What is the Tang Ping (Lying Down) Movement? 5 Things You Should Know

The world is shifting. And so is the way we work.

You may have recently become aware of “The Great Resignation” movement, where individuals have voluntarily resigned from their job positions. If anything is becoming crystal clear, it’s that people are done with working hard and not getting adequate compensation for it.

Who wants to work 40 hours a week but merely only bring home enough to cover rent and food? Overtime without pay? No thanks. This is the general consensus that is sweeping the globe. And I think we can all agree that the average citizen deserves much more, especially with a looming recession. 

In China, the Tang Ping (Lying Down) Movement began in 2020. In direct opposition to the idea of “overwork,” individuals in China are literally lying down.

So, what should you know about this movement? Will it hit North America? Is this a generational issue? Here are five things you should know.

1. Tang Ping involves staged photos on social media.

These Tang Ping photos and memes have seemingly skipped on through China’s censorship laws. And this all began at the start of the COVID pandemic, eventually taking off in the thick of it during 2021. 

Undeniably, many youths across the globe were beginning to question their role and satisfaction in their life. Working 40+ hours a week (with some working 70 hours without overtime) just wasn’t cutting it. 

In fact, many individuals part of the Tang Ping movement have hung up their hustle work culture and traded it out for part-time jobs that allow them to take better advantage of their time.

Many of these individuals are recent graduates with higher education. However, it appears as though the economy can’t support these individuals, leaving them to take on jobs below their education level.

2. Tang Ping isn’t the only movement of its kind. 

Alright, so in North America, we’ve seen “The Great Resignation” taking place. And this is nowhere near over.

Some forums predict that 20% more people will quit their jobs this year alone.

Inevitably, there are tons of parallels here. It’s not just China nor is it just North America. The entire world is changing. The common ground here? Many are choosing to “break free” from the system and forge their own paths. Thanks to the internet, this is actually a huge possibility for many people!

We no longer necessarily need to rely on big companies to make a living for ourselves. Many individuals can make money at their fingertips via online platforms and by selling almost any and everything online!

Related Article: 10 Dos & Don’ts to Help You Adjust to a New Work Environment

3. Tang Ping is against the 996 working hour system.

The 996-hour system refers to working hours in China that many companies use. It involves working from 9 am to 9 pm, 6 days a week—meaning people literally work 72-hour weeks!

Many critics have called this type of working hour system “modern slavery.” However, this system was deemed illegal in China in 2021, meaning many companies no longer use it. 

In fact, within the Chinese courts, the employees have won every battle against this type of work hours, showing the shifting of views in China when it comes to overwork!

Times are changing. While work still needs to be done, the world, including China and North America, is starting to potentially realize the importance of rest when it comes to productivity. 

4. “Work-Hard, Play-Hard” is on its way out.

Bragging about working insane hours is no longer “in.”

With the emergence of books like Tim Ferris’s “The 4-Hour Work Week” (which was actually released in 2007) and technology taking over many jobs, people realize there are faster and better ways to do things. Plus, there’s more to life than work! 

The idea of balance has gained traction across the world. And there are even scientific studies to prove the importance of rest, creative activities, doing nothing, and more!

5. Contrary to popular belief, these types of movements aren’t because the next generation is “lazy.”

There’s a common pattern that happens between generations: The older generation often dubs the younger generation as “lazy.” And the Tang Ping and Great Resignation are no exception to these judgmental views.

More so, there’s a new emphasis on enjoying life, longevity, and health. We’re realizing all these compartments of life aren’t actually compartments.

Rather, everything is interconnected. When the population is healthier, we get more output and make more strides forward with innovation. When the population is better rested, same thing. It’s all coming full circle.

What Future Trends Should We Expect?

So, how will this all spill over into the future of work? Well, that’s tough to say. But here are a few predictions from things happening around the globe:

• There will be a move toward 3-4 day work weeks, with many companies already trying these out!
• Pay will depend on the value of skills or work. 
• Technology will continue to take over various industries and jobs (mostly thanks to AI and robotics).
• COVID has, undeniably, changed the way we work. Fewer office spaces are being utilized, and more “work-from-home” and “remote” jobs are underway.
• There will be global competition for jobs as companies utilize these remote positions and are able to hire from other countries.
• Many individuals will become freelancers as companies also realize the benefits of contractors to full-time employees.

Related Article: 5 Astonishing Differences Between Working Hard Compared to Working Smart

Expect Change…

“The future of work consists of learning a living.” – Marshall McLuhan

We have to learn to adapt to these incoming changes. But it’s not all bad. In fact, most of this is good news, indicating we will have more free time in our personal lives and to pursue our passions.

Tang Ping and the Great Resignation are all part of this change. At the same time, preparedness goes a long way.

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