Core Viewpoint - The article reflects on the contrast between the long-term commitment of the character Guo Furong in "Wu Lin Wai Zhuan" and the modern workforce's frequent job changes, highlighting the value of stability and community in the workplace [3][10][16]. Summary by Sections Debt and Compensation - Guo Furong's 20-year contract for 48 taels of silver translates to approximately 30,000 to 40,000 RMB in today's terms, equating to a monthly salary of only about 150 RMB, which is indicative of extreme exploitation [4][6]. - Despite the low salary, the benefits included full accommodation and meals in a prime location, which would cost a modern worker at least 5,000 RMB per month, totaling 120,000 RMB over 20 years, suggesting that the contract was more of a comprehensive training program than mere exploitation [6][10]. Job Stability vs. Job Mobility - The article contrasts Guo Furong's 20 years of stability with the modern workforce's declining average tenure, which has dropped to less than 2 years for younger generations [8][11]. - The current job market is characterized by frequent job changes, leading to a loss of foundational workplace relationships and stability, which were present in Guo Furong's experience [10][12]. Workplace Relationships - The article emphasizes the importance of supportive workplace relationships in Guo Furong's environment, contrasting it with the modern "NPC mentality" where employees often disengage from one another to protect themselves [12][16]. - The camaraderie and support among characters in "Wu Lin Wai Zhuan" are highlighted as a significant aspect of job satisfaction, which is often lacking in today's corporate culture [14][16]. Conclusion on Freedom and Security - The narrative concludes that true freedom is not merely the absence of debt but the understanding of one's core competencies and having a supportive environment, akin to Guo Furong's experience [18][19]. - The article encourages modern workers to maintain resilience and skill development, even in challenging job markets, to prepare for future opportunities [19].

Core Insights - "AI skills" are identified as the most essential skills for professionals to learn in the next five years according to the latest report from MaiMai Talent Intelligence [1] Group 1: Job Market Insights - There is a significant difference in job security perceptions across industries, with the AI sector scoring the highest at 6.92 out of 10, compared to the new economy sector's average of 6.03 [1] - The new energy vehicle industry, currently undergoing a reshuffle, has a job security score of 6.08, indicating a precarious situation due to intensified market competition and operational risks [1] - The talent supply-demand ratio in the new economy sector reached 2.27 in early 2025, indicating over two candidates competing for one position, which is a 42.8% increase year-on-year [1] - Fresh graduates face even greater employment pressure, with a talent supply-demand ratio of 3.13, which is 37.9% higher than the overall industry level and a 41% increase compared to the same period in 2024 [1] Group 2: Talent Flow Dynamics - Both the AI and new energy vehicle sectors are experiencing a net outflow of talent, with the AI sector's talent inflow-outflow ratio dropping from 0.80 in early 2024 to 0.71 in early 2025 [2] - The new energy vehicle sector has also shifted from a net inflow (1.24) in early 2024 to a net outflow (0.95) in early 2025, attributed to increased competition leading to organizational downsizing [2] - In contrast, the smart hardware and e-commerce sectors have seen continuous talent inflow, while new financial technology and electronics sectors have reversed their talent outflow status [2] Group 3: Salary Insights - Among the top 10 newly created technical positions, the highest salaries are for large model algorithm roles (68,051 yuan), AI engineers (60,768 yuan), and algorithm engineers (52,381 yuan) [3] - The AI product manager position leads the non-technical roles with an average monthly salary of 49,785 yuan, primarily sourcing talent from platform, user, and strategy product backgrounds [3] Group 4: Professional Development Recommendations - Professionals are encouraged to stay close to the market, resources, results, and value creation to enhance job security [3] - Focusing on niche areas and accumulating career value signals is recommended for career development [3] - Continuous self-efficacy improvement and fostering a growth-oriented environment within organizations are essential for building sustainable job security [3]