A 27-year-old former flight attendant from China, Yang Yanxi, has made an inspiring transition from aviation to agriculture, earning nearly ₹22.8 lakh (200,000 yuan) in just two months. According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), Yang left her job in Shanghai and returned to her rural roots in Heilongjiang province to pursue pig farming.
Realization and Return Home
After five years in the airline industry, Yang’s earnings had dwindled to around ₹32,000 (2,800 yuan) per month. She frequently relied on financial support from her parents to maintain her lifestyle, unaware of the sacrifices they were making. The revelation that her parents had cut back on their own needs and accrued debt to support her prompted Yang to resign in October 2022. Moved by her mother’s undisclosed medical issues, she decided to return home and support her family.
A New Chapter in Agriculture
In April 2023, Yang took over a relative’s pig farm and began sharing her farming experiences online. Her engaging content, which includes preparing pig feed and tending to livestock while occasionally wearing stylish dresses, has earned her a substantial following of nearly 1.2 million on a popular video platform. Despite the physically demanding nature of her work, Yang remains committed, saying, “I work so hard at the pig farm that my back and waist ache every day. After a full day, I smell stinky.”
Overcoming Challenges
Yang’s journey has not been without challenges. On January 6, she injured her left foot with an ice pick while fishing on a frozen lake. However, she maintained a positive outlook, using a handmade wooden cane to support her mobility and continuing her work on the farm. Yang finds fulfillment in her new career, expressing her joy in being close to her parents.
Success and Future Plans
In just two months, Yang’s earnings from pig farming, livestock sales, and social media content have surpassed ₹22.8 lakh (200,000 yuan). Looking ahead, she plans to expand her farm, launch a specialty store, and even establish a hotel. Her inspiring story has resonated with many on social media, with one user commenting, “Your filial piety is admirable. A brave and smart girl can live well no matter what profession she chooses.”
A Changing Career Landscape
Yang’s transition reflects a growing trend in China, where young professionals are prioritizing personal fulfillment and life quality over traditional career paths. Recent examples include a Tsinghua University graduate enrolling in a culinary school and philosophy students in Guangdong province running a street food stall while engaging customers in intellectual discussions.
Yang Yanxi’s journey serves as a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of happiness beyond conventional career choices.