The Trend Explained
Workplace stress and dissatisfaction are perennial issues faced by employees globally. In a novel and humorous approach to managing this stress, workers in China are now “selling” their bosses, colleagues, and even their jobs on second-hand e-commerce platforms. This quirky trend has taken off on Xianyu, Alibaba’s second-hand e-commerce site.
‘Washing off the work smell’
The term “work smell” refers to the physical and mental exhaustion experienced after a demanding day at work. This concept has inspired young Chinese professionals to list their undesirable work situations online as a form of venting. South China Morning Post reports that over 500 posts are currently selling “annoying jobs,” “terrible bosses,” and “hated colleagues” for prices ranging from 2 yuan to 80,000 yuan.
Examples of listings
One Beijing seller listed a sarcastic colleague for 3,999 yuan, offering tips on how to handle such a person and avoid being a scapegoat. Another employee priced his “terrible boss” at 500 yuan, citing regular criticism and personality clashes as reasons for the sale. A different seller offered a project document that needed completion for just 10 yuan.
Not genuine sales
Importantly, these listings are not intended for actual transactions. Vendors typically cancel any sales or refund buyers immediately, using the platform as an emotional outlet rather than a marketplace for real exchanges. “Someone did pay before, but I applied to offer them a refund and deleted the listing after. This is just my way of venting my emotions, not buying or selling anyone,” a seller told South China Morning Post.
Platform’s response
Following the trend’s rise in popularity, Xianyu issued a statement on Weibo reminding users that it is illegal to sell someone without their consent.
This light-hearted yet telling trend highlights the creative ways in which employees cope with workplace stress and toxic environments, using humor and online platforms to express their frustrations and seek solace.