New generation of returnees: Endeavor and compromise

Gao Yuan (L) and Kailey Xi (R) [Photos provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

However, finding a job in China is not easy for some returnees. Because economic slowdown is depressing the job market while the number of graduates is still on a rise - 2016 will see about 7.56 million domestic graduates, the largest ever in history.

One of the biggest challenges for returnees is missing out on the major job-seeking season at home, according to a report released by the Center for China and Globalization.

Some overseas graduates do desire to polish their resume by working abroad for one year or two. But many finally had to return to China after encountered countless difficulties.

Visa is the first barrier they have to overcome.

Kailey Xi, 26, is such a case. She is an alumna of Columbia University whose parents moved to the US when she was a teenager.

Others are rejected by their most admired companies.

Gao Yuan, 31, was rejected three times in a row by TUV Rheinland, the global leading provider of technical certification, before he finally got a offer from Volkswagen FAW Engine Cooperation in Changchun, capital of Northeast China's Jilin province.

Either determined or hesitating to be back in the first place, most returnees interviewed are enjoying themselves back in China, although some admit it takes a while for them to adapt to the new job position.

"When I finally came back to Beijing, I surprisingly found that there were more opportunities here. For now, I think that China is a place where you can achieve as high as you dare to dream,” said Kailey Xi.