Video | Why turning 35 feels like a career ‘death sentence’ for some Chinese tech workers

Millions of workers in China fear falling for the “curse of 35”, a term that originated on social media to describe tech employees at risk of being laid off once they reach that age.

The phrase has become widely used to suggest growing age discrimination amid a tight job market in the country. Many online job listings, including civil service posts, state explicitly that candidates should be no older than age 35.

So, why are 35-year-olds considered too old to work in China and which sectors are more susceptible to the “curse”?