'It's not a bad job': Why Oxford graduate becomes food delivery worker

A native of southeastern Fujian province, Ding excelled in China’s national university entrance exam, the gaokao, scoring nearly 700 out of 750 in 2004. This earned him a spot at Tsinghua University, one of the country’s most esteemed institutions.

After obtaining a bachelor's degree in chemistry, Ding furthered his studies at Peking University, completing a master’s degree in energy engineering. He also earned a master’s in biodiversity from the University of Oxford and a PhD in biology from Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University, according to the South China Morning Post.

He then worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the National University of Singapore. However, his contract ended in March of the previous year, and despite sending out numerous applications and attending over 10 interviews, he was unable to secure a job that matched his qualifications. He then turned to food delivery, working in Singapore, where he earned about SG$700 (US$550) per week by working 10-hour shifts.

In a post on social media, he shared his outlook on the job: "It is a stable job. I can support my family with this income. If you work hard, you can earn a decent living. It’s not a bad job."

One advantage of delivering food is that he said, "you can get your workout in at the same time."

Oxford graduate Ding Yuanzhao. Photo from Douyin

A few months later, Ding returned to China, where he now continues working as a food delivery rider in Beijing. Despite his qualifications, many have suggested Ding could have pursued teaching, where he could earn hundreds of yuan per hour (100 yuan = $14). However, he disagreed and said academic success does not necessarily guarantee effective teaching.

Ding further emphasized that there was no shame in his profession. He explained that the stable income, flexible hours, and the ability to sustain himself while seeking a job better aligned with his qualifications were key factors in his decision. "Only when I can support myself can I actively look for a new path," he noted.

Ding’s story has sparked significant debate on Chinese social media. Some questioned the value of education, with one commenter asking: "So what’s the point of education?"

Others noted that despite his extensive academic background, Ding still ended up working as a food delivery worker. However, many defended his choice, with one user stating, "There’s nothing wrong with his decision. At least he didn’t give up during a low point in his life."

The trend of university graduates taking food delivery jobs is becoming more common in China amid a challenging job market. A 2024 report by Zhaopin, a recruitment platform, revealed that 38% of food delivery workers in China now hold a college degree or higher, up from 26% two years ago, as reported by Chinese news outlet 163.

In China’s top cities, such as Shanghai and Beijing, office workers earn an average of around 6,000 yuan per month, while food delivery workers can earn an average of 7,350 yuan. During peak days, earnings can surpass 1,000 yuan, challenging the traditional notion of "high-class" and "low-class" professions.