Portraits of China's Changing Work force

"The Chinese dream once followed a simple formula: move to a big city, work hard, and buy a home. That model, once a reliable engine of progress in China, is breaking down after the collapse of the housing market in 2021, which set off an ongoing economic downturn. Today, many workers are opting out of the old system and finding new careers in China's digital gig economy and in the process, redefining what work looks like."

"Their stories reflect some of the larger forces reshaping China's economy. Across the country, young people are struggling to find the kind of lucrative office jobs that were once common after college, and some are rejecting the pressure to pursue prosperity at all costs, and instead choosing to do as little as possible. Meanwhile, China's population is growing older, and blue-collar jobs are becoming increasingly attractive."

China's housing market collapsed in 2021 and triggered an ongoing economic downturn. Many workers are abandoning the traditional path of moving to big cities, working office jobs, and buying homes. A growing number of people are pursuing careers in the digital gig economy and building independent income streams using smartphones and social media. Examples include a hospital companion who helps patients navigate bureaucracy, a lifestyle influencer scouting affordable cities, and a former retail manager who became a licensed electrician. Younger workers increasingly adopt a 'lying flat' approach, while an aging population makes blue-collar and service roles more attractive.

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