Hit 35, and recruiters stop calling. You’re suddenly “too old” — even though you’re not even middle-aged. Welcome to China’s infamous “Curse of 35.” But now, Beijing is rethinking the rule. As China’s population ages and its workforce shrinks, the government is raising the civil service age cap from 35 to 43 — a small but symbolic shift. So, what’s really behind this curse? And is China the only one guilty of ageism? Palki Sharma tells you.