High-paying job openings in the technology industry are attracting the attention of young people. The picture shows the Wanping Technology Factory in Hsinchu Science Park. (File photo, provided by Savills)
In Hsinchu, where the technology industry is concentrated, when it comes to young people's career choices, high salaries, dividends and annual salaries of millions often attract the most attention. In comparison, the treatment of civil servants seems tame. However, high-paying job openings in the technology industry are not representative of the overall job market. The discussion of whether public office is worth the investment should go back to the job opportunities young people actually have, and the lives they expect to live.
In terms of salary, public employment is not uncompetitive. According to statistics from the General Accounting Office, the median monthly regular salary for national full-time employees in industry and service industries in 2025 is 39,890 yuan; the government-announced starting salary for civil servants at level 3 of the general college entrance examination is 55,160 yuan, and that for general college entrance examination is 42,970 yuan. These figures do not control for differences in academic qualifications, years of experience and majors, nor do they include comparisons of annual bonuses. This cannot be used to conclude that public salaries are better than those in the private sector, but it is enough to illustrate that high salaries in the technology industry alone cannot be used to conclude that civil servant salaries are unattractive.
For people with the majors required by high-paying industries, choosing public employment may mean giving up a larger space for income growth; but for those who value fixed income, family arrangements and long-term life planning, the predictability provided by public employment is equally valuable. The pursuit of stability is a choice made after weighing risks and life needs, and should not be seen as a lack of ambition.
However, stability does not mean leisure, nor does it guarantee the quality of life. Public servants may face pressure from public complaints, deadline assignments, cross-agency coordination and administrative responsibilities. There is a gap between the fact that there is a vacation in the system and whether one can actually take a vacation with peace of mind. Manpower allocation, supervisor attitude and unit culture often directly affect work experience. Therefore, in addition to understanding the salary before applying, you should also evaluate the business content, distribution location, overtime situation and transfer restrictions.
Who are more suitable for public office? Those who value income predictability, are willing to accumulate expertise over a long period of time, and are able to accept legal administrative and procedural requirements are worthy of consideration. If you identify with public service and are willing to patiently communicate and coordinate different positions, you are more likely to find a sense of accomplishment in your work. On the contrary, those who attach great importance to rapid salary growth, work autonomy and immediate rewards should carefully evaluate the gap between expectations and the system. If you only hold on to the imagination that "you can live an easy life if you pass the exam", you will easily be disappointed.
The value of public service also includes the opportunity to improve public life. A clear policy statement and an implemented safety measure may solve the problem for the people. However, credibility is not the aura that comes with a professional title. It must be accumulated through a professional, fair and responsible attitude.
If the government wants to attract young people, it must not only emphasize job stability, but also provide reasonable workloads, transparent promotions, professional training, and practically enforceable vacation rights. Only when institutional guarantees are implemented in daily life can the advantages of public office be convincing.
The tech industry deserves investment, and public office deserves serious consideration. What young people need is to fully understand the rewards and costs of various jobs and then choose a path that suits them. The competitiveness of public service comes not only from remuneration and security, but also from whether it enables people to work responsibly while maintaining space for a good life.
(The author is a director of the National Civil Service Association of the Republic of China/part-time university lecturer)
