Grandparents are still working as cleaners with over 10 million yuan
In recent news from Chinese social media platforms like Weibo, stories of grandparents working as cleaners despite having millions or even over 100 million yuan have sparked a heated discussion among netizens. These accounts highlight the peculiar behavior of some individuals who seem to be incapable of staying idle, even with substantial wealth.
22 October 2023
One such story revolves around a grandmother in Guangzhou who was granted land compensation worth 150 million yuan but continues to work as a garbage collector. The source explains how her only change is no longer picking up filthy garbage due to her immense wealth. This has led to various reactions on Weibo, with some expressing sympathy for the grandmother, while others highlighted the strange behaviors of people in Guangdong.
While it's true that many individuals enjoy staying active and engaged, this trend among older citizens appears unusual, especially given their wealth. According to a Weibo video by Entertainment Exploration, some appliance maintenance workers believe that wealth alone isn't as fulfilling as earning even just one penny daily. This sentiment resonates with the experiences of many grandparents who feel the need to continue working despite having substantial assets.
For instance, a garment wholesale business owner in his 50s, who has been in the industry for over 20 years, works as a network administrator earning 3500 yuan per month. He owns two cars: a Land Rover and a Porsche. His story is one of many that showcase how people, regardless of age or wealth, often find it difficult to stay idle.
In Zhejiang province, many individuals over the age of 70 or 80 are still seeking employment, even though they have millions in assets. This phenomenon has left some wondering why these elderly Zhejiang residents can't rest and enjoy their retirement. Some friends of these individuals attribute this to a competitive spirit that is deeply ingrained in the local culture.
A common scenario shared among Weibo netizens involves elevator encounters with cleaning ladies, who are known for their dedication to their jobs despite possessing substantial wealth. In one such instance, an individual pressed -1 on the elevator while a cleaner pressed 1, highlighting how even those with millions at their disposal continue to work diligently, often in roles that others might deem beneath them.
There are also cases of elderly individuals who find enjoyment in everyday tasks like collecting paper clips or working as train conductors. Weibo netizens have discussed the pleasures of the rich and questioned whether such happiness is reproducible for others.
As a Chinese proverb goes, 'If you don't manage your money, the money won't respect you,' emphasizing the need to be financially responsible. Many netizens agree that staying active and engaged in something one enjoys is vital for mental health and wellbeing, regardless of age or wealth.
Despite these views, some individuals remain adamant about going to work even if they had a hundred million yuan. They argue that an idle lifestyle is not conducive to personal growth and satisfaction. Weibo netizens have shared their own experiences and thoughts on this trend among the elderly, sparking an extensive discussion on what it means to truly live a fulfilling life.
In conclusion, these stories and reactions from Chinese social media showcase the diverse perspectives and behaviors of individuals in different stages of life. While some find contentment in staying active and engaged, others struggle with managing their wealth or maintaining a balance between work and leisure.