While all jobs come with inherent stress, a toxic workplace can exacerbate the issue, leading to negativity, depression, and conflict. In China, young professionals are coping with these pressures in a unique and humorous way: by listing their jobs, bosses, and even colleagues for “sale” on online marketplaces.
This viral trend has taken root on Xianyu, Alibaba’s popular second-hand e-commerce platform. Employees are using playful listings to vent their frustrations and alleviate the feeling of “work smell,” a term used in China to describe the mental and physical exhaustion caused by a long workday.
“Annoying Jobs” and “Sarcastic Colleagues” Up for sale in China
According to the South China Morning Post, listings range from “terrible jobs” and “hated colleagues” to that ever-present nemesis, the “annoying boss.” Prices range from 4 lakh to 9 lakh rupees (approximately $5,000 to $11,300 USD).
One user, selling a job for 91,000 rupees with a monthly salary of 33,000 rupees, jokingly promises buyers they can recoup their investment within three months. Another listing offers a “colleague who is very good at being sarcastic” for 3,999 yuan (approximately $600 USD), complete with a 10-point guide on how to deal with them and avoid workplace blame.
A third professional, seeking relief from a clashing personality, has listed their “terrible boss” for 500 yuan (approximately $75 USD), citing constant criticism as a major source of stress.
It’s All in Good Fun (Mostly)
It’s important to note that these Job sales in china are intended as humorous outlets, not real transactions. Sellers typically explain that any “purchases” will be cancelled, ensuring the comedic nature of the post.
An anonymous seller shared with SCMP, “Someone did pay before, but I refunded them and deleted the listing. It’s just my way of venting, not actually buying or selling anyone. I saw others doing it and thought it was interesting.” They further explained that listing their non-existent weekend job for a mere 9.9 yuan felt like a small act of revenge.
The online response to this trend is a mix of amusement and concern. While some find humor in the lighthearted complaints, others worry it might be a sign of deeper issues within the Chinese work environment.
This trend of Job sales in China highlights the challenges young professionals face in China’s competitive job market. While the “sales” themselves are lighthearted, they offer a glimpse into the pressures and frustrations these workers experience.
Also read, Mexican Man Rescued After 3 Days in Sewer Network
Keep up with the most hilarious news stories! Follow MyViralBox.com today.
Writes with a smile