Dreams Deferred: China's Overqualified Youth Navigate a Tough Job Market

In contemporary China, well-educated graduates struggle to find suitable employment, often resorting to jobs far below their qualifications. This trend is exemplified by individuals like Sun Zhan, a master’s graduate working as a waiter, and Wu Dan, a finance major training in sports injury massage. The economy’s stagnation, particularly in real estate and manufacturing, has led to a youth unemployment rate hovering around 18%, prompting a reassessment of job aspirations among graduates.

Despite millions of degrees awarded annually, the job market fails to absorb these graduates into relevant positions, leading many to take menial jobs such as cleaning, driving, or working as extras in films. Critics from their families often express disappointment over these choices, although some, like Sun and Wu, see their current roles as stepping stones to future opportunities.

Experts, including Professor Zhang Jun from City University of Hong Kong, note that the changing landscape has made many young people reevaluate what constitutes a good job, particularly as major companies lay off staff and available positions become increasingly unattractive. As a result, many graduates are shifting their expectations and pursuing unconventional paths while grappling with insecurity about their futures and the state of the economy. They feel a mix of confusion and a lack of direction, as even those in stable jobs often do not feel secure.