Dirtying" Ourselves: Chinese Netizens Discuss the Toll of Corporate Life
In a recent series of tweets, Chinese netizens have been discussing the topic of "dirtying" oneself by working. One popular post reads, "只要上过班我们就脏了。" The sentiment behind this phrase seems to be that those who have worked in the corporate world have been tarnished by the experience, both in terms of their appearance and their mental health.
23 January 2024
Many users on Weibo have shared their own experiences and reactions to the idea of being "dirty" from work. One user, ET, writes, "我出来打工只办三件事养房东 养快递员 养外卖员," implying that working individuals are essentially paying for the livelihood of landlords, delivery workers, and food delivery services.
This sentiment has been echoed by other users, with some comparing the experience of working in the corporate world to a "play," in which those who start with nothing are simply trying to make ends meet. Others express frustration with co-workers who seem to shirk their responsibilities or avoid taking responsibility for their actions.
One user, 目，writes, "人不要脸天下无敌，多了 遇 了 8He: 真是小刀拉屁股，大开眼界。态 8He: 人在做，天在看，谁啥样有目共睹。别人也不瞎。过事推证，装鞭作王。那真是 比不了。" This comment appears to target individuals who they perceive as not taking their work seriously or avoiding accountability.
Other posts capture the lighter side of the discussion, such as one user sharing a story of a dog with beautiful hair and asking, "You can share my story on Weibo, right? Ask people who've been working for a long time if they believe in the power of strange things."
Some netizens have also shared research about the negative effects of corporate culture on mental health, with one user writing, "work and life have become two words that people can only understand but can't reach."
Overall, the discussion appears to encompass a broad range of opinions and reactions to the idea of being "dirty" from work. Some users express frustration with the corporate world, while others are more optimistic about the opportunities it presents. Despite the differing viewpoints, however, it's clear that this topic has struck a chord among Chinese netizens.
As working individuals, many people have found themselves questioning the worth of their efforts in the corporate world. With the increasing emphasis on personal branding and social media identity, many individuals feel pressure to maintain a certain image both inside and outside of the office. This pressure can lead to stress, anxiety, and even physical ailments.
In addition, the rise of the gig economy and the increasing prevalence of contractors has led many workers to feel like they are disposable or expendable. As a result, they may feel disillusioned with the idea of working for a single corporation and instead seek out alternative means of income.
Ultimately, the discussion surrounding the idea of being "dirty" from work highlights the complex social and cultural factors that influence how people perceive their work and their worth within the corporate world. While there is no easy solution to the tension between work and personal life, it is clear that this topic continues to generate a great deal of discussion and debate among Chinese netizens on Weibo.