Due to the economic downturn in mainland China and the streamlining of the system, the days of government officials enjoying “a cup of tea, a cigarette, and reading the newspaper for half a day” may be gone forever. Many officials who didn’t climb the ranks through connections but solely based on merit are finding themselves in a difficult situation within the system.
In recent years, under financial pressure, various regions on the mainland have been pushing forward with the restructuring and personnel adjustments of public institutions, gradually reclaiming positions through a process known as “removing three positions, combining two, and recruiting one.” For example, Jiangsu Province has already initiated streamlined restructuring in its public services.
A resident from Shanghai, Ms. Lin (pseudonym), mentioned that now there are fewer personnel positions available and many retirees are being rehired. She cited the example of an 80-year-old gentleman still holding a position without giving the younger generation opportunities. Apart from being a mascot, the older staff members rely on assistants to do everything.
Some netizens expressed concerns about the current situation, highlighting the intense competition within the system where everyone is busy with their tasks. The reduction in personnel positions has led to scenarios where older staff members retire and only one new recruit is brought in, creating a workload imbalance.
Government administrative units, including hospitals, have started to experience a norm of salary cuts and delayed payments. Mr. Ju from Shandong revealed that many grassroots contract workers have been laid off. Local hospitals have been collecting detailed information from employees in an attempt to streamline the workforce, while some units have fallen three months behind on salary payments.
Lin, who used to work as a civil engineer in Shanghai, switched to become a public servant three years ago hoping for a stable and relaxed job. However, she faced a nightmare scenario as she found herself surrounded by colleagues who secured their positions through connections rather than merit.
Lin disclosed to journalists that many of her colleagues falsify their work, especially during audits and annual reports. She described a culture of falsifying data, documenting everything through photos and videos, all while engaging in office politics and encountering hidden rules within the system.
Her workload was overwhelming, managing various tasks and responsibilities ranging from logistics to public relations and handling complaints. The stress eventually started affecting her health, leading to a serious health scare that made her rethink her career choices.
The pressure of working in major cities has prompted some individuals to consider relocating to smaller county towns for a potentially better quality of life. However, the economic challenges faced by many of these smaller towns, coupled with an aging population and the outflow of young talent, paints a bleak picture for their future.
Eric, a dissident from Jiangsu, observed that the economic situation post-pandemic has deteriorated significantly, with deserted streets and malls, indicating a collapse of the economy and a sense of despair among the population.
The exodus of people from smaller towns has been steadily increasing over the past decade, posing a serious challenge for the local economies. The reduction in personnel positions within these towns is a sign of their economic struggles, with many facing financial constraints and an aging population exacerbating the situation.
In light of these issues, some individuals are contemplating whether to stay in these smaller towns or make the leap to larger cities in search of better opportunities. The economic hardships and challenges faced by those within the system highlight the growing financial strain faced by local governments and institutions.
As the economic landscape evolves in China, the repercussions of these changes are felt at both the individual and societal levels, underscoring the need for structural reforms to address the shifting dynamics in the country’s workforce and public sector.