Civil servants are not special

With some of this year's 7.49 million university graduates set to be recruited as civil servants, public perception that it is the best way to enjoy a good life has once again surfaced.

Public servants have long been viewed by some as enjoying an "iron rice bowl", a phrase referring to an occupation with guaranteed job security, as well as steady income and benefits, and linked to "working in a leisurely manner" with opportunities to earn "gray income".

But in contrast to this perception, many civil servants, especially those at the grassroots level, often complain of their heavy workloads, low salaries, and that they receive none of the extra benefits enjoyed that people assume.