More Chinese leave gov't jobs for start-ups
越来越多公职人员离职创业

With power, security and a steady income, government jobs in China have long been coveted, even known as "iron rice bowls" due to their stability. But not so much anymore. As opportunities in start-up industry grow, more Chinese workers are leaving jobs in state-owned enterprises and the public sector.

Last year, Francis Mushan was a photo journalist for a state-owned news organization. But he quit, leaving the security of a government job to work at a new media start-up. He now writes car-travel stories on his own blog that are published on the popular messenging service WeChat.

"I want to start a new thing - WeChat subscriptions - that my old company won't support me in doing. My own account, named Auto-travel, is focused on travel information, and promoting car tips... It's more fun than newspapers..." Mushan said.

After less than a year, he says the start-up has almost a million subscribers between its contributors - and is making money. It's a sign that China's shift towards innovation-led growth is changing its labor market.

For decades, the most prized jobs in China involved working for the state - with a steady income and often, a job for life. But with the government now encouraging the private sector - to make the economy more competitive - small businesses and start-ups are offering increasingly attractive careers.

People like Jack Ma - founder of e-commerce giant, Alibaba - are inspiring a generation to seek greater freedom and fortunes in the private sector.

According to one Chinese human resources website, 34 percent more civil servants this year are looking to leave their jobs.

Tang Min - who advises the State Council - says more graduates are also joining private companies than state-owned enterprises.

"A recent survey shows... about 50 percent of college graduates found a job in the private sector. About five years ago, that number was just 40 percent... On the other hand, those working in state-owned enterprises, started from 32 percent and reduced to 23 or 24 percent," Tang said.

While the private sector is growing, he says SOES are hiring fewer new graduates.

"I think part of the reason is state owned enterprises are not performing well, so they do not have job openings. On the other hand, private sector does have better promotion opportunities. You can within four or five years, become a big boss," Tang said.

The government is also now supporting start-ups, through subsidies, tax cuts and training. While the country's crackdown on corruption is believed to be making official posts less lucrative.

As China's small businesses become big, they're likely to lure more talent in future.