Feels like China's new motto is: 'Who cares about life? Let's get unhinged!'
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But in the park tonight, there were so many people: folks fishing—young, middle-aged, and elderly; kids on skateboards chasing each other and laughing; students, still in their sweaty school uniforms, running past; and super-fit men and women with toned muscles jogging by like the wind. There were pedestrians strolling, listening to music on headphones, or chatting. A dad was jogging, pushing a stroller with his sleeping baby, while the mom ran alongside. It suddenly struck me that there are indeed many people living happily in this world.
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It's just that some people from well-connected families got rich. It's a shame that for our generation, the chances of making enough money to live that comfortably are so slim.
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So many people are unemployed and can't find work, and even those who have jobs are facing delayed paychecks.
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Exactly, I can't find anything at all. My parents tell me to just find any company to work at for now, but the problem is, I can't even find 'any' job.
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Shenzhen really takes a toll on the mental state of us working folks, like it adds layers of damage. People are either spiraling into a quiet, listless madness or energetically burning themselves out...
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What an accurate assessment!
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Shenzhen is weird. In other places, it's 'let people off first, then board' or 'let people out first, then enter.' In Shenzhen, it feels like everyone tries to do it simultaneously. Like when a residential community gate opens, people outside rush in before those inside have even had a chance to exit.
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Shenzhen wasn't like this back in 2018. It's changed so much since the pandemic.
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The subways are packed, roads are chaotic with speeding e-bikes. Most jobs are basically 996, with one person doing the work of several. After expenses, you're lucky if you can save 3,000-4,000 yuan a month, sometimes even less. This lifestyle consumes your entire being, leaving only exhaustion and numbness. Over time, how can you not go crazy?
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It's so strange. There are tons of unemployed people, yet at the same time, many others are juggling multiple jobs. It's such a contradiction.
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I deeply regret resigning from my job at the state-owned enterprise. That position might have been the best I'll ever have...
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Hugs Work isn't everything. There's a better life out there waiting for us.
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Having something to look forward to (what we call 'pantou') is the most important driving force for living. My 'pantou' is being able to travel to several countries at the end of the year; I've planned six this year. In daily life, you also need to continually find things you love to do to dilute the frustration. Spend less time on your phone. The internet is full of emotional landmines, with people endlessly arguing over meaningless topics. Find things you like, things you yearn for—that's how you can live happily.
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Shenzhen didn't use to be like this; the traffic order was actually quite good. But since around 2020, after they loosened regulations on e-bikes, it's become chaotically messy. It's genuinely frustrating.
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I remember back in 2019, the order in Shenzhen was really good. People would even pass bus cards from the back of the bus to the front and then have them passed back. I haven't been there in several years, though. I had no idea it had become like this.