Bosses On Sale: Employees In China Are Listing Their Managers and Colleagues Online, Here's Why

Employees in China are resorting to unconventional methods to manage workplace stress amidst toxic environments and unsupportive bosses, which often lead to psychological strain among young professionals. A peculiar trend has emerged where workers are using second-hand e-commerce platforms to list their bosses, colleagues, and even their own jobs for sale. This bizarre approach has surfaced as a coping mechanism, reflecting the challenging realities of modern work culture. On Alibaba's Xianyu, a second-hand e-commerce platform, workers in China are humorously listing their jobs and colleagues for sale to alleviate stress and rid themselves of the "work smell," a term describing the mental and physical exhaustion after a long day. According to the South China Morning Post, listings include "annoying bosses," "terrible jobs," and "hated colleagues," priced between ₹4 and ₹9 lakh. One seller offers their job for ₹91,000, ensuring a return on investment within three months. Another lists a sarcastic colleague for 3,999 yuan (Rs 45,925), offering tips on managing them. A third price their "terrible boss" at 500 yuan (Rs 5,742), citing clashes and excessive criticism as causing mental stress.The postings are largely satirical, with sellers ensuring no actual transactions occur. If purchased, sellers promptly cancel or reject the sale. An anonymous seller explained to SCMP, "I refunded a buyer who paid once. This is just my way of venting emotions; I'm not actually selling anyone. I saw others doing it and found it interesting."