Civil service no longer seen as El Dorado

Chinese examinees walk towards an exam site to attend the 2015 China National Civil Service Examination in Nanjing city, East China's Jiangsu province, Nov 30, 2014. [Photo/IC]

A 29-YEAR-OLD MAN in Central China's Henan province has reportedly taken 62 civil service examinations at all levels during the last eight years. Beijing Youth Daily commented on Thursday:

Many may find the dedicated Henan examinee's unusual achievement bewildering, even suggest his efforts are foolish, since the married man has reportedly spent about 90,000 yuan ($14,000) just to take the exams in one place or another even though he does not have a permanent job and is struggling most of the time to support his family. But he believes becoming a civil servant will be worth all the money and effort, and his choice should be respected.

Being a civil servant is still regarded by some as a profession second to none. But the truth is, although government posts still have their advantages, they are just normal jobs and no longer privileged positions for a select few.

This is not to say being a civil servant is not a desirable occupation, as it is still a decent career choice. But job-seekers should drop the out-dated mindset that it is the career that offers the best pathway to the good life. There are other careers worth pursuing.

On the other hand, those who harbor a dream of working in the civil service system should not be judged with bias. Not all of them choose it as the fast-track to a comfortable lifestyle, some do aspire to serve the public.

Therefore, there is no need to make a mountain out of a molehill when it comes to young people pursuing a government post, since it is gradually becoming just another possible career for most job-seekers.