China's New Generation of Unemployment Influencers: Navigating Joblessness in a Shifting Economy

The crackdown on private tutoring in China has resulted in a new trend of 'unemployment influencers' like He Ajun, a 32-year-old vlogger providing career advice and sharing her journey through joblessness. Amidst layoffs and job scarcity, young workers are turning to freelancing and gig economy roles, facing bleak prospects and reduced stigma around unemployment.

In the wake of China's crackdown on private tutoring, 32-year-old vlogger He Ajun emerged as an 'unemployment influencer,' offering career advice to 8,400 followers. Highlighting her personal experience with long-term joblessness, He earns around 5,000 yuan monthly through ads, content editing, consultations, and selling handicrafts.

Amid a severe job scarcity, with a record 11.79 million university graduates facing unprecedented unemployment levels, freelancing and the gig economy have become fallback options for many young Chinese. Despite freelancing being considered a 'backup skill' by He, critics argue government policies focused on AI and robotics have led to weak demand in other sectors.

As urban youth unemployment spiked to 17.1%, analysts note widespread layoffs in white-collar sectors like finance. Young workers share survival tips through social media, contributing to broader acceptance and reduced stigma around joblessness. Columbia's Yao Lu emphasizes the need for reevaluating job market expectations as young people adjust to this challenging economic climate.

(With inputs from agencies.)