Ever wondered how you’d cope if your job was literally suffocating you? In China, young professionals are finding unique ways to deal with workplace stress, and it’s taking the internet by storm. On second-hand e-commerce platforms, bosses, colleagues, and jobs are up for sale, with prices ranging from Rs 4 lakh to Rs 9 lakh. But here’s the catch – it’s all in jest. These listings are a way for people to vent their emotions and get rid of the “work smell”, a feeling of mental and physical exhaustion that follows a hard day’s work. So, how does your work compare when it comes to stress? Let’s look into this fascinating trend and explore the job market revolution in China.
The Rise of “Work Smell”
Your work life in China can be quite stressful, and it’s not uncommon to feel mentally and physically exhausted after a long day at the office. This phenomenon is often referred to as “work smell” in China.
Defining the concept of “work smell” in China
On a daily basis, many Chinese workers face toxic or unfair workplaces, unsupportive bosses, and annoying colleagues, which can lead to high levels of stress. The term “work smell” describes the feeling of mental and physical exhaustion that follows a hard day’s work.
The humorous listings on Xianyu, Alibaba’s second-hand e-commerce portal
The trend of selling jobs and bosses on Xianyu has become a way for young professionals to cope with stress and vent their emotions.
Another example of this trend is a user who listed her job at Rs 91,000, claiming that the work pays Rs 33,000 a month and that buyers can recover their investment in three months. Other listings include a colleague who is good at being sarcastic for 3,999 yuan (Rs 45,925), with the seller offering 10 tips to avoid being the scapegoat at work. These humorous listings have become a way for people to express their frustrations and poke fun at their work situations.
Note: The text is written in a conversational tone, using the personal pronouns ‘you’ and ‘your’ to address the reader, as per the style of Malcolm Gladwell. The tone is engaging and thought-provoking, exploring a unique trend or phenomenon in China. The most important, dangerous, and positive details are highlighted using tags.
The Trend: Selling Jobs and Bosses
Little did we know that the concept of “selling” jobs and bosses would become a trend in China. On Xianyu, Alibaba’s second-hand e-commerce portal, people are humorously listing their jobs and coworkers for sale to unwind from work and get rid of the “work smell”.
The prices and descriptions of these listings
From Rs 91,000 to 500 yuan (about Rs 5,742), the prices of these listings vary greatly. One user selling her job claimed that the work pays Rs 33,000 a month and that buyers can recover their investment in three months. Another person wrote, “Selling a colleague who is very good at being sarcastic for 3,999 yuan (Rs 45,925). I can teach you how to deal with this colleague and offer 10 tips to avoid being the scapegoat at work.”
Colleagues are not the only ones being sold; some people are even listing their “terrible bosses” for sale. One professional claimed to have listed his boss for 500 yuan, saying that the supervisor’s criticism of him on a regular basis caused him a great deal of mental stress.
The psychology behind this trend: coping with stress and toxic workplaces
Trend watchers suggest that this phenomenon is a way for young professionals to cope with stress and toxic workplaces. By humorously “selling” their jobs and bosses, they’re able to vent their emotions and express their frustrations in a lighthearted way.
Various studies have shown that burnout is a widespread problem in China, with over 90% of employees experiencing “invisible overtime”. This trend may be a cry for help, a way for young professionals to say that they’re not willing to tolerate toxic work cultures anymore.
No Real Cash Transaction
Now, let’s dive deeper into this peculiar trend. You might be wondering if these listings actually result in real financial transactions. The answer is no.
The joke’s on us: no actual financial transactions take place
Actually, sellers ensure that these ads don’t lead to actual financial transactions. In case someone tries to buy, the seller typically backs out of the agreement immediately following the sale or declines the order altogether.
Sellers’ motivations: venting emotions and seeking revenge
With the rise of this trend, it’s clear that sellers are motivated by a desire to vent their emotions and seek revenge against their bosses or colleagues.
Real frustration and stress are the driving forces behind these humorous listings. Sellers are using this platform as a way to express their feelings and blow off steam. As one seller confessed, “Selling my job that has no weekends for just 9.9 yuan feels like a small act of revenge.” This highlights the deep-seated issues with work culture in China, where burnout and stress are rampant.
Legal Implications
Not all fun and games, the trend of selling bosses and jobs online raises several legal concerns. While the listings are meant to be humorous, they often involve disclosing personal information without consent, which can have serious consequences.
Xianyu’s statement on selling people without consent
The platform, Xianyu, has issued a statement warning users that selling people without their consent is illegal. This is a crucial reminder, as unauthorized disclosure of personal information in China can result in fines or even a maximum 10-day jail sentence.
The legal risks of disclosing personal information without consent
Consent is key when it comes to sharing personal information online. Without it, you risk infringing on someone’s privacy, which can lead to legal action. In China, the unauthorized disclosure of personal information can result in serious consequences, including fines and even imprisonment.
risks of disclosing personal information without consent include invasion of privacy, identity theft, and reputational damage. As a user, you need to be aware of these risks and ensure that you have the necessary consent before sharing someone’s personal information online. Failing to do so can result in serious legal consequences.
