REUTERS is reporting about a somewhat disturbing trend in China known as the “curse of 35.” Chinese state media is reporting about employers’ discriminatory hiring practices, including a trend among companies to seek younger and cheaper workers, leaving experienced workers in their very prime to be dismissed and ineligible for new jobs if they are 35 years of age or older!
A recent study conducted by Sichuan University found that out of 300,000 job postings, more than 80% of the postings in Shanghai specifically sought applicants who were less than 35 years of age. With China’s economy losing momentum, the survey-based jobless rate stayed at 5.2% in May; however, youth employment jumped to a record 20.8%.
The REUTERS news story may be read HERE.
The New York Times also recently published an article about China’s so-called “curse of 35” in which many citizens are being advised to stay away from home ownership, marriage, having children and car ownership, in order to have happiness, freedom and time. Age discrimination in China is not illegal.
There is a widespread belief in China that white-collar workers confront unavoidable job insecurity after they hit 35 because in the eyes of employers, they’re more expensive than new graduates and not as willing to work overtime – thus the avoidance of marrying and having children.
The New York Times article may be read HERE.
My brothers and sisters, it sure seems that the issues are complex. Here is one of the most-populous countries upon the face of the earth, yet no longer, reportedly, having sufficient women to sustain themselves (because of the former “one-child-one-family” policy), and now with so many job openings coupled with monetary greed that experience doesn’t even rate as a priority in hiring or ongoing business operations.
Imagine being too old to work at 35 and not eligible for retirement until 60 or later! This period of roughly 25(+) years is generally considered the prime and most-effective working years in the United States, where such experience is counted as beneficial.
Well, I know two things for sure: 1) the Answer is Jesus and living a life surrendered to Him – seeking Godly wisdom and not the “wisdom of the world” to lead the way; and 2) a communist government that has dismissed the Christian faith, and controlled all of human interaction and family development for decades is bearing its earned fruit – the heightened risk of war (e.g., Thailand), dysfunctional families, overworked then fired employees, and complete monitoring of all citizens by their own government.
Proverbs 3:5-7 (NKJV)
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, [a]nd lean not on your own understanding; [i]n all your ways acknowledge Him, [a]nd He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes;
[f]ear the Lord and depart from evil.”
1 Corinthians 3:18-20 (NKJV)
“Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, ‘He catches the wise in their own craftiness’; and again, ‘The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.'”
1 Timothy 6:10 (NKJV)
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”
Praise Jesus forevermore!
