A Journey of Resilience and Passion
A 29-year-old Chinese woman, who holds a master’s degree in film directing from the University of Sussex in the UK, has been gaining attention for her determination as she works part-time as a restaurant waitress in Beijing. Her goal is to achieve success as an actress, despite the challenges that come with pursuing such a dream.
After completing her postgraduate studies in Britain, Yu Shutian returned to China in late 2021. In 2022, she joined a drama club, immersing herself in theatre. Over the next two years, she appeared in nearly 1,000 commercial stage plays. However, in 2024, she decided to leave her job at the drama club and transition into freelancing. This move gave her more artistic freedom but also introduced financial uncertainty.
Managing Finances Through Odd Jobs
Faced with irregular income as a freelance actress, Yu turned to part-time work to manage her daily expenses and fund travel for auditions. In June, she applied to be an express delivery rider but was rejected due to the physical demands of the job. She explained that it was a full-time job and often required carrying heavy containers of water, which she felt she wasn’t physically capable of doing. Instead, she was given the task of handing out promotional fliers on the streets.
Later, she secured part-time roles as an English-speaking waitress in several restaurants across Beijing. Her responsibilities included translating menus, explaining dishes to foreign customers, and assisting them with placing orders. These roles allowed her to maintain some level of income while continuing to pursue her acting aspirations.
Staying Focused on Acting
Despite her academic background and fluency in English, Yu deliberately avoids full-time employment to keep her schedule flexible. She believes it would be easy for her to find a full-time job with a monthly salary of 5,000 yuan (US$700). However, she prefers to focus on her dream of becoming an actor.
Far from feeling ashamed, Yu finds value in her work. She emphasizes that she is not ashamed of her current situation. “I can consolidate my English skills. I can communicate with a lot of people and learn their stories. Chatting with them will help me understand how to play a variety of roles in the future,” she said.
She adds that many junior actors are juggling several jobs, like delivering products and live-streaming. “We are all striving to achieve our acting dream. The experience is not humiliating.”
Embracing Challenges for Growth
Yu’s journey reflects the realities faced by many aspiring actors in China. The path to success is often filled with obstacles, requiring resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to take on different roles. Her story highlights the importance of perseverance and the value of diverse experiences in shaping an actor’s craft.
By taking on various part-time jobs, Yu is not only managing her finances but also gaining valuable insights into human behavior and communication. These experiences enrich her understanding of different characters and situations, which can be crucial in her acting career.
Her approach serves as an inspiration to others who may be facing similar challenges. It demonstrates that success in the arts often requires a combination of talent, hard work, and the ability to navigate through difficult circumstances.
In a world where dreams can seem distant, Yu’s story reminds us that every step, no matter how small, contributes to the larger journey of achieving one’s goals. Her determination and positive outlook offer a powerful message about the importance of staying true to oneself and never giving up on one’s passions.
