As "shrinking year-end bonuses," "hard-to-get vacations," "waves of pay cuts," and "job-hunting frustrations" become the year-end buzzwords, countless cross-border e-commerce workers are facing bitter challenges. How can professionals navigate these workplace difficulties and make an elegant transition?
1. $700 Base Salary: Should You Tolerate or Seek New Opportunities?
"My boss suddenly called me in to discuss reducing my base salary from $1,000 to $800. After probation, they complained my salary was too high and refused to pay social insurance. When my performance improved, they started deducting shipping costs from my commission, which wasn't part of our original agreement! First, they paid commissions monthly, then quarterly, and now just once a year! My commission was halved unless I accepted a pay cut to $600. Now they're giving me an ultimatum: accept the reduction or leave!" This complaint from a cross-border e-commerce operator resonated with many industry peers.
Similar stories are common. An Amazon team leader who entered the industry in 2017 faced disguised pay cuts: his boss demanded 25% of his base salary be tied to team performance, with additional deductions if targets weren't met.
"I was given an empty account to build from scratch," he explained. "From product selection to brand registration, VAT compliance, supplier negotiations, procurement, packaging, and shipping - everything fell on me and one assistant. We worked until 9 PM daily. After two months, we launched products using white-hat strategies with 40-50 daily orders. Just as sales trends improved, my boss cited 'poor performance' to cut my salary. I'm losing hope."
2. The Persistent Pain: Difficult Job Hunting and Salary Stagnation
With global economic downturns reducing Western online consumption, many cross-border e-commerce companies face declining profits. Over the past year, layoffs, hiring freezes, and business contractions have become commonplace.
Statistics show nearly 60% of cross-border companies conducted layoffs by November, meaning post-Lunar New Year will bring intense job market competition.
"Unemployed for two weeks in Shenzhen, I've interviewed at over a dozen companies with few offers," shared one job seeker.
"I'm in the same boat. After a month of searching, openings are scarce. Most companies are cutting costs, with few investing in hiring."
"Cross-border jobs are incredibly hard to find now! In first-tier cities, base salaries barely exceed intern pay. Those with financial pressures should think twice before resigning."
3. Surviving the Winter: Enhancing Your Professional Value
Rather than passively waiting, professionals should proactively strengthen their competitiveness through:
- Deepening Specialized Skills: Master platform algorithms, latest marketing techniques, and data analysis across operations, promotion, customer service, or supply chain management.
- Developing Versatile Abilities: Improve language proficiency, communication, teamwork, and project management skills to adapt to dynamic work environments.
- Embracing Continuous Learning: Stay updated on industry trends through training, publications, and policy changes to avoid obsolescence.
- Building Personal Brand: Share expertise on professional platforms to increase visibility and opportunities.
4. Year-End Reflections: Mixed Fortunes in Challenging Times
Despite market turbulence, opportunities persist. Fitness equipment brand JX Fitness's parent company filed for IPO, while Xiamen-based JiHong allocated $14 million in employee bonuses. Some fast-fashion companies even distributed six-figure year-end rewards.
"While some drink cold winds working overnight, others thrive," observed one professional. The industry's accelerated "survival of the fittest" in 2022 reshuffled players but proved the market remains viable.
5. Conclusion: Spring Will Follow Winter
The cross-border e-commerce winter may endure, but professionals who continuously learn, enhance value, and adapt will overcome challenges. As the new year approaches, may all industry participants navigate 2023's waves and achieve new heights.