Rising unemployment in China has forced millions of college graduates into a difficult situation, where many are compelled to accept low-paying jobs or depend on their parents’ pensions, leading to the emergence of a new “rotten-tail kids” working class. The term, echoing “rotten-tail buildings” that symbolize China’s unfinished homes, reflects the challenging job market caused by Covid-19 disruptions and regulatory crackdowns in various sectors. With youth unemployment reaching an all-time high of 21.3% in June 2023, the government suspended data reporting to reassess its methods. Despite efforts to boost hiring through job fairs and supportive business policies, the jobless rate for young people remains high, prompting some to return home as “full-time children,” relying on their parents’ retirement savings.