Moonlighting shines

After his school classes end in the afternoon, he heads to his studio and begins to livestream his painting lessons from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm three nights a week.

"I'm glad to be able to do something that I'm really interested in, even if sometimes I feel tired out after working day and night," he says.

He adds that this side job has allowed him to rent an apartment and a studio that costs 15,000 yuan, hire a studio assistant and set cash aside to fund his new jewelry-design business-so long as he can continue to juggle his two lives. As well as providing a new revenue stream, this latest venture also helps him to connect with more people in art and design circles, and share his experiences of dealing with companies and clients with his students.

Wang Lei, a biology researcher in Beijing, agrees that the "everybody needs a side gig" philosophy will develop as living costs and social pressures continue to rise.

The 31-year-old's first side job was as a part-time translator, after he was recruited by a scientific institute following his graduation in 2016. He earns around 10,000 yuan per month from his day job.

A 3,000-word essay would take him three or four days' spare time to complete. He earned between 300 and 500 yuan per translation.

Now he only translates one or two essays a month, because he has found another more lucrative side job-providing technical consultancy services to company clients for around 1,000 yuan per month.

He says it's not uncommon for scientific researchers like him to take on extra work. "If you can exchange your knowledge for cash, why not? In fact, you just need the (professional) skills to find a second job."

According to another report by online recruitment-services provider Zhaopin, in 2018, about 53 percent of "amphibious youth" had monthly salaries of less than 8,000 yuan-a sum that barely covers basic living expenses in a first-tier city.

"A side job offers extra security and a way to ease anxiety," says Li Qiang, executive vice-president of Zhaopin.

Some young workers chose to develop parallel careers simply out of interest, rather than primarily to increase their incomes.

Wang Zuyi, an art editor for a Beijing magazine, tried several occupations before graduation-as a former graphic designer, a craft retailer and an e-commerce vendor. Her main side gig now is as a tattooist.

"I wanted to explore all my interests. And I want to keep learning during my spare time," the 25-year-old says, adding that the business provides her with an additional 6,000 to 7,000 yuan per month on average, and around 20,000 yuan during peak holidays. Her monthly salary as an editor is around 6,000 yuan.

She says her goal is to become a recognized folk-art tattooist.

Yang Huizi, a college teacher in Beijing, runs online stores on the Taobao and Weidian e-commerce platforms, selling her own artistic creations.

The profit margin remains slim due to the high cost of buying materials, promotion and logistics.