From Mining Boss to Drivers Hailed Online: Facing a Sudden Change in Life

In this video, Mr. Chen shares his journey of adapting to a new life after his business venture failed. Once a co-owner of a mining business with friends, he led a fulfilling life but ultimately had to give up this career due to financial difficulties. Now, he drives a rideshare vehicle alone in Beijing, working 15-hour days to support his family and shoulder his responsibilities. The video highlights Mr. Chen’s genuine attitude towards life, showcasing his shift from the peak of enjoying life’s luxuries to coping with challenges. He speaks candidly about family, responsibility, and the changes he has faced, yet he remains optimistic, continuing to work hard for his family and his dreams.

Liu, a ride-hailing driver from Shandong, rents a car for 3,800 yuan a month from a friend. He works long hours—15 hours daily, from 6 AM to 10 PM—continuing this routine for a month and a half. Each day, he completes about 35 orders, earning 820 yuan, plus an additional 180 yuan in bonuses. After deducting commissions and rent, he nets around 10,000 yuan monthly. Liu currently lives alone in a small flat in Daxing Langfang, paying a rent of 1,200 yuan.

On the bustling streets of Beijing, Liu navigates his car amidst the city's rhythm. Although this lifestyle is tough, he perseveres. His journey as a driver began not in Beijing but during his time from 2010 to 2015, when he and friends operated a mine together. Despite low mineral prices and disappointing returns, he cherishes the entrepreneurial spirit of those years, saying, “That time was the most enjoyable. I lost a lot of money, but it was my own business, and I loved it.”

However, as losses mounted, he had to close the venture in 2014 and returned home to work for a local company. The salary there was insufficient to support his family, which included elderly relatives and children. Faced with mounting pressure, Liu decided to resign and move to Beijing alone, beginning his new career as a ride-hailing driver.

The shift from being a business owner to working for someone else was a significant drop for Liu. Once living comfortably, he now found himself in a precarious situation. After six months of feeling down, he realized that life couldn't remain in a rut. “How can I stay down forever? I just had to start working,” Liu said. He humorously quoted Yue Yunpeng, saying, “I have no choice,” and added that if he had other options, he wouldn’t need to drive for a living.

During his month and a half in Beijing, Liu has explored the city extensively. Although he had worked in Beijing over 20 years ago, he never had the chance to appreciate it fully. Now, as a ride-hailing driver, he has rediscovered the city, gaining a new perspective and appreciation for its charm.

Despite the challenges of life, Liu's story reflects the reality for many middle-aged Chinese individuals. Many have once run their businesses but had to abandon them for various reasons and seek new means of livelihood. Liu's resilience showcases his ability to adapt to change and his deep understanding of life, coupled with a positive attitude. Each day in Beijing, he writes a new chapter in his life story, embracing the opportunities that come his way.