The Struggle of Chinese Workers: Battling the Curse of 35

In China, there is a widespread belief known as the Curse of 35, which suggests that white-collar workers face job insecurity after reaching that age. This age discrimination is prevalent in the job market, exacerbating the weak employment situation and impacting decisions regarding career, marriage, and children. The phenomenon has gained attention as the post-pandemic economic rebound in China has stalled. The job market is highly competitive, leading to delayed marriages and a declining birthrate. Older workers, particularly those in their mid-30s, are experiencing age discrimination for the first time, making it difficult for them to find stable employment and plan for the future.