Heavy schedule

Shen Yiming, 28, who left his job in 2020 after working in the tourism industry for more than three years, decided to take a break from the high-pressure work and uncertain career prospects.

"Although I made more than 30,000 yuan ($4,254) a month if I performed well, I failed to see a future for myself, as I was swamped by work all day long. My income also fell sharply due to a slowdown in the industry," said Shen, who worked as a travel consultant in Hangzhou after graduating from Jiaxing University in 2017.

Initially, he devoted himself fully to his work, becoming the leading consultant in his department due to his ability to draw up popular travel plans. However, the relentless high-pressure work schedules forced Shen to rethink his career.

Lu (right) and her mother toast each other in Dali, Yunnan province, in June. [Photo/China Daily]

He decided to do something he enjoyed. As he was fond of traveling and writing travel blogs in his spare time, Shen spent 12 months journeying throughout China last year on his savings, while continuing to earn money by working on cultural and tourism projects as a freelancer.

"I always bear in mind that if I run out of money, or if things don't go as planned, I still have the ability to find a job again and become one of the best-performing employees in the sector," he said.

Shen's self-confidence was rewarded when he was contacted by several brands to promote products in his travel blogs of his nationwide travels, during which he was posting photos of his destinations online.

"I don't think it is all about luck. I have been rewarded for my persistence over the years. I constantly post my travel blogs with eye-catching photos and other content. In this way, I give myself work and a promising future," Shen said.

At the end of last year, he created an account on Xiaohongshu, a life-sharing platform, and now has more than 300,000 followers for his travel blogs.

Shen, who aims to attract up to 800,000 followers within two years, is now focusing more on promoting brands for reliable clients. He takes photos and shoots videos, including those of products in stunning scenery. He also tries to find the best way to integrate products with his work, rather than blindly advertising them.

The number of monthly orders placed by Shen's clients has risen from about 10 in May to 30, and he is earning about 100,000 yuan per month.

"Although I am still busy with work all day, I enjoy the freedom and sense of fulfillment and achievement by being my own boss. I do whatever I like and also make money at the same time," he said.

Lu and a friend work at a cafe in Chengdu, Sichuan province, in March. [Photo/China Daily]