As the US and other countries face what has been termed the “Great Resignation”, in which millions of people are leaving their jobs, China is facing a similar phenomenon, according to an article in the South China Morning Post. While the American wave of resignation is perceived as a direct response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the China version has deeper roots.

A growing number of traditional workers are deciding that years of working long hours in stressful environments is neither ideal nor productive, and instead have chosen freelancing as an alternative that still allows them to pursue a professional path. The notion of flexibility is catching on in the country, and the development of the digital sharing economy has opened doors for workers to make money via platforms as opposed to a single physical employer. 

According to the article, which cites government figures, nearly 25% of China’s workforce has some form of flexible employment this year. Furthermore, over 55% of Chinese companies hired freelancers in 2020.

While the government has taken steps to protect the rights of flexible workers, such as ensuring access to insurance, freelancing is still regarded by many as something that can be only done on a shorter-term basis, such as between full-time jobs. The article points to the drawbacks of freelancing, such as isolation and unstable income. Nonetheless, workers can gain valuable experience by freelancing that can be useful in any professional experience they encounter in the future.