Obsession, the most fun job in China, and a new green card policy

Summary of Obsession, the most fun job in China, and a new green card policy

by NPR

9m•May 29, 2026
Listen to Episode

Overview of NPR's The Indicator: "Obsession, the Most Fun Job in China, and a New Green Card Policy"

This episode is an Indicators of the Week segment that spotlights three very different but revealing economic signals: intense interest in a shepherd job in rural China, the unusual box-office momentum of the horror film Obsession, and a new U.S. green card policy that could significantly complicate the lives of many immigrants already living in the country.

Key Indicators and What They Suggest

700 applicants for two shepherd jobs in rural China

  • Reuters reported that roughly 700 people applied for just two shepherd positions in rural China.
  • The story resonated because many applicants, including some with university degrees, seem to view even physically demanding farm work as preferable to poor urban job prospects.
  • The episode connects this to broader concerns about China’s economy and labor market:
    • Many jobs are perceived as harsh and overworked, with the “996” culture mentioned: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week.
    • The shepherd role paid above the national urban average for private companies and included food and housing.
    • Despite the interest, the job itself was tough: caring for 3,000 sheep near Mongolia in extreme cold, down to -22°F.
  • The eventual hires were two couples with farm experience, underscoring how demanding the role really is.

39% increase in second-weekend ticket sales for Obsession

  • The horror film Obsession saw a 39% jump in ticket sales from opening weekend to its second weekend, which is rare for wide-release films.
  • The movie is about a young man who makes a supernatural wish that his crush will love him “more than anyone else in the world,” with disastrous results.
  • The episode highlights the filmmaker’s unusual path:
    • Director Curry Barker started with comedy videos on YouTube.
    • He later made a horror film that was released free on YouTube and gained attention.
    • Obsession premiered at Toronto International Film Festival, landed distribution, and became a surprise box-office hit.
  • The film reportedly cost under $1 million to make but has earned over $60 million so far.
  • The hosts also note a broader trend: other young creators from web/video backgrounds are breaking into horror filmmaking.

1.4 million green cards issued in 2024, alongside a new policy shift

  • The episode notes that 1.4 million immigrants received green cards in 2024.
  • Most green cards each year go to people already living in the U.S. through adjustment of status.
  • The new policy from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services says that an immigrant in the U.S. temporarily who wants a green card must return to their home country to apply.
  • The change could create major uncertainty:
    • It may force people to leave the U.S. for months or years.
    • The agency says there may be exceptions for “extraordinary circumstances,” but it does not define what qualifies.
  • The hosts frame this as part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to restrict not only illegal immigration but also legal immigration.
  • NPR asks affected listeners to contact the show, indicating this policy may be evolving and may face legal challenges.

Main Takeaways

  • Economic signals often show up in unexpected places: job applications, movie box office patterns, and immigration policy changes can all reveal broader shifts.
  • The China segment suggests job quality and working conditions may be driving people toward seemingly unusual opportunities.
  • The Obsession segment shows how social media-era creators can turn online popularity into theatrical success, especially in horror.
  • The green card policy segment highlights new uncertainty for immigrants already in the U.S., especially those seeking lawful permanent residency.

Notable Themes

  • Wish fulfillment and unintended consequences: echoed in the horror movie plot and the episode’s playful opening.
  • Labor conditions and precarity: from China’s work culture to immigration status in the U.S.
  • The power of digital platforms: YouTube and TikTok are shaping both entertainment discovery and career paths.

Call to Action Mentioned in the Episode

  • NPR asks listeners who may be affected by the new green card policy to reach out:
    • Email: indicator@npr.org
    • Signal: adrianma.10
  • They request that people share their stories and note that information will not be shared without permission.