China’s economy continues to decline, and a recent report from mainland China has sparked controversy. According to a report on April 18 by the Chinese media outlet “Cover News,” a bricklayer born in 1990 from Nanchong, Sichuan, named He Jilin, has managed to save 2 million yuan over the past 9 years through his work.
He Jilin began working in provinces like Fujian and Zhuhai in 2016, where he carried bricks, laid floors, and built walls to accumulate his savings. Starting with the most basic tasks of carrying and laying bricks, he gradually adapted to the physical intensity of the work. He mentioned that initially, he could only carry five to six hundred bricks a day.
He would wake up at five in the morning to start work at the construction site, take a simple lunch break sitting in a corner, and continue working until late in the evening. Gradually, he increased his brick-carrying capacity and could transport over 2,000 bricks a day, earning around 800 to 900 yuan. He refrained from smoking, drinking, or engaging in social activities, focusing solely on his work day in and day out, which resulted in an annual income of over 200,000 yuan. He has since built a two-story house and purchased a car in his hometown.
He Jilin expressed his plans to return to work in Zhuhai during the upcoming Labor Day holiday, prioritizing bricklaying and transportation tasks. Despite being a casual laborer, he has established connections with some construction supervisors who reach out to him for bricklaying and transportation work opportunities.
The report highlighted how He Jilin’s hard work has enabled him to achieve his initial goals of building a house, buying a car, and gradually improving his family’s living conditions.
This report quickly sparked discussions online.
Tech blogger “Zhuangjianjian” commented, “Earning 900 yuan a day, which amounts to 2.7 million a month and 32.4 million a year. In 9 years, it totals 291.6 million. Although the math adds up to saving 2 million in 9 years, it is unrealistic to assume no illnesses or breaks during this physically demanding work. Additionally, finding consistent work every day for 9 years is highly unlikely.”
Internet users debated the feasibility of He Jilin’s savings strategy. Some raised concerns regarding the cost of living expenses, potential periods of illness, and the consistent availability of work. Others pointed out the challenging circumstances in industries like real estate and construction that could hinder such steady earnings.
There were doubts raised about the tax obligations on He Jilin’s income and questions regarding the credibility of his reported savings over the years. Users also compared his earnings from bricklaying to other hypothetical high-income activities like running a street stall.
The reactions online varied from skepticism to criticism, with some expressing disbelief in the reported narrative and questioning the authenticity of the story. The discussions highlighted broader concerns about the credibility of such reports and the challenges faced by individuals in certain labor-intensive industries.
In conclusion, He Jilin’s story has ignited debates about the realities of blue-collar workers in China and raised questions about the feasibility of achieving substantial savings through manual labor alone amidst economic uncertainties and changing industry dynamics.