As a millennial who graduated college right around the 2008 Great Recession, this is how we felt when we realized the workforce no longer needed us.

Not surprising and it's also why the birth rate in many countries is dropping. At some point, you can't keep pushing people to work harder, harder, harder if there's no payoff in the end.

Bit context here: blue collar in China commonly means: intense work hours(12 hours minimum). Income is okay, but largely coming for mandatory overtime. Weak labor protections, both physically and legally.

And these young college grads won't be able to afford children if they can't find work. This is happening all over the world.

.. ' Study hard work hard and you will be successful' is a BIG FAT LIE

This is basically what happens to most people in the world since we are treated as nothing but workers who are born to just work. From a child to an adult, you are told life is about school to get a good job to build a company & help make others live a good life Why do you think drug & alcohol use is so high all over the world? People are tired of being labor for the rich without time to enjoy their own lives EXCEPT for two days out the week IF you are lucky

I am a gradurate from the 80's and I often wonder if 'go to university to achieve a better life' is actually code for 'we don't want you in the unemployment figures just yet'

Im almost 27 born in the U.S. and despite working a full-time blue collar job, I still live at home with my parents even if I can afford to move out. Wages dont match rising fuel costs plus inflation and increased taxation with decreased representation then greedy landlords make the prospect of surviving even more needlessly arduous.

The problem is not just scarcity of job for these graduates, China higher education system plays an important role in the creation of this mess, the China's gov for decades has pushed the policy to increase the number of students and graduates in its higher education system, focusing on quantity over quality, new universities came up and the capacity of the older ones grew, they became degree producing factories, most of those graduates are nothing but degree holders without enough skill or expertise, and many companies are reluctant to hire them.

Here is what I heard from a Chinese friend, he live in a small city in china. He said it’s probably the best to stay in a small city due to low living cost, you can survive longer with whatever you have and try not to go to major city searching for jobs or start a business right now. Almost everything that makes money now will make you lose way more than just simply stay at home.

It's not just in China, this has been a situation that has been prevalent for years. I graduated college in 2008, and went from an optimistic, strong economy where a college degree guaranteed a good job in the first semester of my senior year to a pesimistic, weak economy where everyone was firing and no one was hiring in the second semester. I've never fully recovered from this. For some of my classmates, it was a mere speedbump, but for others, such as myself, it was permanent and catastrophic engine failure. I guarantee you that in China, it's the same as it was here. Some people will do fine and succeed easily, while other will fail time and time again until they give up.

Same is happening in Pakistan. Though I am a medical student. So i will talk medical. Private medical colleges are popping up like mushrooms and medical grads are being pumped out at an accelerated pace. Quantity over quality. And the cherry on top of it, the govt have no money to pay the young docs to work in the hospitals..so no seats. You can guess the rest of it.

This is what happens when you are lied to that getting a degree will secure you a better future...what the govt need to tell kids is get a degree in a field where there will be a labour shortage in the economy like nursing, teaching, engineering including trades like construction, weilding etc

Ah, “Kids these days…” Older people always say younger generations are a bunch of losers who have it too easy. Always have, always will.

This is exactly what happened in Japan at the end of their “bubble economy” in the 1980s. When I lived in Japan (2000-2004) I was astonished to find that most unmarried Japanese adults were still living at home with their parents.

I just graduated college recently and have been looking for a job with no luck (I live in the us) my dad sent me this article and after months of no luck has decided to give me a salary and be a “full time child” it’s helped me mental health a lot and also my parents who are older

We used to have "polytechnics" and there is nothing wrong with a diploma. Polytechnic courses used to be a 1-2 years and new courses come and go to suit the new skills needed in the job market. The tuition cost was a fraction. Many young people used to go to these evening classes after their day jobs. Somehow hubris government around the world decide "polytechnics" doesn't sound professional enough, not scientific/theoretical enough, I doubt we need degree level for any subject.

I think the world is just becoming disillusioned with the idea that we have to work our entire lives with no break just to barely be able to sustain ourselves

I graduated straight into the GFC of 2008/09 here, very difficult to get work and caused a large strain on my girlfriend and I. Moving cities helped the job prospects, and I have since changed industry too, long term stable employment is easy to find now, but I feel for China's youth - getting the experience was tough.

American millennials from 2008 to Chinese graduates today: welcome to our world

I'm Gen X, and I have felt like this since I graduate high school in 1998. I did everything I was supposed to do, joined the military, did my time, got a couple of degrees, loads of student debt, and yet I can't get a job that pays me my worth. SMH its sad to say the least. But then I see those who did not go my route getting better jobs and promotions. Had I know if I was lazy and did try that I would have had it easier I wouldn't have bothered to work so hard. Now I'm dejected, tried, hopeless, and tired of trying so hard while others have it so easy with no effort. F**k this world and this BS.

On the other hand, people are excited about getting into universities. Somehow stepping into uni are their biggest goal in their lives. Unemployment right after graduation are possibly waiting for them in current environment.

This is not just a problem in China, but worldwide, as many jobs have disappeared due to rapidly advancing technology.

It means millions of families have wealth to pass down due to one-child policy. Four grandparents and two parents have 6 income/pension to spare and possibly 3 real estates.

An ancient education system still being used is the main cause of the problem. These kids don't need a lot information, all they need is an environment to develop their 21st century competencies and decent amount of knowledge. Not surprised.

Very sad 😔. But good to see family members getting closer and closer like in the old days.

I graduated with my BA in California in the 2010s and found a stable job shortly thereafter but purely by being at the right place at the right time. Luck, basically. I’m glad I have practical work experience because now I can leverage that instead of just a degree

Almost same here in india after covid hiring is reduced very much

A lot of these students went to university for the promise of a good career and livelihood. There's a saying that when there's a gold rush, profit goes to those who sell shovels

So there are two problems; high unemployment and those who do work are working excessive hours and have no personal life. I wonder what the solution could be?

How insulting it is that they’re labeling them “Full Time Children”. They’ve graduated college and now the working market is dead and can’t get a worthwhile job. Older generations caused this and are now unhappy with the youth because they’ve realized they’re being screwed over.

Also, school trains the wrong things and you’re not guaranteed the right kinds of internships to supplement classroom based experiences. We’re producing a bunch of pencil-pushing trivial pursuit players, not producers.

Welcome to the entire western worlds problems. I have a degree and work in a pizza restaurant right now. Its embarassing and I hope this system collapses.

it's so sad i relate. i graduated as a programmer last year and now the era is so super saturated, every job i compete with at least 1k people. I'm ready to give up my degree just one year later cause doing courses, working on a portfolio, having a degree and experience isn't helping. my parents keep demanding me to start a different college cause the area is sucking so badly and idk if i have the mental state for that

It's heart-wrenching to hear that. Flashback to 14 years ago, right out of college, I was filled with zeal and joined an NGO in Beijing. Six months in, with not a penny to my name, I felt the weight of my dreams clashing with reality. Seeking change, I ventured to West Africa, and that twist led me to further my education in the US. (Big shoutout to Notre Dame for the full ride!) That leap of faith transformed my life. Today, I'm blessed with financial freedom, have had the honor to teach at Arizona State, founded my own company, and I'm pouring my heart into videos to spread financial knowledge and inspire others to truly live. I often wonder, if I hadn't taken that first step away from home, where would I be now? 🌍📚🎥🌱

Degrees have become a commodity, and after the mad rush to produce them, the market does not need them.🙃

I graduated when there were no jobs. On the bright side, young people can think about opening their own businesses or doing their own creative projects.

Imbalances is hurting society

There are 2 processes at work here: (A) In 2012, China promised EVERY 14 year-old a High School education. (Prior to that, about have of Chinese 14 year olds did NOT go to HS, but began working at low paying Jobs. Thus, in 2016, China had a record number of HS Grads, many of whom wen to College. Thus, in 2020, China had a record number of College Grads and that record has only been broken in 2023. (B) The Chinese Communist Party issued a Regulatory Crackdown on private companies, especially those in the Tech Sector (i.e. Tencent & Alibaba). That is because the CCP cannot stand having a private company rival the Party in terms of influence and so the crackdown. But the crackdown led to a fall in Jobs -- the very kind of Jobs that China's College Grads are looking for! When China stopped publishing the Youth Unemployment number, 140 million Chinese objected to that on Social Media. One Chinese said "The People have a right to know." Thus, it is not surprising that Xi Jinping was criticized by CCP Elders at the recent seaside conference. But will the Elders give Xi permission NOT to crackdown on the very companies China needs to create jobs? No, since they would have to change the very nature of the CCP itself. "A Leopard cannot change its spots". Neither can a Dragon do so.

because for the majority of our life, we were forced to study hard and be who our parents want us to be. naturally, when all our efforts fell short (at least according to the system), we say "f* it!"

So far, I can relate with many of China's College Graduates and I'm from UK lol.

In the US, grads work at Walmart.

Well, this is what happens when making a decent living requires a graduate degree and then the job market for such positions doesn’t accommodate the supply of talent. Countries need to figure this out and prioritize having a steady base of new taxpayers by keeping the living wage reasonable and the educational requirements to earn enough for supporting a family as low as possible.

My cousin just graduated from a mediocre university in China, what we call second class universities. There're 30+ kids in the class, only one found a job. What else can they do other than going home?

Imagine going to college just to be a slave worker in a field you aint even study for.

Whatever. I wasn't working until I was 25. And our family isn't rich, and I am not from China, and this wasn't due to inability to find work. The economists and corporations want us all to start work as early as possible and stop working as late as possible, so that they can milk out all the products of our labor for their benefit. Ignoring that current global economic system is unsustainable anyway. Endless growth is impossible. Especially if 90% of its fruits are appropriated by 1% richest people

What happens when lots of money is tied up in non productive asset (Real Estate)

They revisit the methodology meaning they'll find ways to change how it's measured and count these ppl working at home as employed

This sounds pretty great to me. Love to see parents being able to support their children

Young people should go to trade schools more. We need more electricians, HVAC technicians, plumbers, carpenters, etc. We already have too many college grads and not enough office jobs. In the US, tradesmen make more than ordinary office workers.

Children of high-ranking Chinese🇨🇳 officials don't have to work hard. - They study abroad and get to the top automatically. Xi Jinping is a prime example.

Everyone wants a good job, but unfortunately not everyone can get a good job

im in china,collage degree is not hard as US or eurpe. tings is very diff in china, its easy to get if u can go in collage. just play without study and wait 4 years then collage give u degree,its radiculous but true.and tuition fee is low too,about 1000 dollors one year. so the china degree is just cheap thing,in any aspect.but its necessary when work,they need u to show the paper to give a job to u

Isn‘t it good to be a full-time baby? I also want to be a full-time child.

Young people especially in Chinese society eschew blue collar work. It is looked down upon. You even see this in the west. Everyone wants a full time wfh/hybrid job (can't really blame them) but there's simply not enough of those to go around. We have devalued the worth of blue collar work both reputationally and financially.

This is genius. Getting to stay at home and make money too. No work stress. Genius. 🤝

It's such a tough situation, really hope things improve soon 🙏

This actually shows a strange kind of resilience of Chinese economy. If the unemployment rate was 20% 15 years ago, social turmoils would happen. Why? Because parents of new graduates are much more wealthier than parents 15 years ago. They could afford their children to be “full-time child” for several years. These kids are not in a hurry to find a job and will take the time to find one.

Weird to see another country going through this

Examples of China's 🇨🇳 "Socialism with Chinese characteristics": - young people with no job, - Zero Covid and endless lockdowns, - banks with no money, - cities for no one, *- trains for no riders,* - warships with no sailors and - highways to nowhere.

I think it's good. We spend most of time doing things we hate. The world cares more about profits than humanity. Why people cannot spend more time with people they loved. It's fine to become the last generation and it's not shameful At all because there is one thing I am ensured: the whole world will become worse instead of becoming better

This is happening all around the world. More grads now have no choice but to do deliveries and other jobs due to high turnover rate, harsh working conditions and troubling economy. Some rich ones stay at home and pursue other interests. It's the world economy changing forcing people to look for alternatives. The world is terribly imbalancedq now. Something sinister is happening.

The solution seems to be is limit amount of classes and degrees for jobs that are full. Just have some for replacing retiring workers.

The lack of purpose and because someone else is already fulfilling that purpose is redundant. There’s certain limits how many people can do thing similarly or just find a area that needs them.

Crazy to think how many problems we have here at our companies and even social sector because we are missing young people to employ

India's youth unemployment rate is more than 2x that of China; Also, don't forget that the percentage of employment is much lower, and even then the unemployment ratio is higher. but no peep from anyone. Now you know what these American media is trying to feed you daily.

That's what happens when you push children to go to college, shame and underpay the practical jobs, and force your workers to work insane amount of hours until they drop dead.

In China, graduates have a hard time finding job. In Singapore, companies have a hard time finding workers. 🤭

I'm 31 years old, I know programming and web development and right now I'm learning ethical hacking. But I'm a living like a full-time child. Why? Because in my country, they pay like $400 a month for a full-time job. So I choose to be broke and proud and not a slave.

Take blue collar jobs or low end job. When I graduated in 2008 during the US financial crisis. It’s touch for me to find good office job. I worked at the supermarket stock item. Yes, it’s embarrassing, but is all about survival and independent. Many kids these day expect everything come easy for them. Not only happens in China, but everywhere.

Good for them. They worked extremely hard. Take a break and continue a little later. 😊

Note that Chinese unemployment is not really the one with the international standards. When there are jobs, but you don't want them as they are not for your qualifications, this is not traditional unemployment.

As a college graduate, is it really worth it? Some of my most successful friends didn't go to college. They worked harder/smarter and moved up the ladder. Others friends who did go to college are working so called "blue collar jobs". The cost of college is not only monetary but socially as well.

This is the only Chinese topic I can relate to. With the ever changing work environment, people are getting nastier and darker. I'd rather stay at home and do house chores all day.

it shows how rapid development leads to constant chaos to either socially or economically

Now they have to adapt to their current economy. Their education should act as foundations. I’m a blue collar worker with a accounting background. That kind of combo sets me way ahead of my current competitors. My business works like a well oiled machine and I know where every dollar will go. My competitors are just throwing money at their business and expecting a better profit. Most aren’t even recording their earnings which will lead to a horrible IRS visit. They don’t understand the losses they are causing themselves.

There are people in the US and Japan in the same situation. We need to unite together and demolish the economic system of all three countries.

What is the unemployment rate for youths without a degree?

Yes, That is what I am doing right now! you read my mind

If only people only breed once, then there's no more overpopulation that leads to massive unemployment like this...

It’s happening in each and every country of the world. Paper chase is a waste of parents’ resources.

even in Canada now this is painfully relatable

Same trend here in the Philippines. Decades ago, a lot of young adults chose to marry early but now, there's a rise in the unmarried, unemployed, or single parents.

You always need a back-up plan. Somewhat similar to the USA in 2023-24, but in the USA its more of a 'pause' due to economic uncertainty in the post-pandemic period. When I went to college many years ago I worked part-time for a neighbor who was an electrician. Right after graduation I took the electrical contractors exam and passed. I couldn't find work in my major so started working as an electrician. Eventually found a degree-related job but kept doing small electrical jobs as an income supplement. Its worked out great and the electrical work got me through a period of unemployment and rough financial conditions back around 2002.

The same problem everywhere

Because all countries are increasing retirement age which mean the availability of jobs is reduced since they keep the old employees. You need to reduce the retirement age so more opportunities is open

Here is my suggestion to the recent graduates and those who are graduating: If you are lucky enough to have parents with lots of connections and people who can refer you, use it if you have been job hunting for four to six months without any success. Referals can help you score an interview or get an entry level job in a snap. I never had the privilege but I would if I had to. I absolutely see nothing wrong with it. You tried and need all the help you can get. You might get flak from some employees because you did not get in "normally" but let's face it, those guys would have done the same thing. What where you supposed to do, just risk unemployment while prices go higher? You tried, it did not work out so you asked help from other people. You asked help from other people when you tried by yourself and no results came. There's nothing wrong with that.

There is simply not enough labor supply for so much demand. I totally understand them, reaching the point of working on something that was not related to what I study, and also at a low social level.

Looking at the employment rate alone is meaningless. Ordinary rich people certainly hope that everyone will work for them all their lives to make money, but most young people in China start their own businesses after graduation and become their own bosses. The times have changed, and the established old rules of the game have changed in China.

Thank goodness they have their parents.It’s hard everywhere I’m struggle and I live in the USA 🇺🇸

people should enjoy life if they have enough to survive. This work until you retire, then die scam is not worth it.

There are people who love to farm, people who love to cook, people who love build, people who love health and science, people who love to teach..there would be even more if we focused on the things that matter. If people are working but justice, love, mercy, and honesty/truth are being disregarded, then what progress is there really? The outside of the cup may appear clean, but the inside is dirty. The former should be practiced first and then the latter. They want people to focus on the money because the money is how they keep their power. God's payment isn't money, what God gives is wisdom and understanding. Wisdom and understanding are with truth, and the truth is with love. Love is with righteousness. "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone."

I run an engineering business and wish I can hire these young people but unfortunately I have stopped hiring since 2015.

Same thing in the USA. School has become a scam. I’m glad I found my way of life. After graduating university I worked for the government for 7 years no making what I expected, tired and not fulfilled. I quit my job and started my own business. 3 years later I’m very happy being my own boss and never have to go through another interview

It's not only China, it's happening on Japan, america, indonesia, etc. Somethin will happen

This video is describing the USA. You can't fool me.

Honestly, I am going through this now. Paralegal grad and no enough job opening in my mid sized city.

I graduated 2 years ago. My country is going through the highest unemployment rate ever recorded. Many of us are unemployed. And certainly working for our parents. And you're lucky if your parents have businesses that need extra assistance. Otherwise, you'll just be home bound.

First off, cooking and cleaning for money is legitimate work. Part of the problem is devaluing homemakers and not recognizing domestic work has always been a major sector which we see a drop in quality of life without. As parents and grandparents age and can't keep up with China's demanding hours why wouldn't they hire a relative to help them rather than a stranger? I don't know how China tracks it's unemployment, but I know in the US, they only count people looking for work in unemployment numbers. So if people opt out to watch kids or care for aging parents/grandparents, then they vanish from the statistics. Lot of people in the US just dropped out of the workforce during pandemic, taking early retirement or deciding to stay home with kids, homeschooling has tripled. Not saying there isn't some significant ripple in the Chinese economy or real shrink in the number of available positions. But if you only have one child of one child, then the burden of elderly care becomes a full time job, rather than something spread out between multiple children and grandchildren.

You know, that one uncle that never had a job? It's all of them now.