants to try other cities.
“It’s all life experience,” she said.
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