A meaningful discussion has started on Chinese social media over the story of a lady who left her job to work as her parents’ “full-time daughter” for $570 (about 47,000) per month. Why the idea of “full-time daughter” growing in China?
Nianan, a 40-year-old woman who had spent 15 years working for a media organization, encountered changes in her employment in 2022 that increased her stress levels and required her to be available all the time, according to South China Morning Post (SCMP). Her parents intervened to aid her during this difficult period.
“Why don’t you just quit your job? We’ll take care of you financially,” they told the 40-year-old, as per the outlet.
Motivated by the offer of a monthly allowance of 4,000 yuan, or $570, from her parents’ retirement pension of more than 10,000 yuan (US$1,500), Ms. Nianan decided to leave her job and embrace the role of a “full-time daughter”. She described her role as “a professional filled with love” and gladly took on a diverse daily routine.
The 40-year-old woman described her everyday schedule. She reportedly told SCMP that she spends an hour dancing with her parents in the morning and goes food shopping with them. She prepares dinner with her father in the evenings. She also arranges monthly family activities or vacations, drives, and handles all electronic-related tasks.
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Ms. Nianan said that being around her parents has been therapeutic. However, she also admitted that the “biggest pressure source” for her has been the “desire to earn more money”. But she said that her parents continually reassure her by saying, “If you find a more suitable job, you can go for it. If you don’t want to work, just stay at home and spend time with us”.
Why the idea of “full-time daughter” growing in China?
Among young people in China, the idea of being a “full-time daughter” has grown in appeal as an alternative to the fiercely competitive labor market and demanding work schedules. This alternate way of living is thought to offer more freedom from standard employment limitations and greater autonomy. Some detractors, according to reports, contend that it merely encourages dependence on parents.
