Part 5/8:
As the population grows to 1.4 billion, the narrator notes an unexpected desolation. Where streets once thrummed with life now lies silence. Employment dynamics in Beijing have deteriorated, prompting layoffs and wage cuts across industries, with many now teetering on the brink of financial collapse.
Unemployment and the Burden of Living Expenses
Anecdotes from various citizens illustrate the stark, often distressing realities of modern life in Beijing. The increase in closures of essential convenience stores like Lawson further emphasizes the pervasive economic duress. Personal stories of job losses and financial struggles reveal a broader narrative of despair—one that extends to even the young and educated, who find themselves marooned in a competitive job market.