HowToLiveWorse

CHAPTER 31 · 16 SOURCE ENTRIES

Life Paths After Eighteen

十八岁之后有哪几条路

[← 回总目录](../README.md) 这一节算的是钱和时间，拒服兵役那一条还关系到人身自由。这是一张路径地图，不是某一条路的说明书。本节先把各条路的法定门槛摆在一起，再逐条写那些知道了才用得上的东西：当兵能拿到什么，进体制内除了考公还有哪些口子，高考填志愿时哪两个专业直接对着编制，学历后来还能不能补，想出国打工该找什么样的公司，不进单位的人社保怎么办，没本钱起步有没有国家替你出一部分利息的钱可借。 十八岁之后能走的路，远不止这一节写到的这些。这里只收有全国层面的公开文件、门槛和待遇能逐条核对的那几条。进国企、进工厂、当船员、做自由职业、接着读高中读大学，这些路也能走。只是它们没有统一文

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31-001
Evidence Atime-energySource-sensitive

First, check the eligibility criteria: the age and education requirements for all twelve pathways are clearly stated in official documents.

先把门槛对一遍：十二条路的年龄和学历要求都是明文写死的

The age and education requirements for all twelve pathways are explicitly listed in official documents. You must be at least 16 years old to work. For military service, men must be 18 years old; university graduates may be eligible up to age 24. To become a civil servant, you must be between 18 and 35 years old with at least an associate degree. The self-study exam and self-employment pathways have no age or education restrictions.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “First, check the eligibility criteria: the age and education requirements for all twelve pathways are clearly stated in official documents.” to Future Me's calendar

The routine already works until the day the source says it may not.

Today I keep a few minutes and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
31-002
Evidence Atime-energySource-sensitive

Men who turn 18 must complete military service registration by October 31; mandatory active duty lasts two years.

十八岁那年 10 月 31 日前要做兵役登记；义务兵服现役就是两年

Military service registration is a legal obligation, not an application to join the army. Completing it does not mean you must enlist. All men who turn 18 must register online by October 31. Failure to do so can result in a government order to register within a set period; if ignored, you may be forced into service and fined. Once enlisted, you serve as a conscript for exactly two years.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Men who turn 18 must complete military service registration by October 31; mandatory active duty lasts two years.” to Future Me's calendar

There is no immediate alarm, so the sensible choice can wait for a less busy week.

Today I keep a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
31-003
Evidence AfreedomSource-sensitive

Refusing military service after enlistment: no travel abroad, no further education, and barred from civil service and state-owned enterprises for two years

应征之后拒服兵役，两年内不准出境或升学复学，还进不了公务员和国企

Choosing to enlist and then backing out carries serious consequences. You cannot be hired by any civil service office, nor by any state-owned enterprise or public institution. For two full years, you are prohibited from leaving the country, enrolling in any school, or returning to your studies. Your name will also be added to a list of individuals who have seriously failed to fulfill their national defense obligations, triggering coordinated penalties from multiple authorities. Therefore, the idea of “signing up first and then pulling out if needed” ends up being very costly.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Refusing military service after enlistment: no travel abroad, no further education, and barred from civil service and state-owned enterprises for two years” to Future Me's calendar

Future Me has a clearer calendar, more patience, and apparently the same responsibilities.

Today I keep a few minutes and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
31-004
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

Two main benefits for college students joining the military: up to 20,000 RMB per year for tuition, two-year extension of student status, and a special postgraduate admission program

大学生当兵最实的两块：学费每年补最高 20000 元，学籍保留两年、考研有专项计划

Undergraduate, graduate, and incoming freshmen who enlist receive tuition coverage from the state for the duration of their studies. The maximum annual amount is 20,000 RMB for undergraduates and 25,000 RMB for graduate students. Only the actual tuition paid is reimbursed. Student status is preserved for two years. Additionally, there is a dedicated postgraduate admission program exclusively for discharged college veterans.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Two main benefits for college students joining the military: up to 20,000 RMB per year for tuition, two-year extension of student status, and a special postgraduate admission program” to Future Me's calendar

If I do not open the notes, no new task has technically appeared.

Today I keep a few minutes and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
31-005
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

Only six scenarios allow the government to assign jobs after discharge; those opting for self-employment must register within 30 days

退役后只有六种情况由政府安排工作；自主就业的 30 日内必须报到

The notion that “the military guarantees job placement” no longer applies broadly. Currently, only six specific scenarios qualify for government job assignments. Most conscripts who serve two years do not fall into these categories. Those not eligible for government placement are considered self-employed, and they must register within 30 days of discharge. Failing to do so without valid reasons means they forfeit any entitlement to government assistance.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Only six scenarios allow the government to assign jobs after discharge; those opting for self-employment must register within 30 days” to Future Me's calendar

One more exception feels free because the bill arrives outside the current scene.

Today I keep a few minutes and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
31-006
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

Three key financial aspects after discharge: one-time separation pay, military service counting toward work seniority, and tax deductions for self-employed veterans

退役后的三笔账：一次性退役金、军龄算工龄、自己干每年扣减 20000 元税

After leaving the military, three main financial factors matter. First, there is a one-time separation payment for veterans who choose to work independently; the amount depends on how many years you served, with additional bonuses for those who earned commendations. Second, your military service years count toward your overall work seniority, allowing them to be combined with any pre- or post-discharge work history for social insurance purposes. Third, if you start your own business, you may qualify for tax deductions of up to 20,000 yuan per year for three years.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Three key financial aspects after discharge: one-time separation pay, military service counting toward work seniority, and tax deductions for self-employed veterans” to Future Me's calendar

I can spend longer deciding whether to start than the small action would take.

Today I keep a few minutes and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
31-007
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

There’s more than just civil service exams to get into the government system: serving two years in grassroots programs qualifies you for a special recruitment quota of 10% each year.

想进体制内不止考公一条：基层服务项目干满两年，能报每年 10% 的定向考录计划

Getting into the government system isn’t limited to taking civil service exams. After completing two years of satisfactory service in programs such as “Three Supports and One Assistance,” you become eligible for a special recruitment pool that accounts for roughly 10% of each year’s civil service openings. Those who take the postgraduate entrance exam within three years also get an extra 10 points added to their total score. The catch is that you’ll be paid only a government stipend during those two years.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “There’s more than just civil service exams to get into the government system: serving two years in grassroots programs qualifies you for a special recruitment quota of 10% each year.” to Future Me's calendar

The routine already works until the day the source says it may not.

Today I keep a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
31-008
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

Teachers in the Special Post Program who complete three years of service, pass evaluations, and wish to stay should be promptly added to the official teaching staff

特岗教师三年服务期满、考核合格又愿意留下的，应当及时入编

The Special Post Program is one of the few pathways explicitly stating that eligible participants can be added to the official teaching roster after completing their service term. Requirements include a bachelor’s degree or higher, preferably in a teacher-training field, age not exceeding 30, and possession of the required teaching certificate. During those three years, compensation matches that of regular teachers employed by local public schools. Once the term ends, those who meet evaluation standards and wish to remain are supposed to be promptly added to the official staff list.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Teachers in the Special Post Program who complete three years of service, pass evaluations, and wish to stay should be promptly added to the official teaching staff” to Future Me's calendar

There is no immediate alarm, so the sensible choice can wait for a less busy week.

Today I keep a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
31-009
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

Firefighters and civilian personnel in the military represent two additional pathways for public recruitment, with lower entry requirements than civil service exams.

消防员和军队文职是另外两个公开招录的口子，门槛比考公低

Neither pathway imposes the “minimum associate degree or higher” requirement. Firefighter recruitment targets individuals aged 18–22 with at least a high school education; those with an associate degree or higher, as well as veterans, may apply up to age 24. Military civilian positions require applicants to be at least 18 years old, with entry-level roles allowing candidates up to 35 years of age. The common barrier is the rigorous political background checks and medical evaluations.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Firefighters and civilian personnel in the military represent two additional pathways for public recruitment, with lower entry requirements than civil service exams.” to Future Me's calendar

Future Me has a clearer calendar, more patience, and apparently the same responsibilities.

Today I keep a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
31-010
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

Education is not a one-time deal: self-study exams have no age or prior education limits; both adult college entrance exams and open universities offer pathways to further education.

学历不是一锤子买卖：自考不限年龄和已受教育程度，成人高考和开放大学都能补

If you missed out on higher education at age 18, there are three legitimate options available: self-study exams, adult college entrance exams, and open universities. Self-study exams impose no age restrictions or limits on prior educational attainment, though full-time students are ineligible to apply. Adult college entrance exams require applicants to hold a high school diploma or equivalent. All three routes take time, but none depend on how well you performed academically at age 18.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Education is not a one-time deal: self-study exams have no age or prior education limits; both adult college entrance exams and open universities offer pathways to further education.” to Future Me's calendar

If I do not open the notes, no new task has technically appeared.

Today I keep a little money, a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
31-011
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

Not joining a company means you must arrange your own social insurance: you’ll need to enroll in pension and medical plans at your place of work, as household registration restrictions have now been lifted.

不进单位就是灵活就业：养老和医疗要自己在就业地参保，户籍限制已经放开

Not being employed by a company doesn’t mean you’re exempt from social insurance; it simply means no employer covers half of the cost. Official documents require all regions to lift household registration barriers so flexible workers can enroll in insurance at their place of work, with major metropolises gradually implementing this change. So don’t mistake “freedom” for “no need to worry about social insurance.” If you fail to pay on schedule, both your pension benefits and medical reimbursement rates will be calculated according to rules for interrupted coverage.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Not joining a company means you must arrange your own social insurance: you’ll need to enroll in pension and medical plans at your place of work, as household registration restrictions have now been lifted.” to Future Me's calendar

One more exception feels free because the bill arrives outside the current scene.

Today I keep a little money, a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
31-012
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

Food delivery workers, ride‑hailing drivers, and local freight carriers all get occupational injury coverage paid for by the platform on a per‑order basis — at no cost to them.

送外卖、跑网约车、拉同城货运，平台按单给你交职业伤害保障费，自己不缴

Platforms must pay occupational injury insurance premiums for every order placed by delivery workers, ride‑hailing drivers, and local freight carriers — none of that cost falls on the workers themselves. This is still a pilot scheme, so before accepting any orders, confirm that both your province and your platform are included. Workers who already have a formal employment contract with a platform are covered under regular workers’ compensation, not this program.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Food delivery workers, ride‑hailing drivers, and local freight carriers all get occupational injury coverage paid for by the platform on a per‑order basis — at no cost to them.” to Future Me's calendar

I can spend longer deciding whether to start than the small action would take.

Today I keep a few minutes and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
31-013
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

Two pathways to secure a government job on the day you fill out college applications: government-funded teacher training and targeted medical student programs, at the cost of a six-year service commitment.

高考填志愿那天就能锁定编制的两条路：公费师范生和定向医学生，代价是 6 年履约

Both programs involve the state covering your education costs upfront; in return, you must work at a designated location for six years after graduation. Government-funded teacher training is offered only at six universities directly under the Ministry of Education, with admission occurring in an early admission round. For targeted medical students, a tripartite agreement must be signed before receiving the admission letter. Violating the contract leads to repayment obligations, penalties, and a credit record impact. Carefully consider whether you can accept these six years of commitment before applying.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Two pathways to secure a government job on the day you fill out college applications: government-funded teacher training and targeted medical student programs, at the cost of a six-year service commitment.” to Future Me's calendar

The routine already works until the day the source says it may not.

Today I keep a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
31-014
Evidence AfreedomSource-sensitive

Before going abroad to work, check whether the company has a license for international labor cooperation: it is illegal for them to demand a deposit from you.

想出国打工，先查这家公司有没有对外劳务合作经营资格：它不得向你收押金

When it comes to working overseas, the law regulates not the workers themselves but the companies that arrange their employment. Only businesses holding a valid license for international labor cooperation and properly registered may recruit workers for foreign jobs. Any claim such as “first obtain a tourist visa and later switch to a work visa” is a clear sign of illegal activity. Moreover, employers are strictly prohibited from charging any kind of deposit or demanding collateral from workers.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Before going abroad to work, check whether the company has a license for international labor cooperation: it is illegal for them to demand a deposit from you.” to Future Me's calendar

There is no immediate alarm, so the sensible choice can wait for a less busy week.

Today I keep a few minutes and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
31-015
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

Working remotely for a foreign company from home: this income is considered domestic earnings for tax purposes; you must file your own individual income tax returns, and incoming payments should be reported as “employee compensation”.

在家给境外公司远程干活，这笔钱在税法上算境内所得：个税自己报，收汇走「职工报酬」

Whether this income counts as domestic or foreign depends on where the work is actually performed, not where the money originates. If you’re working remotely for a foreign firm while residing in China, it’s classified as domestic earnings, and you must pay individual income tax here. Since the foreign company has no local presence, no one withholds taxes on your behalf — so you’re responsible for filing them yourself. Payments should be reported under the “employee compensation” category.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Working remotely for a foreign company from home: this income is considered domestic earnings for tax purposes; you must file your own individual income tax returns, and incoming payments should be reported as “employee compensation”.” to Future Me's calendar

Future Me has a clearer calendar, more patience, and apparently the same responsibilities.

Today I keep a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off
31-016
Evidence AmoneySource-sensitive

Starting a business without joining a company? First look at startup guarantee loans: up to 300,000 RMB per individual, with the government covering half the interest

不进单位自己干，起步钱先看创业担保贷款：个人最高 30 万、财政贴一半利息

If you absolutely must borrow money to get started, this government‑backed loan is a good option. Each applicant can receive up to 300,000 RMB for a maximum term of three years, with the state paying half of the interest. One often‑overlooked requirement is that at the time of application neither you nor your spouse may have any other outstanding loans — except student loans, micro‑credit for poverty‑alleviation recipients, mortgage or auto loans, and consumer loans under 50,000 RMB.

Open the low-ROI detour

Move “Starting a business without joining a company? First look at startup guarantee loans: up to 300,000 RMB per individual, with the government covering half the interest” to Future Me's calendar

If I do not open the notes, no new task has technically appeared.

Today I keep a few minutes, a bit of persistence and avoid interrupting my default routine.

Read the source and trade-off

Source snapshot: a994b6a0c90598b0fe15cb837343f438dbf7b95d. Every original stays available in Chinese alongside the English edition.