Havana , Cuba ( CNN ) -- Cubans will be allowed to work for themselves in 178 activities in the private sector and even hire employees , according to guidelines published Friday as the communist government moves quickly to shed half a million state jobs and provide alternatives for workers . Cubans will be permitted to be self-employed carpenters , restaurateurs , barbers and even salsa dancers . Many of the categories already existed , but the government had n't granted new licenses for years , which meant that the total number of self-employed people in Cuba 's 5.1 million-strong workforce was just 143,000 . The new list of occupations published in state media includes seven new categories , among them accountants and bathroom attendants . It also says that for the first time in decades , these private entrepreneurs will be allowed to hire nonrelatives and access credit . The measures are aimed at `` raising levels of productivity and efficiency , '' according to state-run newspaper Granma , and eliminating the social `` stigma '' long associated with self-employment in the socialist system . Last week , Cuba announced it would eliminate `` at least '' 500,000 state jobs , or 10 percent of the public sector workforce , over the next six months and pave the way for more private enterprise . This is the most dramatic move yet by President Raul Castro to reshape the country 's sputtering economy , but he insists the socialist system will not be altered . The announcement got mixed reactions from Cubans . Some are concerned that a way of life ­ and a guaranteed fixed income ­are disappearing . Others are optimistic that they will be able to make more money in the private sector . The average state salary is just $ 20 a month . But many details , like how much these entrepreneurs will have to pay in taxes , social security and licensing fees , are still missing . State media said more details would be soon be unveiled .
Cubans can work for themselves in 178 activities . Move comes as Cuba cuts 500,000 state jobs . State media says more details of plan will be soon be unveiled .