Core Viewpoint - The phenomenon of "full-time children" has emerged as a response to increasing employment pressures and societal competition, leading to a significant online discourse and the formation of communities discussing this lifestyle choice [1][2]. Group 1: Definition and Types of "Full-Time Children" - "Full-time children" is a term that describes young individuals who live with their parents and provide various forms of support, including household chores and emotional care, while receiving financial support from their parents [6][7]. - This group can be categorized into two types: short-term transitional "full-time children," primarily young graduates facing employment challenges, and relatively stable "full-time children," often middle-aged individuals who have left the workforce to care for elderly parents [7][9]. Group 2: Characteristics and Experiences - The majority of "full-time children" are female, with a significant portion being recent graduates or individuals with some work experience [10][11]. - Short-term transitional "full-time children" often experience anxiety and pressure related to their employment status, while relatively stable "full-time children" may feel a mix of fulfillment from caregiving and anxiety about their future [18][19]. Group 3: Societal Causes of the "Full-Time Children" Phenomenon - The rise of "full-time children" is linked to broader economic challenges, including high youth unemployment rates and a mismatch between education and job market demands [22][25]. - The aging population in China has also contributed to the need for family-based caregiving, as many elderly individuals require assistance that is often provided by their children [28][29]. Group 4: Governance Strategies for "Full-Time Children" - To address the challenges faced by short-term transitional "full-time children," strategies should focus on enhancing employment opportunities and providing support for job-seeking efforts [34][35]. - For relatively stable "full-time children," it is essential to recognize and support their caregiving roles, potentially offering training and financial assistance to alleviate their burdens [46][49].

Group 1 - The core issue is the increasing pressure on daily life due to economic challenges, including job competition and rising living costs, stemming from the trade war initiated by the Trump administration [2] - The job market is particularly tough, with only 22,000 new jobs added in August, a stark contrast to the typical 100,000 jobs in normal times, indicating a significant shortfall in job creation [2] - In June, for the first time since 2020, layoffs exceeded new hires, and there are more job seekers than available positions, highlighting a shift in the employment landscape [5] Group 2 - The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 2.7% year-on-year in July, with noticeable price increases in everyday items like milk and bread, attributed to higher tariffs increasing import costs [7] - Consumers expect inflation to rise to 3.2% over the next 12 months, leading many to tighten their budgets and compare prices more rigorously [7] - Credit card debt in the U.S. has reached an all-time high, with a rising delinquency rate, as families rely on credit to manage living expenses [9] Group 3 - Despite the struggles of ordinary citizens, the stock market, particularly the S&P 500, has been performing well, driven by expectations of interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve [9] - There is a divergence of expert opinions regarding the stock market's performance, with some viewing it as a sector-specific adjustment while others warn of accumulating risks [9] - The true measure of economic health lies in the ability of ordinary people to find jobs and manage their expenses without financial stress, which is currently not the case in the U.S. economy [9]

Core Viewpoint - The phenomenon of "upgrading from undergraduate to vocational school" reflects a growing trend where individuals with bachelor's degrees are returning to vocational education for better job prospects, indicating a disconnect between higher education and employment opportunities [4][10][15]. Group 1: Background and Context - The recent surge in interest around "upgrading from undergraduate to vocational school" is exemplified by Zhengzhou Railway Vocational and Technical College, which is now admitting undergraduate students into its technical programs [3][4]. - This trend is characterized as a form of "educational inversion," where individuals who have completed a four-year degree are opting to pursue vocational training instead [4][6]. Group 2: Employment Opportunities - The primary motivation for this trend is the perceived ease of finding employment through vocational education, particularly in industries that are experiencing labor shortages, such as manufacturing [10][12]. - Data from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security indicates that 38.7% of job demand in 2021 was concentrated in the manufacturing sector, highlighting a significant gap between job availability and the qualifications of job seekers [12]. Group 3: Educational Institutions' Response - Vocational schools are adapting to the market by focusing on employability, often directly linking their programs to specific job opportunities, which contrasts with traditional universities that may not prioritize job placement [16][18]. - The survival of vocational institutions hinges on their ability to deliver tangible employment outcomes for students, thereby challenging the traditional prestige associated with higher education [17][18].

Economic Recovery and Consumer Behavior - The economy is slowly recovering post-pandemic, but global economic conditions remain challenging, leading to increased unemployment and a competitive job market [1][8] - There is a notable increase in savings, with central bank data indicating record high deposits, reflecting consumer uncertainty and a reluctance to spend [3][10] - Many individuals are lowering their consumption standards, impacting the performance of the real economy and leading to difficulties for businesses [3] Real Estate Market Dynamics - The real estate market is experiencing a downturn due to an oversupply of housing and a decrease in demand, particularly as the aging population shifts focus towards retirement [5][6] - The decline in housing prices may benefit younger individuals who previously faced high mortgage burdens, potentially improving marriage rates [6] Employment Challenges - Many small companies have struggled to survive, resulting in job losses and difficulties for recent graduates in finding suitable employment [8] - The competitive job market has led to a surge in interest in stable government jobs, with individuals even leaving private sector positions for public sector opportunities [8] Financial Market Sentiment - There is a growing preference for stability among consumers, leading to decreased interest in riskier financial products and a focus on bank savings [10] - The cooling of the financial market is indicative of broader economic challenges, necessitating careful government planning to ensure widespread benefits [10] Demographic Trends and Policy Implications - The shift from a one-child policy to a three-child policy highlights significant demographic changes, with an increasing elderly population and declining birth rates [12] - The government faces challenges in addressing the implications of an aging population on the pension system and must consider social inequalities that deter young people from starting families [12]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the phenomenon of "degree devaluation" and "employment difficulties" faced by young people in China, highlighting the increasing competition for jobs despite rising numbers of graduates [1][2]. Group 1: Employment Landscape - The number of college graduates in China is projected to reach a historical peak of 12.22 million by 2025, a more than 60% increase compared to 2016 [1]. - The unemployment rate for urban youth aged 16-24 exceeded 21% in 2024, indicating a harsh job market [1]. Group 2: Sales Occupations - Sales positions are often undervalued and perceived as low-status compared to traditional office jobs, yet they may offer significant opportunities for ordinary individuals [5][6]. - The competition for sales roles is relatively mild, with the resume-to-job ratio for sales positions remaining below 1.5, compared to over 5 for popular sectors like finance and technology [8]. Group 3: Changing Sales Dynamics - The traditional "hustle" sales model is becoming less effective due to the availability of information online, leading to a demand for "professional sales" who possess industry knowledge [11][13]. - The proportion of sales roles requiring industry expertise has increased from 32% to 67% between 2015 and 2023, particularly in high-stakes sectors like automotive and healthcare [14]. Group 4: Skills and Opportunities - Sales roles provide a unique opportunity for individuals to take control of their value creation, as they are less reliant on external selection mechanisms [20]. - The skills developed in sales, such as communication and market sensitivity, are transferable and valuable across various industries [21][24]. Group 5: Real-World Application - The article emphasizes that sales is a profession that teaches individuals to navigate real-world challenges, contrasting academic knowledge with practical problem-solving [23][24]. - In uncertain times, being close to money and demand offers individuals the best chance to seize opportunities [30].

Group 1 - The article discusses the challenges faced by recent graduates in finding employment, highlighting a specific case of a nephew who graduated from a less prestigious university and has not secured a job yet [1] - It emphasizes the importance of self-reliance and the need for young individuals to start working, even in low-paying jobs, to gain experience and skills [4][11] - The narrative includes personal anecdotes about different career paths and the varying success rates of individuals based on their educational background and job choices [6][9] Group 2 - The article suggests that joining the military could be a viable option for young individuals, especially those from difficult backgrounds, as it provides stable income and benefits [2][3] - It outlines the pros and cons of military service, indicating that while it offers financial security, it may not suit those with strong personal ambitions or unique talents [2] - The discussion also touches on the evolving job market, indicating that opportunities have improved compared to previous years, but still require effort and adaptability from job seekers [11][13]

Group 1 - The number of candidates for the national college entrance examination (Gaokao) has decreased for the first time in eight years, with a total of 13.35 million applicants, down by 70,000 from last year [1] - Despite an increase in the birth population, the number of students opting out of the Gaokao has risen significantly, estimated to be around 500,000 [1] - The number of candidates for the postgraduate entrance examination (Kaoyan) is projected to drop by 500,000 in 2025, marking an 11.4% decline [1] Group 2 - The traditional paths of education and career, such as Gaokao, Kaoyan, and studying abroad, are showing signs of a turning point, indicating a potential collapse of the "chicken baby" phenomenon [3] - The marginal returns of pursuing elite education are decreasing, with many graduates facing employment difficulties despite high educational qualifications [6][10] - The employment rate for vocational college graduates is higher than that of master's and doctoral graduates, highlighting a shift in the job market dynamics [6][9] Group 3 - The cost of studying abroad is rising, while the salaries for returnees are declining, leading families to reconsider the value of overseas education [11][13] - The trend of "chicken baby" education is expected to decline as the number of college admissions increases and the competition for higher education eases [16][18] - Historical references to Japan's educational trends illustrate the potential for a similar shift in China, where the intense competition for university admission has led to diminishing returns [19][20]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges faced by job seekers, particularly in the context of a shrinking job market and the rise of platforms like Boss Zhipin, which have thrived amid these difficulties. It highlights the disparity between the struggles of job seekers and the success of recruitment platforms that cater primarily to businesses. Group 1: Job Market Challenges - Fudan University has significantly reduced its enrollment in liberal arts, from 30%-40% to 20%, due to declining student numbers and societal demand [1] - The employment market is facing a record number of graduates, with 12.22 million expected to enter the workforce this year, marking a historical high [4] - There is a simultaneous struggle between job seekers and employers, with reports of a "most difficult employment season" persisting for a decade [3][5] Group 2: Boss Zhipin's Performance - Boss Zhipin reported a revenue increase of 12.9% to 1.923 billion, with net profit soaring by 111.9% to 512 million [7] - The platform has seen its monthly active users surpass 53 million, with revenue and net profit both growing by approximately 40% [15] - The company's income is predominantly from B-end services, with 98% of revenue coming from businesses seeking recruitment services [17] Group 3: Market Dynamics - The average talent supply-demand ratio in new economic sectors has risen from 1.29 to 2.06, indicating increased competition for jobs [13] - Boss Zhipin has focused on three growth markets: blue-collar workers, lower-tier cities, and micro-enterprises, which are characterized by large scales rather than high profitability [20] - The blue-collar workforce, comprising over 400 million individuals, has become a significant focus for recruitment platforms, with Boss Zhipin's revenue from this segment reaching 39% [32] Group 4: Recruitment Strategies - Boss Zhipin's business model emphasizes detailed and flexible pricing strategies, allowing companies to pay for specific recruitment services as needed [17] - The platform has successfully transitioned to cater to blue-collar workers, with a notable increase in user engagement and job postings in this demographic [31][33] - The competitive landscape of online recruitment has intensified, with Boss Zhipin leveraging its direct communication model to attract both job seekers and employers [43][44]