在In a capitalist world where the wheels of capitalism are driven by labor, a sudden pause or even a slowdown would have a profound impact on the entire system.The world is facing a labor shortage that is not just a temporary phenomenon but a crisis. This affects especially the younger generation. This shortage is not just the result of economic fluctuations but a symptom of deeper problems affecting the fundamental structure of capitalism. In this issue, we analyze the phenomena of “lying down,” “letting it rot,” “non-typical employment in food delivery platforms,” and the overall “internal crisis of capitalism,” which together lead to this labor shortage.
Lying down: A silent protest
In China, the “lie flat” movement is a passive resistance to the brutal 996 work schedule (six days a week, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.). This is not laziness; it is a statement. Young people are questioning the worth of a life that offers little beyond financial survival. This phenomenon is not an act of rebellion, but a loud outcry against a system that demands too much and provides too little.
This movement is gaining increasing support among young people, who are increasingly inclined to choose a minimalist lifestyle rather than the competitive workplace. China’s youth unemployment rate has skyrocketed, and this phenomenon is a significant contributing factor. The government is wary of this trend, as it threatens the supply of cheap labor that drives the global economy.
Labeling people who choose the ”lazy” lifestyle as “extreme sloths” may be an oversimplified way of perceiving and acting. These people do not demonstrate a strong drive for social or corporate advancement, which is indeed worth noting. The real question is why more and more people, especially young workers, choose this path. In capitalist societies, the general assumption is that everyone lives to accumulate wealth. However, this group challenges this logic; they are content to simply make ends meet, rather than aggressively pursuing wealth at any cost. This phenomenon has puzzled economists, because their traditional models based on output, labor, and capital never took into account this mindset.
Let it rot: Unheard cries
This is another form of passive resistance, similar to the “lie down” philosophy of questioning the constant demand for growth and productivity. In this case, individuals choose not to participate in systems they consider oppressive. Although it is not as organized as “lie down,” it is a symptom of the same disease – disappointment with capitalism.
The "let it rot" challenge challenges the capitalist notion of evaluating individuals based on productivity or economic output capacity. By choosing not to participate in a competitive workplace, people not only choose to withdraw but also point out the corruptions in the system.
Non-typical employment in food delivery platforms
The gig economy, a phenomenon symbolised by food delivery platforms, provides an alternative to traditional employment, but at the cost of job security and benefits. In Taiwan, young people are flocking to these platforms, attracted by the promise of quick money, exacerbating labor shortages in other sectors (such as construction and catering).
The rise of gig economy activities such as food delivery platforms promises freedom and flexibility. However, it has led to an unstable labor market where job security is as mythical as it is real. While it may seem like an attractive option, in reality it has a profound impact on the long-term human shortages in traditional industries and services. The gig economy is not the solution; it is just a Band-Aid for the bullet wounds.
The crisis within capitalism
The youth unemployment rate is not just a statistical figure; it is a self-declaration of an unadaptable system. The younger generation is increasingly questioning the fundamental principles of capitalism, leading to movements like "anti-work" and "quiet resignation." These are not just trends but signs of an inherent crisis within capitalism. They challenge the fundamental concept of work and question the meaningless nature of most jobs.
Our generation is often quick to criticize the “quietly leaving” generation for lacking professional ethics. However, we easily overlook our own acceptance of unpaid labor as a norm. This double standard is evident: we tolerate companies that aim to increase profits by reducing costs (including employee wages), but criticize workers who adopt similar strategies for their own benefit. In essence, “quietly leaving” is a way for employees to optimize their value by reducing unpaid contributions.
Youth unemployment rate
In China, youth unemployment is a ticking time bomb. The “stay-at-home” movement and the gig economy are symptoms of a deeper problem – a crisis of trust in the system. Not only are young people unemployed, they are increasingly disillusioned with the various systems established by their parents and grandparents.
The high youth unemployment rate of 21.3% reported in June in China is only the tip of the iceberg. Zhang Dandan, an associate professor of economics at the National Development Research Institute of Peking University, conducted a more in-depth analysis of the data, revealing a more shocking figure: as of March, a staggering 46.5 percent of young people aged 16 to 24 in China had neither employment nor education.
However, beyond the definition of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the National Bureau of Statistics of China (NBS), Zhang’s analysis introduced a third category: young people who are “not participating in employment, education, or training” (NEET) and have not actively sought employment. This additional group inflated the unemployment rate to a staggering 46.5%.
Zhang called these 16 million people "full-time children," a term that is gradually gaining attention on Chinese social media and is closely related to the "lying down" phenomenon. These are young people who have chosen to abandon traditional career paths; some do so of their own volition, while others are driven by reasons such as caring for sick parents. They may engage in household chores or care for the elderly in exchange for food and shelter, sometimes even receiving "pay" from their parents.
Whether these 16 million “idle” young people should be considered “unemployed” is a controversial question. In any case, although the official unemployment figures are worrying, they may not fully capture the full picture of the problem. The rise of the “stay-at-home” movement and the increasing number of “full-time children” indicate a deeper systemic problem that requires urgent attention.勞The energy shortage crisis is a phenomenon caused by a deeper, more hidden problem. It is a crisis of trust in capitalism itself, especially among young people. In our progress, solving these fundamental problems is crucial, not just the symptoms. Otherwise, we will not only face a labor shortage but also a crisis of civilization itself.
The labor crisis in Taiwan—the losses for the construction industry are equal to the gains from the gig economy
在In an era where technological advancements are reshaping industries, the construction industry, the cornerstone of modern civilization, is facing a labor shortage. This problem is neither small nor simple; it is a crisis that threatens the foundation of economic growth. But why is this the case? Why should the young people who are the backbone of this industry turn their energy elsewhere? The answer may lie in the rise of food delivery platforms and the job changes they represent.
The Taiwanese labor market is undergoing a major transformation; this is not an indication of the future of the country’s infrastructure or its traditional industries. According to a report from the Ministry of Interior’s Construction Agency (CPA), labor shortages in the construction industry have more than doubled from 2019 to 2020. At the same time, food delivery platforms are booming; in just two years, they have attracted approximately 50,000 people.
The difficulties faced by the construction industry
First, let’s dissect the challenges facing the construction industry. Although an industry that has always shown resilience and growth, the construction industry faces a shocking labor shortage. This industry is not just about building structures; it is building an economy. However, it finds itself in a paradoxical situation: there is a wealth of projects, but scarce experienced labor. This is not a simple supply-and-demand issue; it is a complex problem involving, but not limited to, insufficient vocational training, physical demands of the work, and societal perceptions that “blue-collar” work is less valuable than white-collar work.
In 2020, Taiwan’s construction industry faced a shortage of 118,000 workers, an astonishing 1.45 times more than the previous year. Not only is the industry facing a labor shortage, but it is also facing unstable raw material costs.
The phenomenon of food delivery platforms
On the other hand, food delivery platforms are thriving. Food delivery platforms represent convenience, flexibility, and style. These platforms not only change our eating habits but also change the way young people view work. The gig economy, represented by companies like Uber Eats and Foodpanda, offers the flexibility that traditional nine-to-five work cannot. Without a boss pushing you from behind or a strict schedule, perhaps what appeals most to the younger generation is the immediate sense of satisfaction. You work, you earn money, and then you’ve completed your workday – without waiting for a monthly salary or an annual bonus.
Typical food delivery workers are aged 26, with an average monthly salary of NT$42,000. This is less than NT$30,000 compared to the starting salary for university graduates. No wonder young people are flocking to these jobs. But let’s look at the reasons behind it more clearly: it’s not just about money; it’s about the fundamental shift in how young people view work. They value flexibility, autonomy, and freedom more than long-term career prospects or employer commitments.
Instantly satisfying appeal
The immediate appeal of instant gratification cannot be underestimated. In a world where social media is fueled by dopamine through “likes,” the immediacy of the gig economy fits neatly with the psychological structure of today’s young people. Why wait weeks to see the fruits of your labor when you can get them immediately? This mindset, while understandable, is eroding the spirit of hard work and long-term commitment that is urgently needed in industries like manufacturing.
The ripple effects of this shift extend far beyond the labor market. Traditional sectors, such as the restaurant industry, are also facing long-term labor shortages. Fast food, once a student’s first choice, is losing its appeal. Why? Because the younger generation is unwilling to be ordered around. They reject the strict hierarchical systems brought by corporate culture and traditional work.
Furthermore, the shift in society toward valuing “easy” work over “difficult” work is also cause for concern. The physical demands of construction work, long working hours, and the need for specialized skills are often seen as obstacles. In contrast, the gig economy, especially food delivery, is seen as readily available fruits to pluck and eat from the tree. This is not just a labor issue; it is a social issue. We are unwittingly creating a culture where convenience is valued more than craftsmanship, where the ephemeral is more appealing than the eternal.
The ripple effect of the economy
The labor shortage in the construction industry not only affects the industry itself, but also has ripple effects on the economy. Delays in infrastructure projects make housing prices more expensive, and living costs rise. On the other hand, although food delivery platforms contribute to the economy, their impact is less significant than the fundamental value of the construction industry.
The high costs behind making money quickly
While the gig economy offers the freedom to earn quickly and escape workplace constraints, the cost is extremely high. Delivery workers work long hours and face high risks. They lack institutional mechanisms such as collective bargaining and organization to defend their rights.
From a human resources perspective, working in food delivery is not a good job. Not only does it hinder personal career development, but it also affects national competitiveness. Taiwan has invested a significant amount of resources in educating its citizens, and seeing these human capital being channeled into low-skilled, high-risk jobs is undoubtedly a national tragedy.
The gig economy has a place in modern society, providing employment opportunities that did not exist before. However, we need to carefully examine the long-term effects of this labor market change. The Taiwanese government therefore needs to invest more in vocational training, change society’s perception of “blue-collar” work, and most importantly, instill the value of long-term commitment and skill development in our young people. The shortage of labor in the service industry and the rise of food delivery platforms are not isolated phenomena; they are interconnected issues that reflect deeper social and economic changes. This is not just a labor issue; it is a social issue, a generational issue, and ultimately a national issue.