In 2024, the issue of "unemployment" has become a highly scrutinized focal point in the socio-economic domain, with its impacts being extensive and profound. Examining from a macro data perspective, the national urban registered unemployment rate reached [5.3%] in the first half of the year, a figure that clearly reflects the severity of the employment situation.
In terms of recent graduates, approximately 11.79 million college graduates entered the job market in June, such a large number has led to an unprecedented level of competition.
Furthermore, the national urban youth unemployment rate was about 15% in April, which, despite a slight decrease compared to the same period, remains at an alarmingly high level.
Focusing on specific real-life cases, in the bustling city of Shenzhen, my cousin and his wife, both previously employed at a large company with a monthly salary of 50,000 each, had purchased a property worth ten million yuan through a loan. However, at the beginning of 2024, my cousin was the first to be laid off, and by May, his wife was also optimized out, causing the family's financial support to collapse instantly. Mortgages, living expenses, and children's education costs have become heavy shackles, leading to a dramatic increase in family pressure, with the once harmonious atmosphere being replaced by frequent disputes.
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The pace of life of the neighbors next door has also changed significantly. The young male head of the household, now unemployed, is often seen walking in the community with his child in his arms, his eyes filled with helplessness and confusion. The business manager in the decoration industry is also in a predicament; his previous annual performance could exceed 3 million yuan, but it fell to just over 2 million in 2022. The hope for an improvement in 2023 did not materialize, and halfway through 2024, his performance has only just broken through 600,000 yuan.
The company's financial imbalance has forced him to consider whether he should return to his hometown to seek new opportunities. Looking again at the once booming internet industry, waves of layoffs are continuous. To reduce operating costs, many companies have implemented a system of one person holding multiple positions, significantly increasing the workload.
The once highly favored high-intensity work model can no longer guarantee the stability of employees' positions. A post-95s internet intern, after being laid off at the beginning of the year, gradually shifted from a relaxed attitude to anxiety. After half a year, despite sending out numerous resumes and attending many interviews, he has not yet found an ideal job, and now he is trapped indoors all day, feeling lost about the future.The traditional media advertising industry is also struggling under the strong impact of new media. Advertising revenue has been declining year after year, forcing practitioners to lower their profile, leave the office, and actively expand customer resources. Many organizations, in response to operational difficulties, have massively reduced their staff, and once industry leaders are also facing the risk of unemployment.
The maternal and infant industry has not been spared either. With the continuous decline in the birth population, market demand has shrunk significantly. In order to survive, companies have to adjust their business and reduce personnel. Many practitioners, despite having worked in the industry for many years, are surprised to find that their experience and skills are difficult to apply in the market. However, we need to think deeply, is the unemployment wave in 2024 really so desperate and without a turning point? The answer may not be so absolute.
Each period has its unique economic and social environment. The current unemployment problem is undoubtedly caused by changes in the economic environment and intensification of industry competition on the one hand; on the other hand, technological progress and industrial structure adjustment have led to the disappearance of some positions, but at the same time, they have also created many new positions and development opportunities. In this seemingly difficult unemployment wave, some positive changes can still be captured. More and more individuals have begun to attach great importance to the improvement of their own skills and the renewal of knowledge.
They are no longer satisfied with the existing knowledge reserve, but continuously improve their professional skills and comprehensive quality by participating in various training courses and using online learning resources.
For example, some workers engaged in traditional manufacturing have successfully transformed into technical backbones in the field of intelligent manufacturing by learning programming and automation technology.Many individuals have courageously chosen to embark on entrepreneurship, fully leveraging their strengths and creativity to explore new opportunities for development. Some have started online stores in the field of the internet, while others have entered the emerging shared economy, carving out a new realm with their intelligence and perseverance. In addition, flexible employment models have provided temporary income sources for many people. New professions such as food delivery, ride-hailing driving, and self-media creation have become transitional choices for many during unemployment, while also creating new forms of employment and economic growth points for society.
Although unemployment inevitably brings dual pressures of economy and psychology to individuals, it does not mean that the future is bleak. The government actively takes action, helping unemployed people return to their jobs by issuing a series of policy support measures and strengthening employment services. For example, increasing financial support and tax incentives for entrepreneurship, holding large-scale job fairs and vocational training activities to provide more abundant employment opportunities and professional career guidance for the unemployed.
At the same time, all sectors of society spare no effort to provide assistance and support to the unemployed. Various public welfare organizations and training institutions have launched free vocational training courses to help the unemployed improve their employability; some companies actively fulfill their social responsibilities by providing internships and part-time positions, creating more employment opportunities for the unemployed.
Facing the unemployment wave of 2024, we must maintain a positive attitude. First, we need to face the reality, not evade the problem, and bravely face the fact of unemployment. Rigorously analyze our strengths and weaknesses, and accurately position our own development direction. Secondly, continue to learn and improve ourselves, closely adapt to the dynamic changes of the market.
Closely monitor the development trends of the industry and the evolution of new technologies, and adjust the knowledge structure and skill level in a timely manner to ensure that we always have a competitive advantage. Moreover, broaden the employment vision and channels, and do not stick to the traditional concept of employment. Be brave in trying new industries and professions, and deeply explore our own potential and possibilities.
Finally, be firm in confidence and patience, and firmly believe that we have the ability to overcome difficulties. Unemployment is just a stage challenge in the course of life, not the end. In summary, the unemployment wave of 2024 indeed brings great challenges to many people, but it is not an insurmountable obstacle. As long as we can maintain a positive attitude, continuously improve ourselves, be brave in exploring new opportunities, and fully utilize the resources and support provided by the government and society, we will surely find our own place in this rapidly changing era. Remember, difficulties are only temporary, and opportunities always favor those who are prepared. Let us work together to face the future challenges and opportunities.