The Enigma of China's Job Market, The Curse of Being 35

Tales of Struggles and Challenges in China's Employment Landscape

In a perplexing conundrum, China's job market reveals the 'Curse of Being 35', where even the highly educated aren't spared the tumultuous waves of unemployment. Amidst an economic recovery slower than anticipated, professionals like Mo Han (34) are grappling with job loss and dim prospects. The once robust IT industry veteran shares his story of submitting hundreds of resumes, only to secure a mere four interviews. The underlying cause? Blaming it on the age factor, Mo laments the grim reality of a society where age seems to be a barrier to employability.

But Mo isn't alone in this predicament. Chen Tao (陳濤), a former delivery driver who now sustains himself as a content creator, has become a symbol of the struggle. He narrates the tale of repeated failures due to the ominous '35-year-old age limit'. Despite possessing a master's degree in philosophy from a prestigious university, he found himself in the relentless grip of unemployment after his entrepreneurial endeavor failed. Even unconventional options like applying for a position as a monk at a Buddhist temple ended in rejection due to the age limitation.

Reports from CNN indicate that this phenomenon of the '35 Curse' is spreading across China's job market. Employers are wary of hiring individuals over 35, fearing higher wages and difficulty in managing the needs of employees who are parents or have other responsibilities. What started as a practice in government institutions has now permeated into mainstream companies. Even official reports acknowledge the widespread nature of this curse.

Behind the expansion of the '35 Curse' lies the sluggish pace of China's economic recovery. With businesses reluctant to expand their workforce amid an uncertain economic climate, fresh graduates and experienced professionals alike face daunting challenges. The youth unemployment rate hit an alarming 21.3%, but experts argue that this doesn't encompass those who've given up on job hunting. Zhang Dandan, an economics professor, suggests that the true unemployment rate could be as high as 46.5%.

In a paradoxical twist, the race for better qualifications among China's youth inadvertently hampers their job prospects. Pursuing advanced degrees delays their entry into the job market, further complicating the situation. Those in their mid-30s find it nearly impossible to secure new employment, leading many to take up roles like taxi or delivery drivers just to make ends meet.

Women workers are particularly affected by the '35 Curse'. Cases like Ryu Mo's illustrate how even maternity leave can result in job loss. Government policies aimed at encouraging childbirth often prove insufficient to address these challenges.

The absence of specific regulations regarding age-based discrimination in the workplace leaves many vulnerable. The discussion is even moving toward raising the age limit for government employment to 40. However, structural changes are needed to address this complex issue effectively.

In a society where the legal marriage age is debated as a means to ease employment and family pressures, the situation remains dire for those grappling with the '35 Curse'. The journey from education to a stable career is fraught with hurdles, leaving many talented individuals on the fringes of the job market.

As China navigates these intricate challenges, it's clear that innovative solutions and comprehensive policies are essential to break free from the 'Curse of Being 35' and foster a more inclusive and dynamic job market for all ages.