How Chinese Society Views Success and Work

In modern China, the concept of 'success' isn’t just about wealth—it’s a complex blend of social status, family honor, and relentless effort. Ask any local, and they’ll likely say: 成功 (chénggōng) means stability, respect, and making your parents proud.

Gone are the days when success was measured only by government jobs or state-owned enterprise roles. Today’s urban professionals chase high salaries in tech, finance, and entrepreneurship—but the pressure? Intense. A 2023 survey by Zhaopin.com revealed that over 68% of Chinese workers aged 25–35 feel 'moderately to extremely stressed' about career advancement.

The 996 Culture: Hustle as Identity

You’ve probably heard of '996'—working from 9 AM to 9 PM, six days a week. While officially discouraged, it still thrives in startups and big tech firms like Alibaba and Tencent. For many, long hours aren’t just expected—they’re worn as a badge of dedication.

But here's the twist: younger generations are pushing back. The “lying flat” (躺平, tǎng píng) movement gained traction around 2021, with millennials rejecting burnout culture in favor of minimalism and work-life balance. Yet, true 'lying flat' is rare; most practice ‘quiet quitting’—doing the bare minimum while dreaming of escape.

Family Expectations: The Invisible Boss

If Westerners answer to their managers, many Chinese professionals answer to their parents. Family plays a central role in defining success. Marriage, homeownership, and having kids before 30? Non-negotiable for many.

A 2022 study by Peking University found that 74% of young adults felt family pressure influenced their career choices. In tier-1 cities like Beijing and Shanghai, owning an apartment is seen as a baseline for 'making it.' With average home prices exceeding ¥60,000 per square meter in prime areas, this dream feels increasingly out of reach.

As this table shows, housing costs in major cities dwarf incomes. It’s no wonder that many rely on the 'six-pocket theory'—emptying both parents’ and grandparents’ savings to afford a down payment.

New Definitions of Winning

Despite the grind, mindsets are shifting. Digital nomadism, freelance gigs, and even returning to rural hometowns are gaining appeal. Platforms like Xiaohongshu (China’s Instagram) overflow with stories of people who left Beijing for Yunnan, trading stress for serenity.

Still, traditional markers endure. Titles matter. Being called 经理 (manager) vs. 员工 (staff) can dictate dinner seating at family gatherings. And let’s not forget the Spring Festival interrogation: 'Got promoted? Found a partner? When’s the wedding?'

In short, success in China is a high-wire act—balancing ambition, family duty, and personal sanity. It’s not just about what you achieve, but how it looks to everyone watching.