Former real estate director turns to street vending after layoffs

Chen Lutong, a 45-year-old former real estate director with a master's degree, has turned to street vending in Tianjin to cover her mortgage after losing her high-paying job. Previously earning up to 45,000 NDT per month, Chen spent over a decade in the industry, working on high-end projects in Beijing.

Following the downturn in the Chinese real estate market around 2022, Chen was laid off. Despite submitting over 100 resumes and being willing to accept significantly lower salaries, she struggled to find stable employment, noting that many companies avoid hiring workers in their mid-40s.

To manage a monthly mortgage payment of approximately 8,000 NDT on a home purchased in 2019, she began selling fruit, roasted sweet potatoes, and corn near subway stations. Her situation has gained social media attention, sparking discussions regarding ageism in the workforce and the economic shifts within the real estate sector.