An 18-year-old woman in China has made headlines after it was revealed that she’s been living in her office toilet to avoid expensive rent. The young woman, known only as Yang, couldn’t afford to live outside on her modest salary, so she arranged with her employer to stay in the office’s restroom instead — for just RMB50 (around RM30) per month.
Yang earns approximately RMB2,700 monthly (roughly RM1,640), but rental prices in the city hover around RMB1,800 (RM1,100), leaving her with little left for basic needs. Desperate to save money and stay safe, she opted for the company’s toilet space, measuring just six square metres, over other options like cheap rental rooms or unused office corners.
Determined to make it feel like home, Yang brought in a foldable bed, installed a curtain for privacy, and added cooking tools and a clothes rack. Despite its unconventional nature, she describes the space as clean and odour-free. She even leaves the door unlocked and says she hasn’t experienced any theft or disturbances so far.
The toilet is still used by colleagues during the day, and Yang takes responsibility for cleaning it daily. It’s her way of maintaining hygiene in what she now considers her bedroom — and she insists it’s working.
Her employer, a woman named Xu, sympathized with Yang’s struggle. Xu even allowed her to stay at her home temporarily and has been supportive of her situation. According to reports from the South China Morning Post, Yang had considered living in other low-cost accommodations — such as a room costing RMB400 (RM243) — but ultimately felt the office toilet offered more security and was conveniently close to her job.
Xu now plans to relocate Yang to a newly renovated room in the office, providing her with a more suitable and private space to live in.
Yang’s story has sparked conversations online about the rising cost of living for young people in urban China, especially those who are just starting their careers. While her decision may seem extreme, it reflects the harsh reality faced by many trying to make ends meet in cities where wages often lag behind the cost of housing.
Information Source: World of Buzz
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