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In a surprising turn of events, the crowded field of resignation bloggers has welcomed an unexpected addition: Jack, a British national who recently left his position as a game designer at NetEase, one of China's largest tech companies. His story has not only captivated the gaming community but also drawn attention from those outside the industry, offering a unique perspective on the experience of foreigners working in China's demanding tech sector.
Jack's journey, from his initial enthusiasm to eventual burnout, has resonated with many Chinese netizens who recognize the all-too-familiar "taste of overtime" in his narrative. Born in Yorkshire, England, Jack studied Spanish and Chinese at the University of Manchester, spending his junior year as an exchange student at Beijing Normal University. His interest in gaming led him to stumble upon a job opportunity in China's gaming industry shortly before his graduation.
In August 2022, Jack proudly shared a photo of his employee badge on social media, brimming with optimism about his future at NetEase. He initially praised aspects of life in China, such as the efficiency and affordability of healthcare, contrasting it with long wait times for medical appointments in the UK.
However, by April 2024, cracks began to show in Jack's positive facade. He revealed the frequent overtime and late-night work messages, though he still tried to maintain a positive outlook, describing himself as "tired but happy." The turning point came in early July when Jack hinted at considering resignation, citing exhaustion.
On July 12, Jack officially resigned from NetEase. His social media posts starkly contrasted his pre-resignation and post-resignation states, humorously noting how even coffee tasted better after leaving his job. Recently married to a Chinese woman he met during his final year in the UK, Jack emphasized that family, not work, was his priority.
Post-resignation, Jack has shifted his focus to creating social media content, sharing videos that compare Chinese and Western cultures. His aim is to bridge the knowledge gap between domestic and international audiences. Regarding his future in the gaming industry, Jack expressed a desire to take a break and enjoy life before making any career decisions.
The online reaction to Jack's "big tech adventure" has been largely supportive and humorous. Many netizens found his story both entertaining and relatable, with comments ranging from sympathetic to playfully teasing. One user quipped, "Workplace feng shui bites, dooming you to fade away," while another found solace in the fact that "even foreigners get tired from work."
Jack's wife joined in the fun, dubbing his experience a "foreign awakening movement" in a wordplay on the Chinese term for "consciousness-raising movement."
Reflecting on his time at NetEase, Jack doesn't regret his all-in approach to work, viewing it as a necessary phase for many young professionals entering the workforce. However, he's realized that the fast-paced lifestyle may not align with his personal goals.
As Jack potentially transitions from a "resignation blogger" to a "travel blogger," many hope he will continue to produce content that showcases China's rapid development and warm human touch to international audiences. His story has not only entertained but also sparked discussions about work-life balance and cultural exchanges in an increasingly globalized work environment.
