Tech Workers Face Career Crisis at 35: Strict Recruitment Criteria and Industry Shift Fuel Concerns

Tech employees aged 35 are facing a career crisis due to strict recruitment criteria and the rapidly changing industry environment, according to a recent report. The '35-year-old' career crisis of internet employees is frequently mentioned on social media. The rapid growth and stock game of internet companies, as well as the risky industry environment, are all projected onto Tech employees who are 35 years old. The average age at the top 20 internet companies in China is just 29.6, with the average age at the fastest-growing companies, ByteDance and Pinduoduo, just 27. 'P7, under 30; P8, under 35; P9, under 40.' Strict criteria have excluded many senior employees in the Tech industry from recruitment conditions. With salary levels for younger employees often lower, older workers are at risk of being laid off, leading to a mismatch between age and rank that increases the possibility of unemployment. 'When we look for candidates, we have a potential standard. For people under 30, the annual salary should reach at least 700,000 yuan, 1.2 million yuan for those under 32, and basically 1.8 million yuan for those under 35. Employees who do not meet the salary level corresponding to their age are likely to be laid off,' said Ms. Zhao, a senior recruiter. 'The salary level and vacation benefits for older employees are often better than younger ones. This means that many companies have to pay more to retain an older employee. Therefore, when the Internet industry shrinks and cools down, younger people who are more cost-effective and easier to manage will inevitably become the first choice for large companies.' However, regarding the problem of re-employment for older employees, Ms. Zhao said that the actual situation is not as bad as it is on the Internet. Those employees usually find a way out before the company announces layoffs, such as working in slightly smaller medium-sized enterprises or working abroad where the requirements for work age are more relaxed. While there have been calls for anti-employment discrimination legislation, at present, the career anxiety of tech employees needs to be overcome through personal efforts, including improving professional skills and focusing on economic security before career development. Last year, eliminating age discrimination in the workplace became a hot topic during the two sessions. Hu Wei, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said that middle-aged people are the backbone of national progress and social stability, and they should not be excluded from the recruitment range. He suggested revising relevant labor laws and regulations, requiring employers not to use age as a red line for recruitment, promotion, or dismissal, and ensuring a certain proportion of employees aged 40 and above in various types of enterprises. On the one hand, continue learning and improve their professional skills and irreplaceability. On the other hand, lower job expectations, focus on economically security first, and then seek career development.