A job may not make life perfect
Graduation from university is no longer a sure route to success and prosperity for mainlanders. With keen competition in the job market, good offers are hard to find.
Liang Ruiting recently found a job five months after graduating from university. It seemed good news, but she faced another problem.
The workplace is far from Liang's home. To arrive on time, she has to leave home before 7am. She takes the bus and train to get to work, which takes almost 1 1/2 hours.
'It's very tiring for me to get to my workplace,' she said. 'But I have to force myself to concentrate on working as soon as I get there.'
Liang dislikes her work environment. She hates not having her own desk. There are five employees, but only three desks are available, so she has to share a desk.
Although she has a job, life is not easy.
'The salary is very low. After spending on daily necessities, such as food and travel, I do not have much left. Working conditions are poor. To be honest, I really want to quit,' Liang said.
But she does not dare resign, because she is not confident she can find another job any time soon.
'It's really terrible to stay at home and have nothing to do after graduating. I need a job badly now. That's why I am sticking to my present job,' she said.
Guo Ting, who graduated last year, has also had trouble starting her career.
'I quit my first job recently,' she said.
Guo worked for half a year before quitting. Working conditions were comfortable, and her colleagues were easy to get along with, but as time went by, she gradually lost her interest and motivation.
'It didn't fit my career plan at all,' she said.
Guo is not in a rush to look for another job. She said, 'It will be a waste of time if I choose a job that I don't really like.'
