don't want to go to work
In recent Chinese social media posts, a common theme has emerged - a disdain towards going to work, fueling an online community of netizens expressing their frustrations with their daily grind and job demands. This is particularly prominent on Weibo, where users have been sharing stories, opinions and sometimes humorous remarks regarding their feelings about their jobs.
7 October 2023
One user named @Zhang Yunli posted a message that resonated heavily among many netizens - "I absolutely hate going to work, it's a lifesaver and I have to take off leave too, get out of here!" This sentiment was echoed in responses from other users such as @Li Huan who commented, "Ah, ah, ah, ah. I don't want to go to work! Eight days are too fast? So an hour at work seems as long as my eight-day vacation."
The post by @Zhang Yunli also discussed the concept of a shortened working week, similar to those being demanded in foreign countries such as a four and a half day working week in the future. This idea was met with mixed reactions. While some saw it as an opportunity for more leisure time, others expressed concerns about job security and workload distribution.
Another user, @Wang Fei, shared his experience of starting his day with a nosebleed upon waking up on a morning in Dongying, Guangrao. This unfortunate incident led him to reflect on the concept of life beyond work, stating "The universe extends beyond my job."
In addition, there were many posts discussing the use of technology and automation in the workplace. @Chen Xiao shared a post about foreign strikes demanding a four and a half day working week, suggesting that this could become an increasingly popular trend as AI and robots continue their rapid development.
Some users provided potential solutions to combat job fatigue. @Zhong Yuan posted a humorous meme with the caption "Ready! Set! Work! After the holidays are over, people express that they feel very tired and need a little more rest. However, don't worry because there is a simple way to make you fully recovered in just a few steps. Click on the image to learn how～." This post was met with amusement, but also showed an understanding of the general sentiment among netizens.
Another user @Liu Yun expressed his desire for a "revival potion," indicating a sense of exhaustion and burnout from work demands.
In conclusion, it is evident that many Chinese workers are experiencing feelings of disdain towards their jobs, seeking more leisure time, and expressing concerns about the impact of technology on the workplace. These sentiments highlight the need for a healthier work-life balance and a review of job demands in many sectors. It also raises important questions about the role of technology, automation, and AI in the future of the workforce.