China’s “Post-90s” generation—those born between 1990 and 1999—grew up during one of the fastest economic booms in human history. They witnessed skyscrapers rise, high-speed trains race across the country, and technology transform everyday life. Yet, despite coming of age in a nation of growing prosperity, many members of this generation now find themselves struggling financially.
Why is this happening? And why might the future be even tougher for them than for their parents?
In this in-depth analysis, we’ll explore the economic, cultural, and social forces shaping the financial struggles of China’s Post-90s, and the outlook ahead.
1. Who Are the Post-90s?
The term “Post-90s” refers to Chinese citizens born between 1990 and 1999. This generation:
- Grew up during rapid globalization and modernization.
- Had more exposure to Western pop culture and technology than previous generations.
- Was often the sole child in the family, due to the one-child policy.
They were raised with the expectation of a brighter future, but reality hasn’t matched the promise for many.
2. The Rising Cost of Living
One of the biggest reasons for the financial strain on China’s Post-90s is the steep rise in the cost of living, especially in urban areas.
Housing Prices
China’s property market has seen explosive growth since the early 2000s. In cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, apartment prices have soared to levels far beyond what young workers can afford.
- A small apartment in Shanghai can cost 20–30 times the average annual salary of a young professional.
- Many Post-90s rely on parents for down payments—or give up on owning a home entirely.
Everyday Expenses
Inflation has also hit food, transportation, and healthcare costs. For example:
- A cup of coffee from a popular chain may cost nearly as much as in New York.
- Ride-hailing apps, while convenient, add up to significant monthly transport expenses.
3. Wage Growth is Slowing
While China’s GDP growth in the 2000s averaged over 10% annually, wage growth for young people has not kept pace in recent years.
- Entry-level salaries in many industries have stagnated.
- Competition for “white-collar” jobs is fierce, often forcing young people into lower-paying roles.
This mismatch between wages and expenses traps many Post-90s in a cycle of “earning just enough to get by” without meaningful savings.
4. Job Market Saturation
The Post-90s are the most educated generation in Chinese history. However, this has led to degree inflation:
- Many graduates are overqualified for the jobs available.
- Employers can demand more skills for the same pay.
Fields like law, finance, and media are oversaturated, leaving some to settle for jobs outside their area of study—or join the growing gig economy.
5. High Education Costs and Student Debt
Unlike in the past, higher education is now almost essential for securing a decent job in China. But tuition fees and living expenses during university can leave young people in debt before they even start working.
While China’s student loan system is smaller than that of the United States, the financial burden is still significant, especially for those from rural areas.
6. Social Pressure and Lifestyle Inflation
The Post-90s are also facing a cultural shift. Social media platforms like WeChat, Douyin (China’s TikTok), and Xiaohongshu showcase glamorous lifestyles, fueling consumption-driven peer pressure.
Many feel compelled to:
- Buy brand-name clothes.
- Own the latest smartphone.
- Dine in trendy restaurants.
- Travel abroad for social media-worthy experiences.
This “lifestyle inflation” means that even those earning decent salaries often live paycheck to paycheck.
7. Supporting Parents and the 4-2-1 Family Burden
Due to the one-child policy, many Post-90s belong to the 4-2-1 family structure:
- 4 grandparents
- 2 parents
- 1 child
As their parents and grandparents age, young adults may be expected to financially support multiple elders. This pressure can be overwhelming, especially without strong social welfare systems to offset healthcare and retirement costs.
8. The Gig Economy and Job Insecurity
With traditional job opportunities tightening, many Post-90s are turning to gig work—food delivery, ride-hailing, livestream sales. While flexible, these jobs often:
- Lack benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions.
- Provide unstable income.
- Offer limited career growth.
This instability makes long-term financial planning difficult.
9. Mental Health and Work-Life Balance Issues
China’s “996” work culture—working from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week—hits the Post-90s hard.
Long hours and constant connectivity via work messaging apps leave little time for rest, side hustles, or skill development. This can lead to burnout, which further affects productivity and income potential.
10. Economic Slowdown and Global Uncertainty
The Post-90s entered the workforce during a period when China’s economic growth was beginning to slow. Add to this:
- The US-China trade war.
- The COVID-19 pandemic.
- Global supply chain disruptions.
These factors have reduced job stability, increased layoffs, and dampened wage growth.
11. The “Lying Flat” Phenomenon
In recent years, some Post-90s have embraced “tang ping” or “lying flat”—a rejection of high-pressure societal expectations.
Instead of chasing high-paying careers, they opt for minimal work, reduced spending, and simpler lifestyles. While this can be seen as a coping strategy, it also means lower lifetime earnings.
12. Technology Disruption and Industry Shifts
Automation, AI, and digital transformation are reshaping the job market:
- Routine office tasks are being automated.
- Entire sectors—like traditional retail—are shrinking.
- New opportunities in tech require advanced skills, which not all Post-90s have.
Without continuous upskilling, many risk being left behind.
13. Gender Expectations and Career Limitations
Women in the Post-90s generation face added challenges. Despite high educational attainment, societal pressure to marry and have children in their late 20s can:
- Limit career advancement.
- Lead to workplace discrimination.
- Force them to exit the workforce temporarily, impacting earnings.
14. Urban-Rural Divide
Post-90s from rural areas often face:
- Fewer high-paying job opportunities locally.
- Disadvantages in city job markets due to lack of networks and urban experience.
- Higher costs if they move to big cities for work.
15. Why the Future May Be Tougher
Several trends suggest that the financial struggles of China’s Post-90s could worsen:
- Aging Population – Fewer workers supporting more retirees.
- Slowing Growth – China’s GDP growth is forecasted to moderate.
- Housing Bubble Risk – Property values may stagnate or drop, affecting family wealth.
- Global Competition – More jobs can be outsourced or automated.
16. What Can Be Done?
Government Actions
- Expand affordable housing programs.
- Strengthen labor protections.
- Invest in vocational training for emerging industries.
Personal Strategies
- Focus on upskilling in tech, data, and green industries.
- Practice disciplined financial management.
- Build multiple income streams.
17. Stories from the Post-90s
- Chen Ming, 28, works in marketing in Shenzhen: “My rent takes half my salary. Even with a good degree, I can’t save much. I’m thinking of moving back to my hometown.”
- Li Na, 26, teaches English in Beijing: “My parents helped me buy my apartment, but now I’m helping them pay their medical bills. Savings? Almost zero.”
These voices reflect a broader reality—financial struggle is not an exception, but a common thread.
18. Lessons from the Past
China’s Post-80s generation faced their own challenges—career instability, housing inflation—but they benefited from faster economic growth and a less saturated job market. The Post-90s, by contrast, entered adulthood in a far more competitive and costly environment.
19. Global Parallels
Interestingly, the financial struggles of China’s Post-90s mirror those of millennials in the West:
- Stagnant wages.
- High housing costs.
- Gig economy growth.
- Student debt.
This shows that rapid economic change and globalization bring similar pressures worldwide.
20. Conclusion: A Generation at a Crossroads
China’s Post-90s generation stands at a pivotal moment. They are better educated and more globally connected than any before them, yet they face an economic landscape that makes financial stability harder to achieve.
The challenges are real—housing costs, wage stagnation, elder care, and job insecurity—but so are the opportunities. With adaptability, lifelong learning, and smarter financial habits, the Post-90s can still carve out a secure future, even if the road ahead is tougher than expected.
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Why are China’s Post-90s generation struggling financially despite growing up in an era of prosperity? Explore the economic, social, and cultural reasons—and why the future may be even tougher.
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