2025 may be the toughest year to endure, judging by the emotions fermenting on social media and online platforms, igniting widespread resonance. Particularly in the context of China’s continued economic downturn and high unemployment rates, many young and middle-aged people are struggling to find jobs after being laid off, feeling anxious due to the lack of stability in their lives, further deepening this pessimistic sentiment.
Blogger “Human Thought” recently posted a video stating that 2025 might be the most difficult year to endure. “We will witness a worsening wave of unemployment, with many facing unprecedented challenges. For ordinary people, 2025 may potentially be a year filled with hardships and anxiety.”
“Human Thought” mentioned that, firstly, with the continuous advancement of artificial intelligence and automation technology, many traditional positions are gradually disappearing. Especially in manufacturing, customer service, and even some creative industries. The proliferation of technologies such as autonomous driving, robots, and intelligent customer service means that a large number of jobs requiring manual operation will be replaced by machines.
He noted that many once stable jobs may be eliminated within a few short years. This is an enormous blow to ordinary workers with relatively singular skills and limited ability to switch professions. Moreover, the uncertainty of China’s economic growth and the complex changes in the international situation are causing numerous industries to face difficulties. With the shift of manufacturing to other developing countries and the contraction of traditional industries, the survival pressure on many small and medium-sized enterprises is increasing. Bankruptcy and layoffs may become more common if companies lack sufficient innovative and adaptive capacities.
He emphasized that among those most affected by these waves of layoffs are often low-income, low-educated ordinary workers. Their job positions may be replaced at any time, making it increasingly challenging to find new employment opportunities.
Furthermore, in 2025, many may also face psychological stress. With the rise in unemployment rates, social instability may gradually intensify. Anxiety and pressure can leave some feeling lost, possibly opting to completely withdraw from the workforce prematurely or taking on sporadic, temporary jobs amidst economic hardships. This sense of economic instability will undoubtedly affect the overall social atmosphere, increasing family burdens, exacerbating societal conflicts, and potentially bringing about greater social risks to some extent.
Looking ahead to 2025, he said, “We cannot foresee everything, we cannot rely on luck to survive, as it may be taken advantage of at any moment.”
The views of “Human Thought” have resonated with many online users.
A netizen from Beijing, “Luojieshan,” commented: “There is no ‘most difficult to endure,’ only ‘even more difficult to endure’!”
A netizen from Hubei, “Liang Jiaoshou,” said: “Every year ahead will be the toughest, getting worse year by year.”
A netizen from Shandong, “Hei Shenhua Kongkong,” expressed: “Negative population growth, each year tougher than the last.”
A netizen from Hunan, “Xiahannian Sun Wukong,” asked: “Every year is tough, when will things get better?”
A netizen from Guangdong, “Yaokong dianliu jiao a,” lamented: “Can’t even afford the electricity bill now. Why is life so hard…”
Blogger “Rabbit” posted a video on February 13, revealing he has been unemployed for over two months and is now wandering the streets of Chang’an in Dongguan.
He recently arrived at the entrance of Everlight Electronics (Dongguan) Co., Ltd., where he saw many people waiting outside for interviews. He mentioned that this company is hiring part-time workers.
Everlight Electronics (Dongguan) Co., Ltd., is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Taiwan Everlight Electronics Corporation in mainland China.
He expressed the difficulty of his current situation – unable to find work and facing the prospect of sleeping on the streets again at night, aimlessly wandering during the day. Although a friend recommended he apply to a factory, unfortunately, he was not hired. He stated that there was nothing that could be done about this situation.
He shared that he spends his days wandering the streets, refraining from buying anything to eat due to the high prices. At noon, he gazes enviously at the people leaving nearby factories, thinking of their good fortune in having work.
Blogger from Beijing, “Yang Guang Qinggan Zheng Nengliang,” posted a video on February 12, saying he had been working for ten years and was recently laid off. Adding to his distress, he just found out his wife is pregnant and lost his job in the same month, causing him profound sadness. He humorously mentioned that from now on, he wouldn’t have to take unpaid leave to accompany his wife to prenatal check-ups.
He admitted his uncertainty about how to face his in-laws and their relatives. His next consideration is whether to drive for “Didi” or work as a food delivery rider.
In recent years, many industries in mainland China have experienced a downturn, placing significant employment pressure on young people, while the real estate market remains sluggish. The government’s stimulus policies have failed to revitalize the economy. Coupled with the uncertainty of the international environment, many are worried that prolonged economic stagnation will impact personal incomes, family life, and more.