One evening in mid-September, Liu, dressed in a delivery uniform, rode her electric scooter delivering food on the streets of Zhuhai, Guangdong province. Seven months prior, she was a psychiatrist and postdoctoral researcher at a renowned local hospital.

Originally from Hebei, Liu had an excellent academic record: she graduated from Sichuan University with a medical degree and earned her doctorate from the University of Macau in late 2022. During her time at the hospital, many patients sent her thank-you letters, and she maintained good relationships with colleagues. However, in February 2026, Liu decided to submit her resignation.

Liu Zihan, a female medical doctor, consults a patient in Zhuhai, China, in 2025. Photo: Jimu News

Addressing the notion that she is wasting her qualifications, the former doctor stated that her current jobs are not permanent. "I left my old path to experience other aspects of life", she said.

After leaving the medical field, Liu began selling breakfast, singing in bars, and working as a delivery driver. Delivering a few orders each evening earns her only about ten yuan, while singing gigs bring in 100-200 yuan (approximately 350,000-700,000 VND). Despite the lower income, these jobs provide her with an immediate sense of accomplishment.

Time autonomy helps the doctor feel relaxed. She does not need to adhere to a fixed schedule or impose monthly income targets. Depending on her personal energy levels, she intersperses delivery work with freelance online psychological counseling for those contemplating career paths.

Liu explained that her previous career path was heavily achievement-oriented, demanding individuals strive for perfection according to societal expectations. A prolonged period of anxiety led her to decide to leave behind academic glory.

In addition to deliveries, Liu Zihan performs as a bar singer in Zhuhai, China, after quitting her job. Photo: Jimu News

Liu's family was initially shocked by her decision. Her parents had been proud of their daughter's title as a doctor, expecting her to stabilize her career and start a family. However, after an initial period of opposition, they gradually accepted her choices as they saw her take control of her life.

In the freelance work environment, Liu befriended food vendors, gig economy drivers, and ferry operators. She appreciates their resilient and optimistic approach to the pressures of making a living.

"People show direct care for each other, disregarding metrics of achievement or seniority", Liu stated, adding that the camaraderie among freelance workers gives her a sense of belonging to a community.

Regarding her future, the doctor aims to organize one personal concert, produce short films, design a playground for cats, and obtain a seafarer's certificate.

Minh Phuong (Source: Jimu News, Sina)