Virgos suffering ‘astrological discrimination’ in China

IMAGINE being turned down for a job not because of your skills or experience, but your star sign. It sounds crazy, but this really happens.

No one wants to hire Virgos

IMAGINE being turned down for a job not because of your skills and experience, or even whether you’re a man or a woman, but when you were born.

We’re not talking about age discrimination. In China, astrology is serious business, and crazy as it sounds, one star sign has more trouble finding work than most.

According to Christopher Beam, China-based writer with New Republic magazine, astrology discrimination in China is very real — and Virgos cop the brunt of it.

Those born between August 23 and September 22 are mocked online for being picky, spoiled, and fussy to the point of being obsessive-compulsive.

“Virgos are perfectionists, so they’ll often criticise other people,” Felicia Jiang, founder of popular astrology website NoDoor.com, told New Republic. “It’s easy to notice, and easy to exaggerate.”

Some even have trouble in the job market. According to an online survey conducted by Sina, Virgos were named as the astrological sign which has the most trouble finding work.

“While companies don’t usually rule out Virgos explicitly, they will emphasise the kind of people they do hire,” Beam writes.

“One Hong Kong travel agency wrote in a job posting that it was looking to hire a Gemini, Libra, or Aquarius. A real estate company in Ningbo reportedly rejected an applicant because he was a Scorpio.”

A hashtag campaign was launched earlier this year by users of social media platform Weibo, urging people to take back the word “Virgo” by putting a positive spin on stereotypically Virgo qualities.

Companies have even gotten involved, with air conditioner maker Haier posting on social media: “[Virgos] might have OCD, fear dirt, and be endlessly picky. But that’s because, like Haier central air conditioners, they’re always seeking perfection!”

On the other hand, there is one Virgo who definitely doesn’t have to worry about getting a job: China’s richest man, Alibaba founder Jack Ma.

Originally published as Virgos suffering ‘astrological discrimination’ in China