Burned out by COVID, Chinese professionals take up nomadic life: 'I wasted so much time'

Stuck at home, burned out, with murmurs of layoffs at her company growing, Chu began to realize that she didn't really like her work-driven life. In a 2022 report by Peking University and Chinese recruitment platform Zhaopin, about 73% of respondents wanted to become digital nomads. "I just realized, I think going to work is not for me." However, it has allowed somewhat of a resumption of normal life and work, buoying hopes for an economic recovery. “I just hope that this life can last longer.”At night, she often takes long walks around the tranquil village.