Building Without a Floor Plan

There's a certain freedom that comes with simplicity.

On the eve of his retirement after working in the same factory for 30 years, my father still had trouble putting down his tools. Through the daily routine of his work, he forged some of his closest friendships. In contrast he views my working life as one in constant upheaval. I graduated 11 years ago and yet the longest I've stayed at a company is less than 3 years. Even when I'm not changing jobs, employees come and go so frequently that very few colleagues become close friends.

(The effects of modernization have brought about jarring changes to social structures in Chinese society/CFP)

In many ways this contrast epitomizes the transformations to Chinese society over the past generation. The difference between the concept of "work units" of the previous generation and today's modern Chinese companies are possibly best described like this: Work units, with their long-term employment and stable interpersonal relationships, are like a cosy village while companies, which emphasize independence, are like bustling cities.