Unemployed Youth in China Pay to ‘Work’ at Fake Offices

A Growing Trend Among Jobless Youth

In several of China’s biggest cities, a new phenomenon is emerging among young people who are struggling to find work. Instead of staying at home or lingering in cafés, many are paying to spend their days in so-called “pretend work companies.”

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These spaces mimic the look and feel of real offices, giving participants a desk, Wi-Fi, and a routine for a small daily fee, according to reports.

Paying to Sit in an Office

The cost of joining such a space ranges from 30 to 50 yuan a day (approx. S$5.38 to S$8). Monthly packages can lower the price, and in some cases, the fee also includes perks such as complimentary coffee, lunchboxes, and air conditioning.

While many of these companies are not formally registered, they have become popular for offering a sense of normalcy and structure to those still searching for jobs.

Fake Interviews and Office Rules

To enhance the illusion of employment, some companies go as far as conducting mock job interviews for their clients. Others create strict office rules, such as fixed working hours from 9 am to 6 pm, and even “no office romances.”

These details may sound trivial, but they help participants feel as though they are part of a real workplace.

Reasons Behind Pretend Work

Not everyone uses the service for the same purpose. One young woman reportedly spent only a day in a pretend office, taking photos and sending them to her mother as proof that she had secured a “proper job.”