Summary of Key Points
This article focuses on the phenomenon of "intergenerational decline" in East Asian societies (Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Mainland China): The first generation made a living by working in cities, saving hard, and viewed education as the only path for their children to rise through the social hierarchy by attending university and becoming white-collar workers. The state expanded university enrollment accordingly, but the proliferation of liberal arts and business management programs, due to their lower costs, led to a mismatch between graduates' skills and industry demands. With the slowdown in economic growth and saturation of job markets, the value of academic qualifications has diminished, shattering the belief that education can change one's fate. As a result, youth employment has declined, and women face additional challenges due to physiological constraints and career choices. The article concludes by suggesting that for ordinary people (especially women), the way out lies in abandoning superficial achievements and acquiring practical skills or essential trades.
I. Misalignment of Generational Expectations: From "Education Changes Fate" to the Bursting of the Diploma Bubble
The simple belief of the first generation of urban workers (such as blue-collar workers in factories) was that manual labor represented a lower social status, while education would lead to white-collar jobs and a better life. To meet this demand, the state increased university enrollment. However, the cost of running schools led to an imbalance in program offerings: engineering fields (like machinery and electronics) required expensive equipment and long development times, whereas liberal arts and business management programs could be established with minimal investment. As a result, almost everyone obtained a bachelor's degree, but most acquired "soft skills" rather than practical abilities needed by industries. When the economy slowed down, companies no longer needed as many clerical and managerial positions, and diplomas became commonplace, making it harder to find work than in previous generations.
II. Four Types of Youth Employment Situations: The Helplessness and Absurdity Behind the Divergence
After the diploma bubble burst, young people fell into four categories:
1. Pragmatic Graduates: They let go of their academic aspirations and took up skilled jobs such as electricians, plumbers, or healthcare workers. These roles do not require a degree and offer stable, well-paid positions.
2. Flexible Workers: Similar to Japanese youths doing multiple part-time jobs, many Chinese graduates work as delivery drivers or couriers, often exploited by algorithms, earning slightly more than clerical staff but at the cost of physical exhaustion.
3. **Low-Desire "Passive Accepters": Realizing the futility of education and social mobility, they reduce consumption and social interactions, relying on part-time jobs for a basic living.
4. Diploma Gamblers: These individuals pursue higher degrees in hopes of better opportunities, but as academic qualifications lose value, they find it harder to secure jobs, sometimes ending up in a cycle where higher education makes employment more difficult.
III. The Special Challenges Faced by Women in Employment
Women face additional difficulties:
- Barriers in Blue-Collar Jobs: Physical limitations make it hard for them to engage in labor-intensive roles.
- Fierce Competition in Liberal Arts: Surplus graduates in female-dominated fields leads to intense competition for jobs.
Many women turn to "appearance-based" careers, such as acting or modeling, as a last resort. In China, online live streaming provides flexible employment opportunities for ordinary women.
IV. The Way Out: Practical Skills as the Ultimate Solution
The article advises families, especially those with average academic performance, to focus on practical engineering fields like electronics, automation, and semiconductors. These fields offer stable jobs and are in high demand due to China's manufacturing growth. It also suggests choosing nursing, a stable career with lifelong demand. Women in these fields can earn decent salaries and even obtain overseas qualifications.
In summary, the value of diplomas has diminished, and practical skills are now essential for employment. While men can find work through physical labor, women have fewer options and rely on technical skills to secure a foothold in the economy. The article highlights that only those with real-world skills can weather economic fluctuations and maintain stability.
This analysis highlights the core issues facing youth employment in East Asian countries and provides practical advice for families making career choices.