The Real Truth

When many Africans think about coming to China, the first plan is usually simple: “Let me get a job and collect salary every month.” On paper it sounds easy, but in reality it is one of the hardest routes to survive here.

Out of 100 people who come with a pure “salary job” mindset, maybe 5 will actually land a proper, stable job. Even those 5 don’t get it by luck. There are many silent filters before an offer appears on the table: your passport, your skin colour, your accent, your major, your previous experience, even the city you are in. All these things can affect whether a company will even call you back.

Yes, you can find random “mini jobs” here and there – teaching one class, doing promotion work, helping at an event, or doing one-off translation – but that is not the same as having a structured life with a clear career path. Depending only on this kind of income is stressful and unpredictable.

China rewards people who open their minds

China can be very tough, but it is also full of opportunity if you are willing to open your mind. This country is built on speed, systems and connections. Once you start seeing beyond “job only”, you will realise there are many ways to create value and earn: e-commerce, sourcing for people back home, content creation, events, consulting, education, logistics and more.

On Hafrik we see the pattern clearly. The people who are progressing are not always the ones with the “perfect” background. They are the ones who are open to learn, willing to start small and ready to show up consistently. They attend events, they join communities, they ask questions, they test ideas and they use Hafrik to connect with other Africans, Chinese partners and opportunities around them.

If you are a student, plan your life early

If you are in China as a student, your planning must start long before graduation. Don’t wait until your final semester to start thinking about your future. From your first or second year you should already be experimenting:

• Try small side hustles – helping friends source products, selling simple items, offering translation or design services.
• Build relationships with lecturers, classmates, local businesses and the African community in your city.
• Use Hafrik to discover events, business owners, mentors and groups in your area.

Every small step is training. You are learning how the market works, how Chinese systems operate, how to talk to suppliers, how to manage payments, how to solve problems fast. By the time you are graduating, you should have at least one direction you are already testing, not a blank page.

Start small, then compound

In China, big results often come from small consistent moves. Maybe you start by helping one person back home buy a few items. You deliver well, communicate clearly, and they trust you. Next time they send a bigger order. They also introduce you to someone else. Before you know it, you are no longer just “a student”; you are now running a small sourcing business.

That is how many Hafrik members have grown: from one small WhatsApp request to handling serious shipments, events, classes or services. The key is to start early, deliver well and stay consistent even when it is not glamorous.

Choose your circle carefully

Another thing we’ve noticed: your circle can either speed you up or slow you down. Try not to spend all your time with people who only want to gist, complain and live for Friday nights. Surround yourself with people who want to see themselves grow, not just see you grow. When everyone in the circle is serious about their own life, the energy changes. Ideas flow differently, information is shared faster and even your mindset becomes sharper.

Hafrik is designed to help with this part. Instead of being alone in your hostel or apartment, you can plug into city communities, business owners, creators, professionals and students who are actually building something. One new connection can open a door you never expected.

Where Hafrik fits into your China journey

Hafrik is not a magic button, but it is a powerful companion:

• Communities: Join city groups and interest communities so you are never building alone.
• Businesses & services: Discover African and friendly Chinese businesses you can learn from, partner with or buy from safely.
• Events & opportunities: Find conferences, meet-ups, trade shows and workshops where real deals and relationships are built.
• Content: Read real stories, experiences and guides from people already navigating China so you don’t repeat the same mistakes.

The real truth

The real truth is this: coming to China only to “find job” is a risky plan. But coming to China with an open mind, a clear plan, the right community and a willingness to start small can change your life completely.

Whether you’re already here or still planning your move, Hafrik is here to help you find your people, learn faster and turn this China experience into something that actually works for you.