The 39-year-old holds a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from Tsinghua University and a master's degree in energy and resources from Peking University, two of China's most prestigious universities.
In addition, Ding has a doctorate in biology from Nanyang Technological University (Singapore) and a master's degree in biodiversity from the University of Oxford (UK). He also completed a post-doctoral research project at the National University of Singapore. Most of these institutions rank among the top 30 universities worldwide.
However, in 3/2024, his post-doctoral research contract was not renewed. Ding Yuanzhao decided to look for a job, but after 10 unsuccessful interviews and unanswered applications, he found himself unemployed.
He returned to China to seek opportunities and, while waiting for a job, signed up as a food delivery driver in Beijing.
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Ding was a post-doctoral researcher. Photo: 163 |
Explaining his unemployment, Ding said that in Singapore, employers don't prioritize degrees but rather individual abilities. Amid stricter policies for foreign workers, companies prioritize local hires, limiting opportunities for individuals like him. His specialized field of biology has high requirements but few job openings.
"I hoped to find a job in my field with good pay. But I aimed too high and couldn't settle for less, ultimately reaching a dead end," he said.
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Ding shows off his Tsinghua University scholarship. Photo: 163 |
Many suggest that with his qualifications, Ding could easily teach or tutor, earning hundreds of yuan per hour. However, he counters that academic excellence doesn't equate to teaching proficiency. "Standing on a podium without pedagogical skills can still lead to confusion and awkwardness," he shared.
For Ding, there's no shame in being a delivery driver. It offers stable income, flexible hours, and most importantly, sustains him while he searches for a job in his field.
"Only when I can support myself can I actively seek new directions," Ding said.
Currently, many recent graduates in China are also choosing delivery work as a temporary solution during tough economic times. According to a 2024 report by the Zhaopin recruitment platform, 38% of delivery drivers hold college degrees or higher, a 12% increase compared to two years prior.
The average salary for office workers in Shanghai and Beijing is around 6,000 yuan per month, while the average income for delivery drivers is 7,350 yuan. On busy days, drivers can earn over 1,000 yuan. These figures challenge traditional notions of "prestigious" versus "menial" jobs.
Despite his strong background, Ding's story reflects a fierce job market. In 2024, China had 12.22 million graduates. The employment rate for those with master's degrees or higher dropped to just 44%, lower than that of bachelor's degree holders.
This uncertainty prompts questions like "What's the point of education?" Negative comments like "Degrees are worthless now" and "Getting into prestigious universities doesn't help" are increasingly common on social media.
Bao Nhien (Via 163)
