Those who came of age during China’s reform era once envisioned a future brimming with opportunities. Today, many in their middle years are grappling with layoffs that serve as a stark awakening. Economic stagnation, combined with institutional age discrimination, has significantly constricted their career prospects and made professional recovery increasingly difficult. This situation signals more than just job loss—it reflects a fundamental shift in the definitions of stability and success after decades of rapid economic growth. It underscores the need for resilience strategies that keep pace with changing realities and calls for social and institutional support systems to evolve accordingly.
