Comparison of high salaries and permanent positions
“At 34, I passed the exam,” said Ming Zhen. Previously, Ming was a programmer at an internet company, earning nearly 400,000 RMB annually. “During the boom years of short videos, my year-end bonus was 120,000 RMB.”
“I already have a baby, in order for her to get a Beijing census register, I chose to participate in the most competitive national examination.”
The census register in Beijing, China, is very difficult to obtain except for aborigines, but passing the national exam is one way to achieve it. A child can access top-notch educational resources only with a Beijing census register.
Beijing’s admission rate for the college entrance exams is the highest in the country, and children of citizens without a Beijing census register can only return to their place of domicile to take the exams. In order to provide better educational opportunities for her children, Ming went down this path.
In their 30s, candidates often have years of work experience and skills but still desire stable jobs within the system.
“Have you heard that 35 is a threshold for programmers? Companies often lay off employees over 35 first,” Ming said.
“I don’t know if you have heard that 35 years old is a threshold for programmers. Company layoffs prioritise employees over 35 years old.” Ming said.
Choosing to apply for the civil service face not only means picking up the books again, an intense preparation process, but also need to find a balance between family, work and study. Many people are busy at work during the day, picking the night to read at night and using weekends for training classes and mock exams.
“Daddy, what are you writing?” The baby always asks curiously.
The preparation journey was not just Ming’s battle; it also required family support and understanding. His wife took on more household chores and childcare, allowing him to focus on his studies.
Behind the success
In China’s civil service recruitment regulations, the age limit for applying for civil service is between 18 and 35. This limit makes age 35 the last chance for many working professionals to pursue a stable job.
“I’ve seen many students in their 30s quit their jobs to focus on the civil service exam. They work harder than others because they have no way out.” said Teacher Liangxue.
The high salary and the reality of being a civil servant
In his 30s, Ming had already accumulated rich experience and skills in the workplace. However, 35 became an insurmountable barrier in his career. Many companies prefer to lay off employees over 35 first, prompting Ming to seek a new career path.
“Anyone who passes the exam at this age has experienced many failures. I’ve never seen anyone lucky enough to pass on the first try.” Ming said.
During a year and a half of preparation, he practised over 20,000 exam questions, far exceeding the average.
“There’s no performance pressure, the cafeteria food is good, and while there is overtime, it’s not as intense as my previous job. Of course, my salary was cut in half.”
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Ming can work there until retirement.
“The most touching are those pregnant women who were laid off and continued to prepare for the exam during their pregnancy, striving for a stable future for their unborn children. They put in immense effort.” Liang xue said.