Hongkong : In China, the employment landscape is undergoing profound shifts, presenting unprecedented challenges for professionals, particularly in the technology sector. Young graduates find themselves grappling with dwindling job prospects, while seasoned employees in their 30s face the looming specter of layoffs, with the age of 35 becoming a dreaded threshold for job security, especially within tech companies.

A recent incident highlighted by the Financial Times sheds light on the gravity of the situation. A 34-year-old software engineer, witnessing the dismissal of a colleague of the same age, was struck by the harsh reality of job insecurity. His worst fears were realized when, just months before his 35th birthday, he too was laid off, victim to the company's restructuring efforts.

Insiders reveal a disturbing trend within tech firms, where employees around the age of 35, particularly junior staff, are being targeted for layoffs as part of broader restructuring initiatives. While affected individuals grapple with uncertainty, the companies in question remain tight-lipped on the matter.

The economic slowdown and regulatory constraints have catalyzed a wave of layoffs across the technology industry. One company, in particular, has seen its stock plummet by a staggering 88% since its listing in Hong Kong in 2021, prompting a 16% reduction in its workforce between December 2021 and June 2023.

Dubbed the "35-year-old curse," this phenomenon has sparked widespread anxiety among tech workers, as revealed by a survey conducted by the recruitment platform lego.com. A staggering 87% of programmers expressed serious concerns about job security post the age of 35.

The challenges extend beyond job loss. Finding new employment proves to be a Herculean task for individuals over 35, as remarked by a 38-year-old programmer who recently faced unemployment. The job market, he lamented, is unforgiving, especially for seasoned professionals like himself.

This unsettling trend has its roots in a broader regulatory crackdown initiated by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) against internet giants and other sectors. Over the past 18 months, the CCP's regulatory scrutiny has extended to encompass technology, finance, gaming, entertainment, and education industries, triggering mass layoffs.

The repercussions of these layoffs reverberate across society, with job postings increasingly specifying age limits, further marginalizing individuals above a certain age. Even supermarkets are not exempt from age discrimination, as evidenced by job advertisements targeting individuals aged 18 to 30, sparking outrage and soul-searching on social media platforms like Weibo.

The plight of job seekers, as articulated on social media, underscores the profound societal implications of age-based discrimination in employment. Questions about belongingness and worthiness in a rapidly evolving job market permeate these discussions, reflecting the deep-seated anxieties prevalent among Chinese workers.

The "35-year-old curse" serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for systemic reforms to ensure equitable opportunities for all, irrespective of age. As China grapples with mounting unemployment among its youth, addressing this pressing issue demands concerted efforts and decisive action from the Chinese Communist Party.