Survey: Consumption down, but white-collar workers upbeat on job prospects

Tight financial budgets and anxiety over life and work are concerns for China's white-collar professionals, according to a report released on Monday by Zhaopin, an online recruitment platform.

The report, which focuses on job satisfaction among white-collar professionals, was based on the results of 15,817 questionnaires and uses 10 indicators including salary, personal relationships and health condition.

In regard to finances, about 22 percent of professionals surveyed said they are in debt, while about 20 percent have 10,000 to 30,000 yuan ($1,450 to $4,350) in savings.

However, about 50 percent said they are still positive about their job prospects, and nearly 30 percent were confident of their future development at work.

Zhaopin said the financial conditions of white-collar professionals are closely related to their salaries and consumption habits. Some professionals surveyed said they spend all their money before the end of a month, causing them to experience financial difficulties. 

Over 50 percent surveyed said they had experienced consumption downgrading this year, according to the report.

The lower the salary of the professional, the greater he or she is affected by consumption downgrading, the report said.

About 70 percent with wages of about 3,000 yuan a month said they have a lower quality of life, while only 40 percent with wages over 20,000 yuan complained of a consumption downgrade problem.