Careering out of control

Li Ming, 28, a sales manager in Shenzhen, said he would leave his job this spring if his boss doesn't increase his salary in 2010.

"My expectation is not high at all," he said. "Businesses in my industry are getting prosperous again from the bottom. Why can't we get some compensation in 2010 for our slashed salaries since 2008?"

Like Li, many Chinese office employees are not optimistic about pay rises this year and would like to jump ship if their salary doesn't increase, according to a survey conducted by Zhaopin Ltd, one of the best known human resources service providers on the mainland.