Why Millions in China Are Fighting for a 'Job for Life' in the Public Sector

Record-Breaking Interest in Civil Service Exams

A staggering 3.7 million people have registered for China's national civil service exam this weekend, marking a historic high. This surge reflects a significant shift among Chinese workers who are increasingly seeking the stability and security of public sector employment over the uncertainties of the private sector.

Key Changes and Competition

The government has recently raised the age limits for applicants:

• General candidates: from 35 to 38 years old
• Postgraduate degree holders: from 40 to 43 years old

With only 38,100 vacancies available nationwide, the competition is fierce—averaging 97 applicants per job. Some positions are exceptionally sought-after; for instance, an immigration officer role in Ruili, Yunnan province, attracted 6,470 applicants for a single opening.

Economic and Social Drivers

This trend is driven by China's challenging economic landscape:

• High youth unemployment: The rate stands at 17.3% for 16- to 24-year-olds (excluding students), down from a peak of 21.3% before the government revised its methodology.
• Economic pressures: Factors like the trade war, weak post-pandemic consumer demand, and a surge in graduates—12.7 million expected next year—are pushing people toward secure jobs.
• Job market shifts: There's a move away from high-pay, high-skill roles in manufacturing and construction to low-pay, low-skill gig economy jobs with uncertain benefits.

The Appeal of the 'Iron Rice Bowl'

Civil service jobs are often referred to as the "iron rice bowl", symbolizing a job for life with reliable benefits and pensions. This contrasts with the private sector, where some debt-ridden local authorities have struggled to pay wages. The desire for stability has led to a cultural shift from xiahai ("jumping into the sea" of commercial risk) to shangan ("landing ashore" in the public sector).

Exam Challenges and Preparation

The civil service exam is notoriously difficult, covering subjects like law, physics, biology, politics, and reasoning. Since last year, it includes a section on political theory, focusing on analyzing problems using the Communist Party's ideologies, such as Xi Jinping's speeches.

Preparing for the exam is a major commitment. For example, one 35-year-old mother shared her routine on social media, involving 4-5 hours of sleep per night, early morning study sessions, and balancing childcare with exam prep.

Broader Implications

The raised age limits help address the "curse of 35", where older workers face hiring discrimination, but they also bring challenges for those juggling family responsibilities. This shift underscores deeper issues in China's economy and the growing preference for secure government jobs amid instability.