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Fierce China job market turns unemployed youths into ‘full-time grandkids'

Fierce China job market turns unemployed youths into ‘full-time grandkids'

As China's job market continues to struggle, a new trend in which young people become 'full-time grandchildren' by returning home to care for their elderly grandparents has gone viral.
The trend addresses their own employment problems and the growing need for companionship among the elderly.
Such so-called full-time grandchildren provide companionship, emotional support and daily help to elderly or disabled family members.
Compared to 'full-time children,' who primarily accompany able-bodied parents, 'full-time grandchildren' are often seen as more filial.
So-called full-time grandchildren can turn an elderly relative's day into a fun experience. Photo: Shutterstock
One such 26-year-old who was unable to find work after failing her postgraduate and civil service exams accepted her grandfather's invitation to return home.

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