In China, some unemployed people fake having a job just to fit into society

In today’s fast-paced world, unemployment can feel like a personal failure—especially in societies where success is often equated with having a job. In China, some young people have taken an unusual step to cope with this pressure: they pretend to go to work. It’s not about laziness or deceit, but about preserving dignity in a culture that places immense value on productivity.

Fake Offices for Real Social Pressure

In bustling cities like Chongqing, a curious trend is emerging: fake offices where people pay to simulate a working life. These spaces, fully equipped with desks, printers, and even break rooms, host individuals who aren’t employed but want to appear as if they are. Entrepreneurs openly promote this idea online, offering day passes for around six euros.

One such business owner, Yulong Li, gives tours of his “workspace” that exists solely for appearances. “Here’s the front desk—no one works there. These computers? Just props,” he explains in a promotional video. His goal? Attract around fifteen “workers” who need a place to pretend.

The Illusion of a Routine

For people like 21-year-old Danyi Wu, this isn’t a joke—it’s a lifeline. Every morning, she commutes to her pretend job, snaps photos of her desk setup, and even takes a nap at lunchtime. “My family always asks what I’m doing. I need proof,” she says.

She left her hometown to pursue a career as a graphic designer in Chongqing, but after two months without success, she hasn’t told her boyfriend that she’s unemployed. “Everyone around me has a job. It’s embarrassing,” she confesses. “I feel like I’m losing face.”

A Generation Under Pressure

China’s youth are feeling the squeeze. Official data shows that nearly 17% of people under 24 are unemployed—and some experts believe the true figure is even higher. The country’s rapid economic development has raised expectations, but job opportunities haven’t kept pace, especially for new graduates.

In many Chinese families, status and reputation are deeply tied to career success. Without a job, young adults often feel not only financially adrift but socially excluded. Pretending to work becomes a coping mechanism, not out of laziness, but out of a desire to maintain self-worth, respect from loved ones, and a sense of normalcy.

A Silent Cry Behind the Smile

This phenomenon reveals something deeper than just joblessness—it speaks to mental health, identity, and cultural expectations. While critics might scoff at the idea of paying to sit in a fake office, for those living it, it’s a temporary shield from shame and scrutiny.

As governments grapple with unemployment statistics, the quiet stories of individuals like Danyi remind us that behind the numbers are human beings navigating complex emotions and societal norms.

This strange but poignant trend underscores a universal truth: sometimes, people will go to great lengths just to feel seen, accepted, and normal—even if it means pretending.