Economists expect such examples to become increasingly common in coming years, as a glut of university graduates and a shortage of factory labour due to an ageing workforce deepen China's job market imbalances.
The industries most popular among fresh Chinese graduates, such as tech, education, real estate and finance, have all faced regulatory crackdowns in recent years.
Reuters Graphics'ROLL UP YOUR SLEEVES'It is unclear exactly how many graduates are taking jobs below their skill level, but state media has acknowledged the trend.
President Xi Jinping repeatedly exhorted young people to "seek hardships" in a recent state media article emphasising his suffering during the Cultural Revolution.
China's education and human resources ministries did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Persons:
Thomas Peter, Liang Huaxiao, Liang, Keyu Jin, Xi Jinping, today's, Chim Lee, Jobs, Han Zhaoxue, master's, Wang, Laurie Chen, Marius Zaharia
Organizations:
REUTERS, Economist Intelligence Unit, Thomson
Locations:
Beijing, China, BEIJING, Taiyuan, Shanghai, Jining