China’s economy is on a downward trend, and high unemployment rates have become the new normal for its citizens. People from various professions such as flight attendants, salespersons, small business owners, and university students have all found themselves among the ranks of the unemployed. Many mainland Chinese citizens have disclosed that “there are really a lot of people around me who are unemployed.”
Xiaochun (pseudonym), who worked as a flight attendant for a major airline in China for four to five years, recently told a reporter that she has been unemployed for the past one to two years and can only rely on her savings to get by at home. She mentioned that “many flight attendants have left their jobs” and that tens of thousands of people have been laid off in the civil aviation industry. Despite claims of economic recovery post-pandemic, she pointed out that flights have not resumed to normal and many flights are still operating at a loss, putting pressure on cabin crew.
Last month, several listed airlines in China released their financial reports for the first half of 2024, with the four major airlines all expecting significant losses. Air China and China Eastern Airlines are projected to incur losses ranging from 2.3 billion to 3 billion yuan each, while profitable airlines in the first quarter of this year, like China Southern Airlines and Hainan Airlines Holdings, are also anticipating losses.
Xiaochun added that concerns over aviation safety have increased due to previous incidents, such as the recent crash involving China Eastern Airlines causing anxiety among families. She explained the challenges faced during her previous job, where employees had to stay near the company’s premises even when not flying, and taking leave would result in deductions from their pay.
In Sichuan, Baoma Song Qing (pseudonym) has also become unemployed. At just 40 years old with two children and an elderly relative to support, she expressed the immense pressure she is under, especially as the family’s financial situation has drastically changed since losing her job.
Song Qing, who was laid off from a small internet company where she worked as a salesperson, shared how she used to earn a good salary from frequent business trips. However, after the pandemic hit, economic challenges and increased competition led to cuts in staffing as the company struggled financially. As a result, she now finds it difficult to provide for her family as she used to.
The wave of layoffs in mainland China started in 2022, affecting internet and tech companies, with reports of layoffs ranging from 10% to 30%. Companies like PCG and CSIG, subsidiaries of Tencent, have been mentioned as part of the downsizing trend.
Zhiyi (pseudonym) in Fujian, who used to do business in the tea industry, turned to working for Didi (ride-hailing service) after losing his primary source of income. However, due to expenses like rental fees, fuel, and charging costs, he found it unsustainable as the daily earnings were insufficient to cover these basic expenses, leading to him giving up working for Didi.
Without a job and income, Zhiyi struggles to repay several hundred thousand yuan in small loans, resorting to shifting resources to meet his financial obligations. He lamented the challenges he faces, including credit card debts, and the financial strain caused by his past failed investments.
Looking for a change in fortune, Zhiyi now pins hopes on winning the lottery as a solution to his financial woes. He acknowledged the difficulties of his situation, stating that every penny earned is hard to come by and feeling overwhelmed by mounting debts.
In Beijing, Mingyu (pseudonym) graduated from a prestigious university but continues to remain unemployed despite his high qualifications. Mingyu shared how both of his friends, one with a master’s in civil engineering and the other a graduate from a reputable southern Chinese university, are also struggling to secure employment in their respective fields.
Mingyu described the anxiety and chronic insomnia experienced by his friend with a master’s degree, who tirelessly searches for job opportunities without success, even attempting to become a civil servant but failing to secure a position. He emphasized the challenges faced by recent graduates in securing stable employment, sympathizing with the struggles faced by many in his social circle.
According to official statistics from the Chinese government, the number of graduates in 2024 reached a record high of 11.79 million. A survey conducted by a recruiting platform in May revealed that only 48% of graduates had received job offers by mid-April, indicating a decline in employment prospects compared to the previous year. Anecdotal reports suggest that universities are also facing similarly low employment rates, hovering around 45%, as reported by a Guangzhou college teacher.
The emotional toll of unemployment is evident in the lives of many Chinese citizens, with stories like Zhiyi’s and Song Qing’s highlighting the financial and emotional strain caused by the lack of stable employment opportunities. As the country grapples with economic challenges and job market uncertainties, individuals like Xiaochun, Song Qing, Zhiyi, and Mingyu represent a broader trend of struggle and uncertainty among the Chinese population.