Foto Hijra Nasir
Farmer Zuo Xiaoyong posted a job opening for work in steppe areas south of the Mongolian border. He said the ad quickly attracted a wide response and became one of the most discussed posts on Weibo in a short time.
More than 700 applications were received for the two open positions, Reuters wrote. The candidates include office workers from major cities, factory workers and recent college graduates. Some applicants say they see the job as an opportunity to get away from busy city schedules and unstable employment conditions.
The job involves caring for a flock of about 3,000 sheep in the summer and heavy farming tasks in the winter, when temperatures can drop below -30 °C. The salary is about 8,000 yuan a month (about $1,100) and includes housing and food.
Although the pay is relatively high by rural standards, the work involves long periods of isolation and physical exertion.
Economists say the interest in the job reflects broader labor market trends, including slowing income growth and pressure on workers in the private sector. China’s official unemployment rate remains at just above 5%, but young workers are increasingly reporting overwork and high workloads associated with the pervasive “996 culture.”
Separately, analysts point to the problem of the so-called “curse of 35,” an unspoken barrier that makes it difficult for older job seekers to find employment and is gradually spreading beyond individual industries.
One job seeker, a 21-year-old factory worker, said he was considering a move to rural areas because of physical exhaustion caused by long shifts at work.
Zuo ended up hiring four workers – two couples with agricultural experience. He said he continues to receive applications but favors candidates with experience, given the harsh working conditions and long periods of isolation.
“Sometimes people may not be here for months,” he said. “Not everyone is able to endure that kind of life.”
