With such a large part of the population referred to as 'rich second generation' or NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training), some highly educated graduates in China are accepting positions such as nannies, waste traders or even night soil collectors. To some of them, these are not vulgar or dirty jobs, but rather work experiences that will enrich their lives.
Two years ago, about 400 university graduates applied for jobs cleaning up excrement in Jinan, capital city of northeast China's Shandong Province. Five of them showed particular skill at the task and went on to become full-time night soil collectors. One of them was Wang Yanfeng, a descendant of Shi Chuanxiang, an honorable night soil collector who was received by former Chinese President Liu Shaoqi at the Great Hall of the People in 1959.
Many believe that what attracts these highly educated people is not only the monthly salary of 2,500 yuan (US$386, a high salary in Jinan), but also the status of working for the government.
Job involves more than collecting excrement
On the afternoon of June 15, Meng Jia, Su Hao and Xin Hongyan, who had been working as night soil collectors for two years, met the reporter at the Jinan Environment Council. When asked about their responsibilities, Xie Hua, their director, answered instead, saying: "Today I called them in to help us with some publicity materials. They are all well educated, so I not only make them clean up excrement. They have to do some other work from time to time."
According to local media, the Environment Council had 'taught them a lesson' of strict discipline when the graduates went on duty their first day. They were told not to accept interviews, but if they had to they should only use official answers.
Xie added, "I can only tell you that they are all excellent at their work. But I do not want to see them facing the media. In the past two years, many have hoped to interview them. They all think it is negative to become night soil collectors, and the employees have been under great pressure. But just like other people, they must also get married. The job brings them much difficulty."
Satisfied with salary
Yanfeng's first job after graduation from Shandong Television and Radio Broadcasting University was as a technical worker, a job he said paid him "only 800 yuan (US$123) per month."
Later, Wang realized the importance of the status that comes with working for a government affiliated institution, and applied for the night soil collecting position. Now he has a monthly salary of 2,500 yuan.
Meng Jia is also very satisfied with her income. She told us that she earned more than 1,000 yuan in the first month and immediately bought her mother a suit, which made her very happy.
Female night soil collector to wed
Meng Jia, a 1.74-meter-tall girl, is probably the last person you would think of as a night-soil collector. She is scheduled to get married on October 1.
Meng has worked at the position for two years, and said it is really not easy for girls. Every day she has to get up around 4 a.m., and whenever people scorn her or cover their noses she feels very sad. She has never considered the job undignified.
Meng said she will not give up though. Her fiancé loves her very much and supports her in the job. Talking about their wedding, Meng was happy and excited.
