New Elements of Career Construction for China’s Youth: Analyzing ‘Lying Flat’ and Work Involution Among Emerging Adults

This qualitative study examines emerging adulthood traits in individuals during the immediate half year following their graduation from university. It studies their work choices and preferences, as well as their work attitudes. Twenty interviews were conducted with recent Chinese graduates aged 21 to 28, split evenly between those who resigned (RP) and those who did not resign (NRP). Analysis highlights the work preference of stability and taking actions to secure stability, family influence on the work choice, and the impact from COVID. Most participants expressed a desire to balance involution and lying flat. There is potential relationship among initial resignation, work attitude and work state. The study suggests Arnett’s emerging adulthood theory still has applicability when it comes to EA features, however, applying career construction theory to analyze participants’ narratives uncovered struggles and addressed concerns about emerging adults’ perceptions, attitudes, and career performance during the post-pandemic era and economic challenges in China.