Now being an official is becoming less like before. I used to think that reaching a position like a section chief or deputy director meant you were a winner in life. But now?

Many people have received promotions but voluntarily give up their real power positions. It's not that they don't want to work; it's that they really can't anymore. The weekends of grassroots officials are spent half on overtime and half dealing with inspections. The pandemic hasn't stopped for three years, and now although it's eased, the assessments are more detailed. If you consistently have the lowest performance ratings, your rank could be demoted.

I'm not trying to scare you; there are indeed people who have been reassigned. Young people shouldn't just focus on leadership positions. Nowadays, those who can use Excel to create data reports and understand the government’s big data platform are more likely to be remembered. It's not that you need to be a technical expert; you just need to understand a little more than others.

While others are still writing reports, you can already use the system to automatically generate analysis charts—these kinds of people are promoted quietly but quickly. Mid-level officials shouldn't stubbornly stick to the “top leader.” If you take a level 4 research position, the benefits won’t decrease, but the pressure can be halved. Switching to special projects or leading projects, not sitting in the office, and not having meetings every day makes life much more comfortable.

Some people have been section chiefs for ten years and only realize when they step down that what truly matters is not the title, but the body and mindset that haven't been worn down over those years. The path of the “old hand” is becoming increasingly difficult. In the past, no one managed how you spent your days; now there are monthly scores, quarterly reports, and at the end of the year, all your “experience” turns into points deducted.

It's not that you can't do it; the system has changed. Stop believing in “just putting in the time” anymore. Five years of hard work and three years of adjustment is a more reliable rhythm than stubbornly clinging to a position. You don't need to be a leader, but you must make yourself irreplaceable. Not everyone needs to be an official. For some, living wisely is more important than holding an official position.