China's overqualified youth taking jobs as drivers, labourers and film extras

In recent times, China has seen a troubling trend among its youth, particularly those who have recently graduated from university. A notable example is Sun Zhan, a 25-year-old who earned a master's degree in finance but now finds himself working as a waiter in a hotpot restaurant located in Nanjing. Sun had high hopes of securing a lucrative position in investment banking, but despite his efforts, he was unable to find a job that matched his qualifications. This situation is not unique to him; it reflects a broader issue affecting many graduates in China. The country produces millions of university graduates each year, yet the job market is not able to accommodate them all. The economy has been struggling, particularly in key sectors such as real estate and manufacturing, leading to a significant rise in youth unemployment. Although the official statistics have been adjusted to present a more favorable picture, the reality is that youth unemployment was hovering around 20% before the figures were revised. As of November, it stands at 16. 1%, which still indicates a challenging job market for young people. Many graduates are now finding themselves in positions that do not utilize their skills or education, which has led to disappointment and criticism from family and friends. Sun Zhan's parents, for instance, are not pleased with his decision to work as a waiter, as they believe he should aim for a more prestigious career, such as a public servant. However, Sun is determined to follow his own path. He has a secret plan to learn the ins and outs of the restaurant business while working as a waiter, with the hope of one day opening his own restaurant. He believes that if he can achieve success in this venture, his family will come to accept his choices. The situation is echoed by other graduates, such as Wu Dan, who studied finance but is now training at a sports injury massage clinic. Wu Dan initially worked at a futures trading company but found the job offers she received upon returning to mainland China unsatisfactory. Her decision to switch careers was met with disapproval from her family, who expected her to pursue a more traditional finance role. However, she has found fulfillment in her new path and aspires to open her own clinic in the future. The changing perceptions of what constitutes a 'good job' are becoming increasingly evident among Chinese graduates. Many are turning to the film and television industry as a temporary solution, taking on roles as extras in movies. In Hengdian, a well-known film production town, young people are flocking to find work in the entertainment sector. Wu Xinghai, a 26-year-old who studied electronic information engineering, is currently working as an extra in a drama. He acknowledges that while he may not be earning much, he enjoys the relaxed atmosphere of the job. The uncertainty surrounding the job market has left many young graduates feeling lost and anxious about their futures. Wu Dan notes that even those who have secured jobs are often dissatisfied and unsure of how long they will be able to maintain their positions. The lack of confidence in the economy has created a sense of instability, prompting many to adopt a more flexible approach to their careers. As they navigate this challenging landscape, young people are learning to adapt their expectations and explore new opportunities.