The first batch of people leaving home for the Spring Festival has already resigned in October

In China, a new trend of resigning from one's job early in order to return home for the Spring Festival has emerged, causing heated discussions on social media platforms like Weibo. This unusual shift is not without its critics and controversies.

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25 October 2023

The first batch of people have already started to resign their jobs since October, according to reports. While the festive season seems far away, it's a well-known tradition in China for families to reunite during the Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year, which falls on February 5th this year. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions on travel, many people are looking for ways to be able to celebrate with their families at home.

Many Weibo users have expressed mixed reactions towards this trend. Some see it as a practical move to prepare for the festive season while others find it concerning. "Who are those who dare to resign in their underwear?" asked one user, highlighting that they cannot afford to quit their jobs due to responsibilities such as mortgage payments and raising children.

Another user shared a humorous anecdote about laughingly accepting his resignation in late September. They joked that it's a bonus not to be dismissed, reflecting on the positive side of this trend for those who get to choose their departure from jobs. As the festive season approaches, more users are joining in, with some even coincidentally leaving their positions in October for similar reasons.

However, the trend is also seen as a "death sentence" by many, as it might mean missing out on important work and professional opportunities during the crucial time of year when business activities tend to slow down. This concern was voiced by users who don't want to be unable to return home like Qiongtongji and Qinguojin'ei during national holidays again, alluding to characters from Chinese folklore known for being separated from their families due to a curse.

On the other hand, some people are embracing this change. A user shared that they can now buy tickets and go home early, expressing excitement about celebrating the festival with their loved ones. Some even appreciate the convenience of not having to leave their hometown for work as they have started their own businesses or work in e-commerce.

Others have questioned whether quitting one's job is really that easy and called for careful planning before taking such a major step. One user sarcastically suggested not allowing early leaves, implying that it might be better to balance personal life and professional responsibilities effectively rather than resigning too early.

Despite the differing views, most users expressed their strong desire to be among the first to return home for the winter festival. As the Spring Festival approaches, this trend is likely to continue, with more people looking for ways to celebrate the special occasion with their loved ones during these challenging times.

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