Liu Zihan, a 31-year-old with a PhD in medicine, recently made the decision to leave her role as a psychiatrist and postdoctoral researcher at a Grade 3A hospital in Zhuhai, China. Her departure in February marked a significant shift from a high-pressure medical career to a diverse range of part-time jobs, including food delivery, selling breakfast, and performing music at a local pub.

Liu has described her new path as a move toward a "less meritocratic" lifestyle. By stepping away from the rigid expectations of the medical field, she is now focusing on activities that align with her personal interests while still covering her basic living expenses. The transition highlights a growing trend among some young professionals in China who are opting out of traditional, high-stakes career tracks in favor of more flexible, freelance-based work. While the medical field in China is highly competitive and prestigious, Liu’s choice reflects a desire to reclaim autonomy over her daily schedule and professional focus, moving away from the institutional demands of a top-tier hospital environment.