China’s viral ‘dream job’: tough labour market fuels rush for unconventional work

When 22-year-old content creator Li Sichen beat nearly 3,600 applicants to become the first cloud observer at Laojun Mountain in Henan province, Chinese social media called it the ultimate dream job: earning 60,000 yuan (US$8,888) a month to simply “lie down and watch the clouds”. The reality proved far less casual, with early morning wake-ups, unpredictable alpine weather and relentless daily publishing deadlines quickly ending any illusion of a carefree holiday. Even so, Li’s temporary post...