As economic pressures and unemployment rates surge in China, a growing number of young people are opting for an unconventional path by becoming “full-time children.” This trend involves retreating back home, where they are financially supported by their parents to pursue a simpler life away from the grueling pressures of the job market. Dissatisfied with the lack of job opportunities and faced with fierce competition, these young adults are reassessing their life goals and embracing the opportunity to spend quality time with their families. However, while the phenomenon may offer temporary relief, experts warn that it could lead to long-term challenges for China’s economy and the employability of the nation’s youth.
Escaping the Rat Race: In a country where job prospects for young people have become increasingly grim, many individuals are finding solace in their family homes. The jobless rate for 16 to 24-year-olds in urban areas reached a record-high of 21.3% last month, pushing tens of thousands of young adults to seek refuge in their parents’ homes. These “full-time children” are often in their twenties and have dropped out of the relentless race for employment. Instead, they engage in household chores and spend quality time with their families, supported financially by their parents.
A Look at the Numbers: Social media platforms have played a crucial role in popularizing the concept of “full-time sons and daughters.” Tens of thousands of posts under the “full-time sons and daughters” hashtag on Xiaohongshu, a popular lifestyle sharing platform in China, attest to the growing trend. Experts suggest that the true unemployment rate for youth may be much higher than official data suggests, with an estimate that 16 million young people are not actively seeking work. This indicates a potential youth unemployment rate as high as 46.5% in March, painting a more alarming picture of the challenges facing the nation’s young workforce.
Impact on China’s Economy: China’s post-COVID recovery has been fraught with economic challenges, including tepid domestic consumption, a struggling property market, and a retreat by private industries. The rise of “full-time children” highlights the shrinking opportunities available for young job seekers. As they retreat from the labor market, experts worry that these young adults may become unemployable in the long run, leading to permanent dislocations in the workforce. While the phenomenon provides a short-term fix for financial support, it may hinder the development of essential skills and training needed to stay competitive in the job market.
A Temporary Trend: While the phenomenon of “full-time children” has gained popularity, experts believe it is unlikely to last long. Most young people will eventually secure employment, given the support they receive from their families, particularly with aspects like housing, marriage expenses, and childcare. However, it serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need for more job opportunities and a robust economy that can provide viable career paths for China’s youth.
Conclusion: The rise of “full-time children” in China reflects a generation grappling with a dearth of job opportunities and relentless competition in a rapidly evolving economy. Seeking refuge in their family homes, these young adults prioritize quality time with their loved ones over the pursuit of a high-paying job. While it offers temporary relief from the pressures of the job market, experts caution that it may lead to long-term challenges, impacting China’s workforce and overall economic growth. The nation’s leadership faces the urgent task of fostering economic growth and creating viable job prospects to support the aspirations of its youth.
