China jobs: 5 per cent cut in central government workforce means greater competition for ‘iron bowl’ jobs
- Even with Beijing planning to cut positions over the next year in a bid to streamline bureaucracy, young people are still seeking state jobs in record numbers
- Civil service positions have been increasingly sought after in recent years, particularly among fresh Chinese graduates who are facing fewer opportunities, rising living costs and mounting uncertainties
Despite China’s recent announcement of sweeping job cuts within the central government, a position in a state department is still the most desirable employment option for stability-minded young people such as Norah Shen.
For decades, working for the Chinese government or state-owned enterprises was considered the pinnacle of stability and success. Then the inexorable rise of tech created what were deemed “golden bowl” jobs before government crackdowns, lay-offs and allegations of overwork started to show how not all that shines is gold.
Seeking a master’s degree in sociology at Shanghai University, Shen acknowledged that there will also be limited employment options in her field.
“Of course, I’ll have my worries even if I pass the exams. The population is quickly ageing. The government is under a lot of financial pressure. Even civil servants have to face lay-offs and pay cuts,” she said.