这两天听到的一句话："普通人现在的时代红利，是可以用很低的成本活着。" 想想说的也有道理，外卖有满减，打车有补贴，奶茶、电影、零食都在打折。 听上去很美好，但我却时不时有点心虚。 半夜饿了点外卖，送来的是一位中年男士，穿着很体面，却对系统操作有些生疏，路上还走错了两次。他笑着跟我说："以前在厂里做管理的，厂子没 了，先出来跑一阵子，不是很熟悉，送的慢了别给差评。" 请家政上门，师傅动作麻利，卫生间做得干干净净。聊天才知道，她以前在商场里有自己的小店，转让之后不敢回老家，只好在城里接各种活。 楼下卖早餐的小夫妻，五点多就开火，天还没亮就开始排队。后来熟了才知道，他们之前做教育培训，一夜之间"行业降温"，就把存货清完，换了这辆小 推车。 你会发现，我们享受的每一份"低价便捷"，背后都连着另一些人的中年转行、体面褪色和不得不扛的生活。 所以，当有人说"躺平成本变低，是普通人的红利"时，我总觉得这句话只对了一半——我们能花更少的钱活着，是因为很多人已经在更贵地付出。 01 平台打仗热闹，参与的人都不太幸福 以外卖为例，补贴大战打得越狠，链路上的每个人其实越不轻松： 骑手为了几块钱的配送费，在红灯前左右张望，在高峰期拼 ...

Core Insights - The phenomenon of "involution" in consumer behavior is leading to hidden consumption, where families face stagnant income growth while living costs continue to rise due to competitive pressures [1][2][11] - The complexity of promotional activities on e-commerce platforms is causing consumers to spend more than intended, as they attempt to maximize savings [1][2] - The trend of excessive working hours and job hopping is resulting in low efficiency and minimal salary increases, contributing to workplace anxiety [4][5][11] - The education sector is experiencing a "competition arms race," with families investing heavily in extracurricular activities and qualifications, often with low returns [7][11] - The healthcare system is marked by over-medicalization and high costs for treatments, leading to financial strain on families [9][11] - Social pressures and consumerism are driving families to make financially burdensome decisions, impacting their overall well-being [10][11] Consumer Behavior - The "full reduction" promotions in retail are leading consumers to buy more than necessary, resulting in higher actual spending [1] - Complaints related to live-stream shopping have surged, indicating a growing issue with price misrepresentation and consumer dissatisfaction [1][2] - The prevalence of pre-sale models in retail is causing consumers to pay upfront for products that may quickly become outdated [1] Workplace Dynamics - The "996" work culture is prevalent, leading to decreased productivity among overworked employees [4] - The average job-hopping cycle has shortened to 1.8 years, but salary increases remain below inflation rates, indicating a stagnant job market [4][5] Education Sector - The demand for educational qualifications is rising, with a 25% increase in certification exam candidates, many of whom are pursuing credentials without clear career benefits [4][7] - The trend of sending children abroad for education is increasing, with significant financial commitments from families [7] Healthcare Industry - Over-medicalization is common, with patients facing unnecessary tests and high costs for basic treatments [9] - The burden of high-priced medications is forcing families into severe financial distress [9] Social Pressures - The rising costs of social events, such as weddings, are leading to reduced social interactions among young people [10] - The desire to maintain a certain social image is causing families to make imprudent financial choices, such as purchasing luxury items they cannot afford [10] Economic Outlook - The risk of deflation is emerging as consumer spending decreases and companies cut costs, leading to a cycle of low growth and low inflation [11] - Solutions to break this cycle include corporate efficiency improvements, government support for social services, and promoting rational consumer behavior [11]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the plight of middle-aged employees in large tech companies, highlighting their feelings of stagnation and the challenges they face in a rapidly changing industry landscape [2][4][12]. Group 1: Characteristics of Middle-aged Employees - Middle-aged employees in large tech firms often find themselves in a position where they are unable to advance, remaining in basic roles despite years of service [2][4]. - Many of these employees entered the industry during the peak of the internet boom and have seen their skills become less relevant as the industry evolves [8][9]. - The work environment has led to a culture of "waiting to be laid off," where employees feel trapped and lack motivation, leading to a sense of resignation [5][12]. Group 2: Challenges and Internal Dynamics - The pressure of family responsibilities and financial commitments makes it difficult for these employees to seek new opportunities outside their current roles [4][11]. - The phenomenon of "internal competition" or "involution" has created a toxic work environment, where employees focus on superficial tasks to appear productive rather than engaging in meaningful work [18][19]. - Many employees express a desire to leave but feel compelled to stay due to the lack of better job prospects and the fear of uncertainty [15][20]. Group 3: Historical Context and Comparisons - The current situation mirrors past experiences of employees in foreign enterprises, where middle-aged workers also faced similar challenges as they aged in their roles [13][14]. - Unlike previous generations, today's middle-aged employees in tech companies lack the same industry advantages and opportunities for growth, making their situation more precarious [14][28]. Group 4: Coping Mechanisms and Future Outlook - Employees have adopted a mindset of "waiting" for layoffs as a strategy to secure severance packages, reflecting a shift in their approach to job security [20][25]. - The article suggests that this waiting game may ultimately lead to a longer-term risk, as companies increasingly adopt strategies for cost-cutting and optimization that could leave employees in a vulnerable position [24][25]. - Despite the challenges, some employees are beginning to embrace a more proactive attitude, seeking to reclaim their agency and express their true feelings about their work environment [30][31].

Core Viewpoint - The article reflects on the struggles of individuals in a competitive environment, using the metaphor of characters from "Journey to the West" to illustrate the feelings of inadequacy and the desire for recognition in a world dominated by talent and connections [5][11][12]. Summary by Sections Section 1: Character Analysis - The character of the little pig demon represents the intense pressure to succeed and the futility of effort without reward, highlighting the theme of "working hard but not smart" [5][6]. - The toad spirit clings to a token of past employment as a symbol of worth, despite its insignificance, showcasing the emotional attachment to perceived success [7]. Section 2: Comparison with Sun Wukong - The article contrasts the little pig demon's struggles with the achievements of Sun Wukong, emphasizing the disparity between those with innate talent and those without [12]. - The narrative suggests that while some characters achieve greatness through destiny, others remain trapped in mediocrity despite their efforts [12][13]. Section 3: The Illusion of Opportunity - The little pig demon and its companions embark on a misguided quest for success, believing they can replicate the achievements of the legendary figures, only to face harsh realities [12][13]. - The story illustrates that success is often predetermined by background and connections, rather than solely by hard work [12][13]. Section 4: The Cycle of Struggle - The characters' relentless pursuit of their goals leads to their downfall, symbolizing the futility of striving without the necessary resources or support [13]. - The conclusion reflects on the tragic yet relatable nature of their journey, as they ultimately become mere shadows of their former selves, losing their essence in the process [13].

Core Viewpoint - A recent internal notice from a brokerage firm, referred to as "xy brokerage," has sparked significant discussion in the financial community, highlighting issues of workplace pressure and internal culture within the industry [1][8]. Group 1: Internal Communication and Employee Pressure - xy brokerage circulated a form requesting employees to report their children's admission status to prestigious universities, creating an atmosphere of pressure disguised as organizational care [1][8]. - The firm has been linked to speculation regarding its identity, with potential candidates including Xingye Securities and Guotai Junan Securities, both of which have faced scrutiny over their recent performance and merger rumors [3]. Group 2: Employee Morale and Internal Culture - A banner promoting hard work and performance has been shared, aiming to boost employee morale, but it has been criticized for exacerbating workplace competition and "involution" [5][7]. - The firm is reportedly engaged in unusual activities, such as handling office plants, which adds to the confusion surrounding its internal culture and management practices [8]. Group 3: Industry Implications and Investor Concerns - The situation at xy brokerage reflects deeper issues within the brokerage industry, including rampant formalism and the pressure on employees under the guise of care [8]. - Ongoing merger rumors and internal cultural controversies have raised concerns among investors about the firm's focus and future direction [8].

Group 1 - The article discusses the concept of FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) and how it represents a new beginning rather than just a state of leisure [1][2] - Bella, who has worked in the internet industry for over ten years, shares her journey towards achieving FIRE, highlighting the importance of planning and execution [2][38] - The narrative contrasts the initial enjoyment of work with the later realization of its burdens, particularly in the context of the internet industry's evolution [6][12] Group 2 - Bella identifies two main factors contributing to her decision to leave her job: the relentless exploitation of personal time by large tech companies and the loss of meaningful engagement in her work [8][9] - The article emphasizes the societal shift in attitudes towards work, with many young people expressing a desire to escape the pressures of traditional employment [20][32] - Bella's experience reflects a broader trend of disillusionment among workers in high-pressure environments, leading to a reevaluation of work-life balance and personal fulfillment [35][36] Group 3 - Bella provides practical calculations for achieving financial independence, suggesting that a person needs approximately 1.18 million yuan to retire at 35 with a monthly expenditure of 5,000 yuan, assuming a 4% investment return [38][39] - For a more comfortable lifestyle with a monthly expenditure of 8,000 yuan, the required savings increase to 3.5 million yuan at a 5% return, or 4.8 million yuan at a 4% return [39][40] - The article highlights the importance of individual circumstances in determining financial needs for retirement, advocating for personalized planning [41][42]

Core Insights - The article draws a parallel between the impact of AI on the modern workforce and the themes presented in Charlie Chaplin's film "Modern Times," highlighting how both eras reflect the struggle of individuals against mechanization and efficiency-driven systems [1][3][20]. Group 1: AI's Impact on the Workforce - AI has become a symbol of the new industrial civilization, reshaping the nature of work and individual value at an unprecedented pace [4][5]. - Over 90% of Generation Z rely on AI for work and study, with 55.4% using it frequently, indicating a significant integration of AI into daily tasks [5]. - Despite the optimistic view that AI would liberate human labor, it has instead intensified workplace competition and redefined what constitutes an "excellent employee" [5][12]. Group 2: Employment Barriers and Competition - AI has not lowered the barriers to entry in the job market; rather, it has raised the standards for employment, making proficiency in AI a necessary skill [6][7]. - Many new employees find their capabilities comparable to that of an intern augmented by AI, which diminishes their unique value in the workplace [8][10]. - The reliance on AI tools has led to a situation where individuals who lack independent thinking and judgment may find their roles increasingly interchangeable with AI [10][11]. Group 3: Work Hours and Job Satisfaction - The use of AI has not reduced work hours; instead, it has led to an increase in weekly working hours, with a reported average increase of 3.15 hours for those who have significantly adopted generative AI [15][16]. - As AI raises efficiency standards, the pressure to produce higher quality work has intensified, leading to longer hours and decreased leisure time [16][17]. - Workers often do not benefit from the productivity gains brought by AI, as companies may reduce headcount while increasing individual workloads [18][19]. Group 4: Societal Transformation - The arrival of AI represents a subtle transformation rather than a dramatic upheaval, gradually altering perceptions of work and value without overt job displacement [20][21]. - As efficiency becomes commonplace, the challenge lies in redefining effort and reward in a landscape where speed is prioritized [22]. - Future value may increasingly depend on uniquely human capabilities such as understanding, judgment, and creativity, rather than mere technical proficiency with AI [23][24]. Group 5: Balancing Technology and Humanity - The integration of technology should not overshadow individual effort; meaningful contributions still hold significant value in a high-efficiency environment [24][25]. - It is essential for individuals to find their own rhythm amidst rapid technological changes, balancing the use of tools with maintaining boundaries between work and life [25][26].