Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the phenomenon of "degree devaluation" in Japan, drawing parallels with the current situation in China, particularly in the context of the increasing number of university graduates and the challenges they face in the job market [4][5][6]. Group 1: Current Job Market Situation - The number of university graduates in 2024 is projected to reach a record 12.22 million, leading to the largest job-seeking wave in history [4]. - The offer acquisition rate for master's and doctoral graduates is only 44.4%, a decrease of 12.3% year-on-year, which is lower than the 45.4% for undergraduate graduates [4]. - The trend of increasing university graduates is expected to continue until it peaks at 14.45 million in 2038, indicating a persistent job market challenge for graduates [5]. Group 2: Historical Context of Degree Devaluation - The article references Japan's experience with degree devaluation, which began in the 1990s after the economic bubble burst, leading to a significant decline in employment rates for graduates [11][14]. - In 1992, the employment rate for university graduates began to drop, with figures falling from 80% to below 70% over the following years [14][21]. - The phenomenon of "degree devaluation" in Japan was characterized by a surplus of graduates and a shrinking demand for high-skilled labor, resulting in a generation of "high-education refugees" [33][40]. Group 3: Government Response and Policy Measures - The Japanese government implemented several measures to address the employment crisis, including the "Graduate Doubling Plan" and funding for postdoctoral researchers, aiming to increase higher education enrollment [30][31]. - Despite these efforts, the number of graduate students increased significantly, but the employment rate continued to decline, highlighting a mismatch between education and job market needs [32]. - The revision of the Labor Dispatch Law in 1999 led to a rise in non-standard employment, which provided short-term solutions but ultimately worsened job security for graduates [36][40]. Group 4: Lessons Learned and Future Outlook - The article emphasizes that the root cause of degree devaluation lies in the shrinking demand for skilled labor due to a lack of innovation and industrial upgrades in Japan [48][49]. - The current job market in Japan has shown signs of recovery, with a 98.1% employment rate for new graduates in 2024, attributed to demographic changes and a balance in supply and demand [46][47]. - The experience of Japan serves as a cautionary tale for other countries, including China, regarding the importance of aligning educational outcomes with labor market needs to prevent degree devaluation [53].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the phenomenon of "degree devaluation" in the context of the increasing number of university graduates in China and draws parallels with Japan's historical experience during its economic downturn in the 1990s [4][20]. Group 1: Current Situation of Graduates - In 2024, the number of university graduates in China is expected to reach a record 12.22 million, leading to the largest job-seeking wave in history [4]. - The offer acquisition rate for master's and doctoral graduates is only 44.4%, a decrease of 12.3% year-on-year, which is lower than the 45.4% for undergraduate graduates [4]. - The trend of increasing university graduates is projected to continue until 2038, when it will peak at 14.45 million [4]. Group 2: Historical Context from Japan - In the 1980s, Japan experienced a booming economy where university graduates were highly sought after, with many receiving multiple job offers before graduation [5][6]. - The economic bubble burst in the 1990s led to a drastic decline in job opportunities, with the employment rate for graduates dropping significantly [8][9]. - The term "lost generation" emerged in Japan, referring to those who graduated during the economic downturn and faced severe employment challenges [12]. Group 3: Government Responses and Consequences - The Japanese government implemented various measures to address the employment crisis, including increasing the number of graduate students and promoting vocational training [13][15]. - Despite these efforts, the oversupply of graduates and the lack of corresponding job opportunities led to a rise in "high-education refugees" and "浪人博士" (wandering PhDs) [15][19]. - The shift towards non-regular employment, such as temporary and contract work, became prevalent, further complicating the job market for graduates [16][19]. Group 4: Lessons Learned - Japan's experience highlights the importance of aligning higher education with market needs and the dangers of overemphasizing degree attainment without corresponding job creation [21]. - The article suggests that economic growth and innovation are crucial for creating job opportunities that can absorb the increasing number of graduates [21].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges faced by PhD graduates in finding suitable employment, highlighting the disparity in job opportunities based on academic achievements and the oversaturation of PhD holders in the job market [1][5][9]. Group 1: Employment Challenges for PhD Graduates - Many PhD graduates struggle to find suitable jobs, with some reporting a significant gap between their academic qualifications and available positions [1][5]. - The employment rate for PhD graduates is notably low, with statistics indicating that only 15% of PhD holders from certain institutions find employment [5]. - The competition for academic positions is intense, with only the most accomplished PhD graduates securing roles in prestigious universities, while others may struggle to find even basic teaching positions [2][12]. Group 2: Job Market Dynamics - The job market for PhD graduates has become increasingly competitive, with a significant number of graduates vying for limited positions, particularly in academia and research institutions [4][13]. - The perception of PhD degrees has shifted, leading to a situation where the value of such qualifications is questioned, and many graduates find themselves in roles that do not utilize their advanced skills [9][11]. - The article notes that the oversupply of PhD graduates has led to a devaluation of the degree, making it difficult for individuals to leverage their qualifications effectively in the job market [6][8]. Group 3: Alternative Career Paths - Some experts suggest that PhD graduates consider alternative career paths, such as civil service or positions in research institutions, where academic achievements may not be as heavily scrutinized [3][15]. - The article highlights the potential for PhD holders to explore opportunities abroad, where their qualifications may still hold value, particularly in countries that offer favorable immigration policies for skilled workers [6][9]. - It is recommended that PhD graduates focus on building networks and leveraging relationships with mentors and peers to enhance their job prospects [6][11].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing pressure and anxiety faced by young people in a competitive job market, particularly in elite educational systems that prioritize certain fields over others, leading to a sense of existential crisis among graduates [2][4][6]. Group 1: Educational System and Its Impact - The elite education system is criticized for producing "excellent sheep" who are compliant but lack critical thinking and a sense of purpose, resulting in anxiety and a lack of curiosity among top graduates [4][6]. - The phenomenon of degree inflation is highlighted, where the number of bachelor's degrees awarded in the U.S. increased by 84% from 1991 to 2022, while the population grew by only 31%, leading to a devaluation of degrees [8][11]. - The decline in the quality of undergraduate education, particularly in humanities, is noted, with humanities graduates now making up less than 3% of the total, down from 11% 50 years ago [16][18]. Group 2: Career Choices and Market Saturation - Many students are flocking to stable fields like finance, consulting, and technology, which leads to market saturation and increased competition for limited positions [6][11]. - The article emphasizes the need for students to pursue unique paths and develop distinct skills rather than following the crowd into popular fields, which may not guarantee job security or satisfaction [11][22]. - The importance of soft skills, creativity, and emotional intelligence is underscored as essential for future job markets, especially in the face of AI advancements [20][22]. Group 3: Personal Development and Meaning - The article argues that the true measure of life’s value should not be tied to salary or prestige but rather to personal fulfillment and meaningful engagement with the world [12][13]. - Young people are encouraged to explore their passions and interests early on, rather than conforming to societal expectations of success [12][36]. - The need for a shift in mindset regarding education and career paths is emphasized, advocating for a more holistic approach to personal and professional development [28][30].

世界为什么越来越卷了？ 这可能是许多年轻人的困惑：资源和人才都在加速流向技术尖端引领的少数行业；另一边，全球文科塌陷，职业教育培养不出对口的人才，反而大量的人 都在争抢着极少数"光鲜"的岗位…… 优绩主义的尽头没有绝对的胜利者，那些名校最为优秀的毕业生，却可能是最焦虑的一群人——他们时常觉得，世界好像一个巨大的仓鼠轮，自己被逼着 不停奔跑，却总感觉还在原地踏步，找不到行动的意义。 图源《无法成为野兽的我们》 早在2015年，《优秀的绵羊》就曾预示过这种未来——这本书出自威廉·德雷谢维奇（William Deresiewicz），彼时在美国引起了巨大反响。在常青藤盟校 待了20多年后，他辞去了自己的耶鲁大学的终身教职，他写到，我们的精英教育体系只培养出了一群"优秀的绵羊"，这些学生们顺从地、老老实实向同一 个方向前进，"他们懂得如何做一名学生，却不知道如何思考。他们虽聪明、富有天分，却也充满焦虑、胆小怕事，对未来一片茫然，缺乏好奇心和目标 感。" 德雷谢维奇的洞察全部源于对精英教育体系的观察和亲身经历——他一共辗转过至少3个不同的专业。出身于一个聚集"知识分子"的犹太家庭，本科他循 规蹈矩选择了生物学和心理学的 ...

世界为什么越来越卷了？ 这可能是许多年轻⼈的困惑：资源和⼈才都在加速流向技术尖端引领的少数⾏业；另⼀边，全球⽂科塌陷，职业教 育培养不出对⼝的⼈才，反⽽⼤量的⼈都在争抢着极少数"光鲜"的岗位…… 优绩主义的尽头没有绝对的胜利者，那些名校最为优秀的毕业⽣，却可能是最焦虑的⼀群⼈⸺他们时常觉得， 世 界好像⼀个巨⼤的仓⿏轮，⾃⼰被逼着不停奔跑，却总感觉还在原地踏步，找不到⾏动的意义。 图源《⽆法成为野兽的我们》 德雷谢维奇的洞察全部源于对精英教育体系的观察和亲⾝经历⸺他⼀共辗转过⾄少3个不同的专业。出⾝于⼀个 聚集"知识分⼦"的犹太家庭，本科他循规蹈矩选择了⽣物学和⼼理学的双学位项⽬，⼤学毕业后，他随⼤流申请 了法学院，⼜在最后节点放弃律师、去了新闻学院……但直到最后他才意识到真正能让⾃⼰快乐的是学习英语语⾔ ⽂学。 按照世俗观念，他的选择可以说相当不"明智"⸺从通往财富之路的理⼯科跳到"前途灰暗"的⽂科。有句话 说，敢主动学习⽂科的⼈（排除那些⾮⾃愿流落到这⾥的⼈），都是极致的理想主义者。德雷谢维奇正是如此，察 觉到精英教育体系的"系统BUG"后，他勇敢跳出了那套评价体系，并让更多⼈看到制度的弊端。 如今，20 ...

以下文章来源于桌子的生活观 ，作者桌子先生 桌子的生活观 . 三观比五官更正，思想比套路更深。著有畅销书《你只是假装很努力》、《我们终将与美好的一切相 遇》.... 作者： 桌子先生 来源：桌子的生活观（ID： zzdshg ） 01 万万没想到，现在的本科生已经如此不值钱。 近日，一个"二本女生毕业做保洁"的新闻，引发了网友们的热议。 新闻的主人公小花，是今年刚刚毕业的一名普通大学生。 小花出生在四川省攀枝花市下面的一个偏远农村。 有多偏远呢？ 从村里到县城连直达的客车都没有，要坐上一个半小时的摩的才能到。 环境落后而闭塞。 村子里的女孩，很多刚成年就早早嫁人生子。 可小花不甘心认命。 她拼了命地读书，想要走出大山到外面的世界看一看，想要拥有和她们不一样的人生。 在那里，走出去有且只有一条路，就是考上县城唯一的一所普通高中。 小花学习很用功，父母为了能把她供出来，家里几乎是把家底都快掏空了。 好在小花自己也争气，终于考进了高中，并顺利地考上了青岛的一所二本院校。 全家人的托举，让她飞出了大山。 小花有了很多新奇的体验，第一次出省、第一次坐飞机、第一次看大海…… 看到外面世界的繁华和进步，小花心里满是期待。 ...