Chinese Civil Servant Wins Praise for Delivering Food After Work, Sparking Debate on Evolving Nature of Work and Governance

According to reports, Mr. Sun's unit issued a notice allowing civil servants to engage in "副业" (secondary occupations), and he submitted an application, which was approved. He typically starts his delivery work around 8 PM and works for about three hours daily. Mr. Sun has described the experience as being "like playing a game," involving accepting tasks, setting out, completing them, and receiving rewards.

The public reaction to Mr. Sun's story has been overwhelmingly positive, with many netizens and commentators expressing support for his diligent attitude and willingness to engage in physical labor for self-betterment. His open-mindedness in viewing all roles as "service industries" has also been praised. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about civil servants engaging in secondary occupations, with some questioning if it implies insufficient workload or low salaries, while others argue that as long as it's legal, doesn't interfere with main duties, and is reported to and approved by the employer, it should be permissible.

The discussion has also highlighted the importance of proper conduct and boundaries, with a strong consensus that civil servants must strictly adhere to regulations, avoid conflicts of interest, prevent the use of public resources for personal gain, and ensure their side activities do not compromise their official duties. Transparency through reporting to one's unit is also emphasized.

Mr. Sun's "normal mindset" – viewing both his official work and food delivery as forms of service to the people – has been seen as a refreshing departure from traditional "official airs" and is praised for fostering closer ties between civil servants and the public. The sentiment "#公职人员送外卖不丢人丢的是官架子#" (It's not shameful for public servants to deliver food, what's shameful is bureaucracy) reflects this view, emphasizing that all service industries are valuable.

However, some users have questioned if the public servant's primary job workload is insufficient, leading to free time for side jobs, while others have expressed broader concerns about the overall economic situation if public servants feel the need to take on such physically demanding side jobs. A smaller subset of comments has expressed skepticism, suggesting that the story might be a deliberate attempt to gain attention for a personal media venture.

Despite these varying opinions, the dominant sentiment is supportive, viewing Mr. Sun's actions as a legitimate and even admirable response to personal financial needs and a positive shift in the perception of public service. As China continues to navigate the complexities of its rapidly changing economy and society, Mr. Sun's story serves as a microcosm reflecting broader shifts in economic realities, societal values, and governance approaches.

The incident has also drawn attention to the gig economy and labor market flexibility, highlighting the increasing normalization of supplementary income and flexible work arrangements, even among public sector employees. The fact that Mr. Sun's unit approved his side hustle indicates a potential shift in employer attitudes towards diversified income streams for employees, particularly in the public sector.

In conclusion, Mr. Sun's story is a fascinating glimpse into the evolving relationship between citizens, work, and the state in China. As the country continues to grapple with the challenges of its rapidly changing environment, this seemingly simple act of a civil servant delivering food after hours has sparked a profound discussion about the nature of work, societal values, and governance in China.