A rural position in Inner Mongolia paying $2,400 USD monthly attracts high interest amid China’s 16.3% urban youth unemployment.
A job posting in northern China offering $2,400 USD monthly to herd sheep received over 1,000 applications within two days. The role includes free housing, food, and Wi-Fi but requires managing 3,000 sheep across 50 square miles of remote grassland.
The surge in applications coincides with China’s urban youth unemployment rate of 16.3%, reflecting broader economic pressures. About 10% of applicants held university degrees, signaling frustration with traditional career paths. Social media engagement on the topic reached 59 million views.
Employers noted the appeal of stable employment and simplicity compared to urban work environments, though the role demands isolation and physical labor.