The rise of dual careers

Young Chinese professionals are increasingly turning to side gigs to achieve financial security, pursue personal passions, and pave the way for future careers, Gui Qian reports.

Wang Yifei starts her day at 7 am, spending two hours on her side gig — writing and editing — before heading off to her full-time job. From 10 am to 7 pm, she works as a social media manager at a multinational company. After getting home at 8 pm, she returns to writing until she calls it a night around 11 or 12 pm.

This busy routine is typical for Wang, a 28-year-old from Huaibei, East China's Anhui province, now living in Shanghai.

Her days are almost entirely occupied by her main job and side hustle. She chooses such a demanding lifestyle because, as she puts it, she "can't bear staying idle". Moreover, the time and effort she invests in her side hustle not only yields financial rewards but also brings her closer to her ultimate career goal — becoming a screenwriter.

It is her passion for writing and the film industry that led her to pursue this side career. Two years ago, a friend introduced her to a part-time gig editing a serialized novel. This opportunity then allowed her to expand into other writing-related projects, such as composing WeChat articles, promotional material for brands, and scripts for online short dramas.

Her side job income now averages about one-third to half of her main job's salary. Although it's not a huge amount, it provides her with a significant sense of security and stability, serving as "preparation and buildup" for her future career.

"A side hustle gives you a plan B in life. You don't have to worry about suddenly losing your job and having no financial safety net. It also boosts your self-esteem," Wang said.

Additionally, her part-time gig has broadened her horizons. "It's opened up a whole new world for me. I've met many fascinating people with various side hustles, and it made me realize that everyone can have different choices in life," she said.

Wang has noticed a significant rise in friends taking on side jobs in recent years. She believes this is because young people are increasingly aware of the importance of leading diverse and fulfilling lives.

"Young people today, especially those born after 2000, want to experience different lifestyles and aren't content with just being confined to an office desk. They are also more open to changes in their work," Wang explained.

According to a 2023 survey by news website 36Kr, 44.7 percent of 1,941 young Chinese respondents have or are currently engaged in a part-time gig. Nearly 40 percent of these side gigs are related to their main jobs.