China’s Jobless Keep Fake Commutes Amid Labor Strains

Some unemployed people in China are maintaining a 9-to-5 routine by leaving home each morning and spending the day in libraries, parks, cafes or malls, concealing their joblessness from relatives to avoid questions, worry and social pressure. The practice has gained widespread attention online, with posts about fake commutes and advice for passing the day attracting hundreds of millions of views across Chinese social platforms. The trend reflects a difficult labor market shaped by the property downturn, cost-cutting, tight local finances and the growing use of automation and AI. Analysts say pretending to work can help people save face and ease family tensions, though the strategy may become harder to sustain as savings and severance run out.