Beijing, Oct 21 (IANS): There probably aren't many millionaires willing to work as sanitation workers for $392 a month -- but Zhai Yongzhong is one such, and happy doing the job.
Zhai, 46 and a resident in Guizhou province's capital Guiyang, gets up at 6.30 a.m. every morning and drives his BMW to the sanitation station for work, which involves collecting garbage from trash cans, Xinhua reports.
Although his salary is not enough to even cover his driving expenses, Zhai does not mind. The man refuses to rest on his laurels, and instead aims to lead an active and diligent life.
Zhai was not always rich. In 2012, the man, who used to be a farmer, struck it rich with government policies for the expropriation of land, mostly in rural areas, during the country's urbanisation process. Zhai received 400,000 yuan (about $65,000) in compensation for his land. He was also given four houses.
All of this gave him enough money and resources to "sit idly".
However, Zhai said: "I cannot just stay at home and eat away at my fortune. I live to work. For less-educated people like me, it's not easy to find other jobs."
Zhai has been a sanitation worker in the city's Guanshanhu district for over three years. He is satisfied with his job and does not find it too demanding.
"I think my job is good. It helps me stay in shape and I can earn money at the same time. I feel very fulfilled," said Zhai.
According to the district's human resource and social security bureau, over 42,700 farmers have been compensated for land acquisitions. But not all have built wealth like Zhai.
Tang Ya, an official from the bureau, said that after getting money, some farmers spend it on gambling or drugs. Others choose to live lavish lifestyles.
Jiang Guolin, head of the district's sanitation station, said it employs about 980 janitors, about half of whom are local farmers. Some of these workers are wealthy like Zhai.
Forty-eight-year-old Kang Mingxiu is another example. She also became wealthy after being compensated for her land.
"I don't earn much. I think work is not just about the salary. It makes one focused and fulfilled," said Kang.