dexinwin Recently, the story of a 31-year-old PhD in medicine who quit her job as a hospital physician and postdoctoral researcher to try out various other roles—such as delivering food and singing in bars—has garnered significant attention online.
According to a report by *Yangtse Evening Post*’s "Ziniu News," 31-year-old Liu Zihan hails from Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province. She completed her undergraduate studies at the West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, before being recommended for direct admission to the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Macau for her doctoral studies, eventually obtaining her PhD in November 2022. Just before graduating, she joined a top-tier (Grade A, Class III) hospital in Zhuhai to undergo standardized residency training in psychiatry while simultaneously conducting postdoctoral research.
During her time at the hospital, Liu worked primarily in the psychiatric department. She treated patients and received tokens of appreciation, such as silk banners and thank-you letters, from them. In her view, there was nothing wrong with the medical profession itself, and she enjoyed the process of interacting with patients during clinical work.
What truly prompted her decision to leave was a re-evaluation of her lifestyle.
She explained that her hospital job involved a strictly regimented daily schedule regarding waking up, commuting, and work tasks. After grappling with this relatively fixed rhythm of life for a year or two, she ultimately decided to step off her established career path in hopes of gaining greater autonomy over her time. She believes that while a PhD offers professional recognition and a certain level of income, academic credentials and professional status do not necessarily mean a person has found the lifestyle that suits them best.
Liu officially resigned in February 2026. After leaving the hospital, she did not immediately commit to a new long-term career; instead, she began exploring different ways of living.
She tried her hand at the breakfast business and worked as a resident singer in bars. Later, she ventured into the food delivery industry, purchasing an e-scooter and beginning to deliver meals on the streets of Zhuhai.
The shift from a doctor's white coat to a delivery rider's yellow uniform quickly sparked online discussion. Many netizens felt the contrast between her years of medical education and her work as a delivery rider was stark, with some questioning whether it was a "waste" for a medical PhD holder to deliver food.
Addressing these discussions, Liu stated that food delivery is not currently intended to be her long-term career. She prefers to view this experience as a personal exploration of life. She told the media that she enjoys weaving through city streets on her e-scooter to pick up and deliver food, finding satisfaction in the immediate feedback she receives after completing each order. Even on nights when she only completes a few deliveries and earns little, she derives fulfillment from the simplicity and clarity of the work. Meanwhile, she continues to perform as a live singer, offer consulting services, and explore other personal interests.
This lifestyle has also brought her into contact with people outside her former professional circles.
During her time in Tangjia Ancient Town, Zhuhai, she met owners of restaurants, coffee shops, and beer stalls, as well as food delivery riders, street vendors, and boatmen. Through them, she witnessed a way of life defined by something other than academic credentials, job titles, or professional achievements.
She once characterized her past life trajectory as driven by "meritocracy"—studying hard, entering medical school, pursuing a doctorate, and joining a hospital—all in the hope of achieving ever-greater success and living up to external expectations of "excellence."
However, after leaving the hospital, she began to rethink what kind of life she truly wanted.
She believes that a person's value need not be defined by academic degrees, job titles, or social status. For her, the freedom to manage her own time, interact with diverse people, and pursue her interests are equally vital components of a fulfilling life.
Naturally, this choice came as a shock to her family.
According to reports, Liu Zihan’s parents had previously taken great pride in her achievements—earning a doctorate, becoming a doctor, and conducting postdoctoral research. They had envisioned a future where she held a stable job and settled into a predictable life path. When they learned she had resigned, they initially struggled to understand her decision, and her father worried about the loss of a steady income.
Over time, however, her family came to understand the reality of her life post-resignation. Although she no longer works a standard office job, she remains busy every day, constantly meeting new people and exploring new paths.
As for the future, Liu Zihan has not set a rigid career path for herself. Her priority is to live her current life well, though she does have plans: hosting a concert, turning her life story into a film, and eventually owning a small courtyard where her cats can roam freely. She also plans to try for a seafarer's certificate. The story of a 31-year-old medical PhD quitting her medical career to work as a food delivery rider has garnered attention largely because it challenges many people's preconceived notions regarding educational credentials, careers, and life paths.
Conventionally, roles such as PhD holder or physician imply high professional barriers to entry and relatively clear-cut career trajectories. However, Liu Zihan’s experience demonstrates that there is no single, fixed route for individual career choices. While some pursue professional advancement, others seek to redefine their lifestyle after spending time in the workforce.
The transition from physician to delivery rider—from the hospital to the streets—cannot be simply categorized as "success" or "failure." For Liu Zihan, this represents an exploration of a different way of living; for the public, the story has sparked renewed discussion about educational qualifications, the value of work, life choices, and personal happiness.
Everyone has a different vision of an ideal life. Some wish to delve deeply into their professional fields, while others prioritize having more free time. A professional identity can be part of one’s life, but it need not be the sole label that defines a person.
Currently, Liu Zihan continues to explore different lifestyles. She does not view food delivery as a final answer, but rather as a journey of discovery after stepping off her previous path. As for whether she will return to medicine or pursue new directions, she prefers to let time decide.
For this 31-year-old medical PhD, the shift from a white coat to a delivery rider’s uniform does not necessarily signify abandoning the past; it may simply mark the beginning of a new chapter in life.
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