A rehabilitation therapist in China earns more money from her after-work job at a waste recycling station than from her full-time medical position.
The 26-year-old, surnamed Xiong, works at the rehabilitation department of a small private hospital in Chengdu, Sichuan province. Her hospital shift runs from 8am to 5:30pm daily.
She earns 4,000 yuan (SGD$713) per month from her medical job. After finishing her hospital duties, Xiong heads directly to her parents’ waste recycling station.
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Therapist’s Side Job in Metal Waste Collection Exceeds Medical Income
The recycling business primarily handles metal waste. Xiong helps to sort, carry, transport and sell the recyclables alongside her parents.
Her parents employ two additional staff members who operate machines and drive lorries. The family typically completes their recycling work around 9pm each day.
Xiong does not receive a formal salary from the family business. However, her parents regularly give her pin money that totals more than her hospital income.
The combined work schedule creates 13-hour days for Xiong. She travels directly from the hospital to the recycling station without any break.
Family Tradition and Physical Benefits Shape Career Choice
Xiong has helped at the recycling station since her childhood years.
She describes herself as accustomed to the physical demands of the work.
“My parents make money from this industry. I do not feel resistant to it at all,” Xiong said. “If I do more, they can do less. Also, I have learned a survival skill.”
The manual labour has helped Xiong develop strong arm muscles. She contrasts this physical benefit with sedentary office positions.
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Metal waste proves less dirty than other waste types, according to Xiong. She pays close attention to personal hygiene while working at the hospital.
“I have switched my roles between my full-time job and this sideline one,” she explained.
Xiong’s story gained widespread attention on Chinese social media platforms. One internet user commented: “What an excellent girl! She is capable, diligent and filial to her parents.”
Another person wrote: “I salute this young lady. Her parents should be proud of having such a hard-working and sensible daughter.”
Xiong’s case reflects a broader trend of medical workers seeking additional income.
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A separate case emerged earlier in 2025 involving another medical worker. A clinical laboratory employee in Zhejiang province runs an evening food stall that generates a monthly income of 20,000 yuan (US$2,800).
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