Civil Service Now Gaining Popularity Among China’s Youth – Report
China’s civil service has become an increasingly coveted career path, with a record 3.4 million young people applying for exams this year. As reported by Reuters, this surge reflects the growing demand for job stability in an economy grappling with high youth unemployment and a weakened private sector. The allure of benefits like subsidized housing and lifetime job security continues to draw graduates, even as local governments face financial strain.
This “iron rice bowl” reputation, symbolizing secure government employment, has persisted despite mounting challenges for civil servants. Reuters’ interviews reveal that many now contend with salary reductions of up to 30%, delayed wages, and, in some cases, months without pay. These struggles underscore the economic pressures affecting public sector workers as local governments implement austerity measures.
Civil Service Craze Intensifies in China
The dramatic rise in civil service applications, which have tripled since 2014, mirrors the shrinking appeal of private-sector roles. The report suggests that government job openings have expanded from 14,500 in 2019 to nearly 40,000 this year. With the private economy hindered by a prolonged property crisis and subdued consumer spending, many young Chinese perceive government roles as the most viable route to a stable future.
Yet, this idealized view of civil service jobs contrasts sharply with the realities faced by current employees. As per the report, in some provinces, public servants earn as little as 4,000 yuan ($550) monthly while supporting families and managing personal debts. Austerity measures, including hiring freezes and natural attrition, have quietly reduced thousands of public sector positions since 2020, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of these roles.
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China’s civil service workforce has grown from 6.9 million in 2010 to 8 million today, alongside 31 million other public employees in areas such as education and healthcare. Despite the challenges, the strong demand for these positions underscores the lack of alternatives for a generation navigating an uncertain economic landscape. The surge in applications suggests that for many young Chinese, the promise of stability outweighs the risks of fiscal strain in government employment.
