Liu Xian, from Zhuhai in Guangdong province, holds a PhD in medicine and previously worked as a psychiatrist and researcher at a leading hospital.
She spent nearly three decades pursuing education and building her professional career. Raised in the highly competitive educational environment of Hebei province, Liu studied at Sichuan University's medical school before completing her PhD at the University of Macau.
After earning her doctorate in 2022, she secured a well-paid position at a prominent hospital in Zhuhai. However, she gradually realized that a conventional medical career did not match the life she wanted.
According to Liu, she spent nearly two years struggling with the decision to leave her profession. She eventually resigned from her hospital position in February 2026 and began a new chapter in her life.
After leaving medicine, Liu travelled before taking up various jobs, including selling breakfast and performing at hotels. She now works part-time in food delivery and continues to practice as a psychiatrist on a part-time basis.
Liu says that working different jobs has given her a greater sense of freedom. She no longer feels the same pressure to constantly plan for the next day or calculate her monthly income.
Her parents initially found it difficult to understand why their daughter would leave a respected medical career after earning a PhD. However, Liu says they have gradually come to understand and accept her decision.
Liu now hopes to establish herself in the music industry and eventually wants to explore opportunities in the film sector as well.