As the jobless rate for young people in China reaches consecutive record highs, a growing number of young individuals are embracing a new phenomenon known as "full-time sons and

daughters." Litsky Li, a 21-year-old photographer, is one such example. Overwhelmed by the pressure to succeed in her profession, Li decided to accept her family's offer to stay home and be paid for her time. Now, she spends her days taking care of her grandmother, who suffers from dementia, and handling grocery shopping for her family. In return, her parents provide her with a monthly salary of 6,000 yuan ($835), a solid middle-class wage in her region.

Li is not alone in her choice. Thousands of young people, primarily on social media, identify as "full-time sons and daughters." Most of them are retreating home not out of dissatisfaction, but due to the lack of employment opportunities. The jobless rate for 16 to 24-year-olds in urban areas reached a record high of 21.3% last month, further exacerbating the economic challenges faced by China's leadership.

Experts argue that the actual youth unemployment rate may be much higher than official data indicates. Including those who have opted for a more relaxed lifestyle at home or depend on their parents for support, the true unemployment rate for youth could have reached as high as 46.5% in March.

The trend of "full-time sons and daughters" has gained traction on social media platforms, such as Douban and Xiaohongshu. Unlike the previous generation that prioritized their careers, today's young individuals spend time with their parents and contribute to household chores in exchange for financial assistance. Factors like China's experience with strict pandemic measures and the desire for quality time with loved ones have influenced this shift in life goals and the willingness of parents to support their children in this new way of living. Photo by chong chongchongchong, Wikimedia commons.