Surveys show that the average monthly pay of new graduates is only 2,443 yuan ($395) this year. The surveys also show about 30 percent of the new graduates live off their parents and nearly 40 percent have to spend their entire income just to make ends meet. Perhaps graduates find it hard to stand on their own two feet because they have unrealistically high expectations for their first jobs, says an article on cnhubei.com. Excerpts:

Fresh graduates tend to look for jobs that entail little hard work and promise high pays, and are considered decent by other people. But such jobs are almost non-existent. And even if such jobs exist, they are not meant for inexperienced people. In their attempt to graduate from students to high-profile white-collar workers, many youths feel stressed by having to deal with domineering bosses and tactfully handle relations with colleagues, and feel "cheated" when they see their meager pay checks.

Therefore, many graduates quit their jobs in the hope of finding a better one. And after being disappointed a few times, they retreat into the warmth of their parents' arms, thinking they can take a break before preparing for the challenges ahead.

The problem is that few ever have the courage to break out of the comfort zone again. Moreover, by accepting their children's flight from challenges, acquiescent parents make them even more reluctant to forego the financial support they become used to.

Fresh graduates have to accept reality and adopt a down-to-earth attitude toward life. They have to realize that even if the pay is low, they can learn many skills on the job. Only by accepting the challenges of work and life can they work their way up a successful career ladder.

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(China Daily 08/06/2014 page9)