Fresh graduates in Taiwan earn less than NT$29,000 (US$1,040) during trial periods. That’s the lowest in three years. This data comes from a survey by job search website yes123. The survey has also found that fresh graduates in Taiwan spend an average of 2.8 months looking for work.
The website surveyed over 1,000 recent graduates and almost 1,000 companies. The findings show an average salary of NT$28,804 (US$1,033) during trial periods. That’s a fraction of a percent lower than the average trial period pay last year.
In addition, the amount of time it takes young people to find their first job is the longest it has been in nine years.
Over 48% of respondents said they spend more than they earn.
On the plus side, however, 61% of this year’s graduates have already completed their trial periods.
Website spokesman Yang Zong-bin says trial period salaries have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and might only rise after a period of recovery. He says candidates should complain less, try harder, and try to complete at least a year before changing jobs to avoid being seen as fickle. However, he says that fresh graduates often change jobs because of insufficient training, rather than a change of heart or inability to endure pressure.