In China’s challenging job market, a strange trend is taking root—young unemployed adults are paying companies just to look employed.
These “pretend to work” spaces, which resemble fully equipped offices with computers, internet, and meeting rooms, charge between 30 to 50 yuan ($4–$7) per day. Attendees can use the time to apply for jobs, launch side businesses, or simply enjoy the feeling of being in a workplace. Some packages even include lunch, snacks, and drinks.
The movement is booming in major cities like Shanghai, Shenzhen, Chengdu, and Wuhan. For many, it’s not just about faking work—it’s about fighting isolation, maintaining dignity, and building a routine.
Take Shui Zhou, 30, whose food business collapsed in 2024. Instead of staying home, he now pays daily to join a mock office in Dongguan. He says the experience keeps him disciplined and socially connected.
Others, like 23-year-old graduate Xiaowen Tang, rent a desk to satisfy university internship requirements—while secretly working on personal projects like writing online novels.
Experts say this phenomenon reflects frustration over scarce jobs and the mismatch between education and the labor market. Some attendees see it as a transitional stage before landing real work, while others simply need a socially acceptable cover story for their families.
Feiyu, the founder of Dongguan’s “Pretend To Work Company,” says his business isn’t selling desks—it’s selling dignity. To him, the offices act as a bridge, helping people turn a staged work life into a genuine career start.
As AI and digital skills become more valuable, some participants are using their “fake” office time to upskill and prepare for future opportunities. Whether this trend is a temporary fix or a new cultural phenomenon, one thing is clear: for many, pretending to work is better than doing nothing at all.
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