Understanding Modern China Through the Lens of “Working in China”

In a world obsessed with influencers, celebrities, and the “hustle culture,” it’s easy to overlook the lives of everyday people. The quiet dedication of a train stationmaster in a remote valley, the struggles of a young saleswoman navigating the cutthroat world of online advertising, or the silent heroism of a locksmith assisting police in a drug bust – these stories often go unheard. In China, the WeChat public account The Livings (人间) recognized this gap and launched a column titled “Work in China” (寻业中国) to shed light on the unsung heroes of everyday life. The column resonated deeply with Chinese readers, capturing the hearts and minds of millions who found themselves reflected in the honest, relatable accounts of ordinary people’s work lives.

The popularity of “Work in China” led to the publication of a book titled Working in China: A Glimpse into the Lives of Everyday People (在工作中，看到中国) compiled by the The Livings editorial team. Published by CITIC Publishing Group in May 2022, the book serves as a powerful anthology of first-person narratives that span a wide array of professions in contemporary China. From the gleaming towers of Shanghai’s financial district to the windswept mountains of Inner Mongolia, from the bustling streets of Beijing to the tranquil shores of the Jinsha River, these stories offer an intimate portrait of the diverse tapestry of working life in modern China.

The book has received critical acclaim on the Chinese internet, garnering an impressive 8.2 rating on Douban, a popular Chinese social networking platform for book reviews. With over 9000 reviews and countless readers, Working in China has struck a chord with a society grappling with the rapid transformations of the modern world. Readers have praised the book’s authenticity, relatability, and its ability to capture the essence of everyday life in China.

Through the intimate lens of individual experiences, Working in China unveils a microcosm of a society in flux. The stories capture the anxieties and aspirations of those caught in the tide of globalization and technological advancements, revealing the challenges and triumphs of ordinary people navigating the complexities of work in the 21st century. Whether it’s a gold analyst struggling with ethical dilemmas in the volatile world of finance, a TV shopping channel employee grappling with the rise of e-commerce, or a young acrobat questioning her future after a lifetime dedicated to her craft, these narratives offer a glimpse into the human experiences that shape the realities of working in China.

The Changing Tides of the Market

The rapid economic growth of China in recent decades has spurred dramatic shifts in the market, creating opportunities and challenges for businesses and individuals alike. Working in China captures this dynamism through the lens of three distinct industries: the gold market, the overseas property market, and the TV shopping industry. Each story reveals the triumphs and tribulations of those caught in the currents of change, navigating a landscape shaped by evolving regulations, technological advancements, and shifting consumer behavior.

A Gold Analyst’s Confession: The Rise and Fall of the Gold Market

For centuries, gold has held a special allure, symbolizing wealth and security. In China, this fascination with gold has fueled a thriving market for gold investment products, including Gold T+D, a unique trading system that allows investors to speculate on the price of gold without physically owning it. Imagine a hybrid of futures trading and spot gold, where you can profit from price fluctuations while deferring delivery indefinitely. That’s the essence of Gold T+D, a popular investment vehicle in China, distinct from the gold futures traded on the COMEX (Commodity Exchange) in the US.

In Working in China, the story of a young gold analyst named Chen offers a peek behind the curtain of this fast-paced market. Chen joins an investment management company partnering with commercial banks to offer Gold T+D services to individual investors. Initially drawn to the allure of a prestigious career and the prospect of financial stability, Chen soon discovers the dark underbelly of the industry. His role extends beyond analyzing market trends and providing investment strategies; he’s tasked with “retaining” clients who have suffered losses through the hands of the company’s aggressive sales team.

Chen learns that the company’s revenue model relies heavily on churning client accounts, generating more transaction fees. This creates an inherent conflict between serving the best interests of his clients and meeting the company’s profit-driven goals. The company operates in a gray area, leveraging the limited understanding of many Chinese investors about the complexities of the gold market. They lure clients away from the stock market, promising quick profits through Gold T+D, often misrepresenting it as a low-risk investment.

The author explains the dangers of “London Gold” scams, an illegal trading scheme prevalent in China that preys on investors seeking access to the international gold market. These fraudulent platforms manipulate prices, engage in “eating the spread” (pocketing the difference between the bid and ask price), and employ tactics like “slippage” (executing trades at a less favorable price than requested) and “frozen markets” (suspending trading at critical moments) to ensure clients lose their money.

As Chen witnesses firsthand the unethical practices and the devastating impact on his clients, his moral compass begins to falter. The pressure to “churn” accounts and generate fees clashes with his desire to provide sound financial advice. He grapples with the ethical dilemma of prioritizing his own financial gain over the well-being of his clients, ultimately recognizing the exploitative nature of the industry.

The author’s experience reveals the dangers of unregulated markets and the vulnerability of investors who lack financial literacy. It highlights the importance of financial education and the need for greater transparency and accountability in the Chinese gold trading industry. The story also underscores the universal human struggle between personal ethics and the allure of financial gain, a dilemma particularly acute in a rapidly developing market like China.

Gone are the Days of Overseas Property Gold Rush: The Unraveling of a Real Estate Empire

In the early 2010s, the Chinese real estate market boomed, driving up property prices and prompting many investors to seek opportunities abroad. Australia emerged as a popular destination, fueled by the allure of permanent property ownership, relatively low taxes, and a robust legal system. Chinese buyers flocked to “off-plan properties” (楼花), a concept similar to pre-construction condos in the US, where investors purchase properties before completion, often at a discounted price.

Kim and Emily, two seasoned sales consultants at a leading Australian property agency in China, rode this wave of prosperity, witnessing firsthand the frenzy of Chinese buyers snapping up Australian homes like hotcakes. The agency thrived, leveraging its extensive network, aggressive marketing strategies, and the trust of Chinese investors. They even secured exclusive rights to sell entire developments, a testament to their influence and market dominance.

However, this “golden age” proved short-lived. The Australian government, responding to growing concerns about affordability for local residents and the impact of foreign investment on the housing market, implemented a series of measures to cool down the market. Higher stamp duty taxes for foreign buyers, restrictions on foreign loans, and tighter capital controls in China created a perfect storm that brought the overseas property gold rush to a screeching halt.

Kim and Emily watched as their once-thriving business crumbled, unable to secure loans for their clients, facing cancellations, and witnessing the desperation of investors who had poured their life savings into Australian properties. The agency’s founder, Harry, attempted to salvage the situation by diversifying into other markets, but the damage was already done.

The unraveling of Harry’s empire serves as a cautionary tale about the fragility of markets dependent on external factors. The sudden shift in government policies and regulations exposed the inherent risks of overseas investments and the vulnerability of investors caught in the crossfire. It also highlights the importance of due diligence, understanding market dynamics, and the need for diversification to mitigate risks. The story of Kim and Emily reveals the human cost of market fluctuations, illustrating the dreams shattered and livelihoods lost when the tide turns.

Before the Live Streaming Era, There Was TV Shopping

Before the advent of e-commerce and the explosion of live streaming platforms, TV shopping held a prominent position in China’s retail landscape. For millions of Chinese consumers, especially housewives and older generations, TV shopping channels offered a convenient and engaging way to discover and purchase a wide range of products from the comfort of their homes. Think of it as QVC or HSN, but with a distinctly Chinese flavor.

In Working in China, the author recounts his experience working for a TV shopping channel during its heyday. He vividly describes the channel’s operations, from product selection and program production to customer service and delivery. Unlike American infomercials, Chinese TV shopping channels operated under strict regulations, requiring government licenses and adhering to specific guidelines regarding product quality and advertising practices. The author details the meticulous process of selecting products, negotiating with suppliers, and crafting engaging programs to showcase merchandise and entice viewers to call in and place orders.

However, with the rise of e-commerce giants like Taobao and the increasing popularity of smartphones, the TV shopping industry faced an existential crisis. Viewership plummeted as consumers embraced the convenience and vast selection offered by online platforms. The author chronicles the channel’s desperate attempts to stay afloat, from slashing prices to introducing new product categories, ultimately succumbing to the inevitable decline.

The demise of the TV shopping channel mirrors the broader transformation of China’s retail industry, driven by the disruptive force of technology and evolving consumer preferences. The author’s narrative offers a glimpse into a bygone era, highlighting the ingenuity and resourcefulness of those who built a thriving business model only to be swept aside by the inexorable march of progress. It serves as a reminder that even in a rapidly developing market like China, no industry is immune to the forces of change.

The Soul of Craftsmanship

Working in China takes us beyond the bustling cities and gleaming corporate offices to explore the lives of those who work with their hands, embodying the spirit of craftsmanship. From a veteran locksmith who has seen his profession transform over decades to a young technician finding fulfillment amidst the windswept mountains, these stories highlight the enduring value of skilled trades and the resilience of those who dedicate their lives to mastering their craft.

The 40-Year Locksmith: “Opening Lives, One Lock at a Time”

In a world increasingly reliant on technology, the humble locksmith might seem like a relic of the past. Yet, in China, as in many parts of the world, the locksmith remains an essential figure, a guardian of security and a solver of everyday dilemmas. Working in China introduces us to Lao Da, a veteran locksmith whose 40-year career spans the evolution of the industry, from the days of simple padlocks and hand-filed keys to the era of sophisticated smart locks and electronic security systems.

Lao Da’s story begins in the 1980s, when he apprenticed under a “coppersmith” (铜匠), a master craftsman who repaired metalware and, as a sideline, fashioned keys by hand. For Americans accustomed to automated key-cutting machines, imagine the skill and precision required to create a working key using only a file and a blank. Lao Da vividly recalls the rigorous training, the long hours spent honing his craft, and the pride he felt in mastering this essential skill.

As China’s economy opened up and cities rapidly modernized, the demand for locksmiths surged. New apartment buildings, businesses, and homes required secure locks, and Lao Da found himself in high demand, his days filled with unlocking doors for forgetful residents, repairing broken locks, and installing new security systems. He witnessed the shift from traditional wooden doors with simple padlocks to sturdy metal doors with complex locking mechanisms, reflecting the changing security needs of a society in transition.

Lao Da’s story also highlights the evolving societal perception of his profession. In the early days, he was addressed as “master” (师傅), a term of respect that recognized his skill and expertise. As the profession became more commonplace and new entrants, often lacking formal training, flooded the market, the term “locksmith” (开锁的) took on a more transactional connotation. For Lao Da, this shift represented a loss of status and a decline in the appreciation for the craftsmanship that defined his profession.

Beyond the everyday tasks of a locksmith, Lao Da’s narrative takes a dramatic turn as he recounts his experiences assisting the police in various operations. He details harrowing encounters with drug addicts, domestic disputes, and even a heart-stopping confrontation with armed drug dealers, illustrating the diverse and often dangerous situations he faced in his line of work. These encounters reveal the locksmith’s role as an unwitting witness to the underbelly of society, a silent observer of human drama unfolding behind closed doors.

Lao Da’s story offers a compelling glimpse into a profession often taken for granted, highlighting the skill, resilience, and quiet heroism of those who work behind the scenes to keep our homes and communities secure. It also reveals the changing face of China’s workforce as traditional trades adapt to the demands of a modernizing society, grappling with new technologies, evolving social perceptions, and the enduring human need for security and trust.

Fixing Wind Turbines in the Mountains: Finding Fulfillment in Unexpected Places

As China strives to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and combat climate change, wind energy has emerged as a key component of the country’s renewable energy strategy. Across the vast landscapes of China, from the grasslands of Inner Mongolia to the windswept plateaus of Tibet, towering wind turbines dot the horizon, harnessing the power of nature to generate clean energy. However, maintaining these massive structures, often located in remote and challenging environments, requires a dedicated workforce willing to brave harsh conditions and embrace a life far removed from the comforts of city life.

Working in China shares the story of a young technician named Miao, who makes an unexpected transition from a comfortable desk job in the city to a grueling but ultimately fulfilling role as a wind turbine technician. Miao’s journey begins with a sense of disillusionment. Stuck in a dead-end office job with little prospect for advancement, he feels unfulfilled and yearns for a more meaningful career. When an opportunity arises to work for a wind energy company in the mountains of Inner Mongolia, he decides to take a leap of faith, despite the daunting challenges that lie ahead.

For American readers unfamiliar with the scale of China’s wind energy ambitions, it’s worth noting that China is the world’s largest producer of wind power, with a capacity exceeding the combined wind power capacity of the US, Germany, and Spain. This rapid expansion of wind energy has created a surge in demand for skilled technicians, attracting young people like Miao who seek both adventure and a sense of purpose.

Miao’s narrative vividly captures the physical and emotional demands of his new profession. He details the arduous climb up towering wind turbines, the dizzying heights, the bone-chilling cold of winter, and the constant threat of unpredictable weather. He recounts harrowing experiences, including a near-death encounter when he and a colleague get lost in a blizzard after repairing a remote turbine.

Despite these challenges, Miao finds a sense of camaraderie and purpose among his fellow technicians. They work together as a team, relying on each other’s expertise and support to overcome obstacles and ensure the smooth operation of the wind farm. He develops a deep respect for the craftsmanship of his colleagues, their dedication to their work, and their willingness to endure hardship for the greater good.

Miao’s story is a testament to the transformative power of work, illustrating how a seemingly mundane job can become a source of fulfillment and personal growth. It highlights the vital role of skilled trades in supporting China’s renewable energy goals and the unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes to power a nation. Miao’s journey also speaks to the universal human desire for meaning and purpose in our work, a quest that often leads us to unexpected places and reveals hidden strengths we never knew we possessed.

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Working in China: A Glimpse into the Lives of Everyday People offers a captivating mosaic of experiences, weaving together the diverse realities of working life in modern China. From the relentless pursuit of profit in the gold market to the quiet dedication of a rural stationmaster, each story unveils a unique facet of a society grappling with rapid transformation. The book reveals a complex interplay between individual aspirations and the shifting tides of a globalized, technologically driven world.

Throughout these narratives, recurring themes emerge: the relentless pursuit of financial security, the yearning for meaning and fulfillment, and the constant challenge of adapting to a society in perpetual motion. Whether it’s a young saleswoman striving to build a better life for herself, a content moderator wrestling with the dark side of the internet, or a disillusioned executive questioning his career path, the characters in Working in China confront dilemmas that resonate across cultures and generations.

For American readers, this book provides a valuable window into the lives of ordinary people in China, fostering empathy and understanding. By stepping into the shoes of a gold analyst, a locksmith, or a wind turbine technician, we gain a deeper appreciation for the shared human experiences that transcend geographical boundaries. Working in China is not just a collection of stories; it’s an invitation to connect with the hearts and minds of those who contribute to the fabric of a nation, reminding us that beneath the surface of economic indicators and political headlines lies a rich tapestry of human resilience, ambition, and the enduring pursuit of a better life.