As China’s job market faces increasing challenges, a new social phenomenon is emerging where unemployed young adults return home to serve as dedicated caregivers for their aging family members. This role, sometimes referred to as being “full-time grandchildren,” offers these youths a meaningful way to support their elders while coping with personal employment difficulties.
These young caregivers provide not only physical assistance but also emotional companionship, addressing the growing need for elder care amid demographic shifts. Unlike “full-time children” who generally look after able-bodied parents, these “full-time grandchildren” often engage deeply in daily activities with their grandparents, helping to enrich their lives.
One example is a 26-year-old woman who, after failing to secure a job post-graduation and not passing civil service exams, chose to return to her family home at her grandfather’s request. She now dedicates her time to caring for him, finding fulfillment in the role and valuing the opportunity to connect more meaningfully with her family.
This trend highlights both the challenges facing Chinese youth in the current labor market and the evolving dynamics of family care, where younger generations are finding new ways to contribute at home while navigating economic uncertainty.