As an ambitious Chinese twenty-something with hopes of a successful career, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the “Curse of 35”. This widely-accepted concept implies that in China, those who are 35-years-old or over are too old to land certain employment opportunities.
In recent years, China has grown into a highly competitive market and employers are growing more and more picky when it comes to offering positions. Instead of providing opportunity to experienced and qualified professionals, businesses are beginning to focus more on younger generations who have fewer responsibilities and can be paid lower salaries. This discriminatory trend has led to the idea of the ‘Curse of 35’, which highlights the fact that age is becoming a major obstacle to entry for many job seekers.
So what is causing this ‘Curse’? One major factor is the idea of “optimization”, which is driven by the concept of youth in the workplace. Companies believe that younger generations are more likely to take opportunities to expand their skills, adapt to new tech and embrace the latest trends, making them more marketable. As such, employers are favouring these younger individuals over those with more experience, regardless of their qualifications or capability.
Another issue for some older job seekers is the ‘hire to fire’ mentality that many companies adopt. Businesses are often reluctant to hire more senior staff as they don’t want to pay large pensions or face other financial commitments. This ‘hire to fire’ approach is gradually becoming more and more prevalent in the Chinese employment market, increasing the difficulty of securing professional positions.
What does this mean for millennials in China? The best advice is to recognise these challenges and look for ways to overcome them. Age should not be a barrier to entry and those over 35 should look to highlight their experience and commitment to organisations. Working on personal branding, increasing knowledge in emerging technologies, and working with recruiters to find the right opportunities can help secure more job options, even in a competitive market.
Ultimately, Chinese millennials should take heart that employers must comply with anti-discrimination laws and regulations. While age may be a challenge, those with the right attitude and skills should never underestimate their capabilities in the job market.
