China’s unemployed Gen Z are proudly calling themselves ‘rat people’ in a rebellion against burnout

• Millions of Gen Z around the world are currently jobless. A significant chunk of young NEETS—“not in employment, education, or training”—are well-qualified and want to work, but just can’t land a job. And then there’s “rat people” who are taking to social media to celebrate ditching work for a slower life. Experts say it's a "quiet protest" against burnout and the current job market.

The millennial era of “work hard, play harder” and “girl bossing” has given way to a new trend.