China's "Pretend to Work" Trend: Young Adults Seeking Dignity Amid High Unemployment

Wed Oct 22 2025 16:33:56 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As youth unemployment in China surpasses 14%, a growing number of unemployed young adults are paying to work in mock offices, creating a unique environment for networking and job searching.

Young unemployed adults in China are increasingly opting to pay their way into fictitious office settings, as a way to navigate high unemployment rates and establish connections. These pseudo-workspaces offer a semblance of normalcy and allow attendees to claim they are “working,” while actively searching for jobs or developing skills.

In China, where youth unemployment is stubbornly high at over 14%, a peculiar trend has emerged: young adults are paying to work in mock offices. This has been spurred by economic sluggishness, leading many to seek an alternative space to avoid the isolation of being at home. Notably, these spaces, such as the "Pretend To Work Company" in Dongguan, host participants who engage in job searching or skill development while enjoying the semblance of a working environment.

Shui Zhou, a 30-year-old who previously ran a food business, has been utilizing the services of a company that charges 30 yuan (around $4.20) daily for access to its facilities. Joining other job seekers has provided him encouragement, a sense of community, and a productivity boost. He enjoys the structured atmosphere, frequently staying from early morning until late at night, forming friendships with fellow attendees.

These mock offices are popping up in numerous cities across China's vast urban landscape, equipped with amenities like computers and meeting spaces to simulate an actual work environment. While some use the facilities for actual job applications, others engage in side projects, showcasing how these setups cater to various needs.

Experts have identified this trend as a coping mechanism for the frustrations young people face due to a mismatch between educational qualifications and job openings. Dr. Christian Yao notes that these offices provide transitional spaces for young adults navigating their career paths.

In a notable instance, Xiaowen Tang, a recent university graduate, used her paid workstation as proof of an internship to satisfy her graduation requirements. This illustrates how the pressure of societal expectations drives individuals toward this unconventional solution.

Feiyu, the entrepreneur behind the Pretend To Work Company, views his venture as more than a business; it's about providing dignity to those feeling lost in the job market. He acknowledges the moral complexity of the service he offers, as it fosters a shared experience among individuals facing unemployment while raising questions about the sustainability of such a business model.

Ultimately, participants like Zhou are using these platforms to sharpen their skills, particularly in high-demand areas like AI, with hopes of converting their mock experiences into real job opportunities in a competitive market.