For many youngsters, leading a double life is normal. It's different from having a part-time job in that it's not about the money.
Usually, the second job has been part of their life for a long time, they have a passion for it and spend a lot of time and effort doing it.
We did a mini-survey of 20 people who have led a double life for at least three years, 16 of whom live in big cities like Beijing and Shanghai.
They are aged between 25 and 40 and their day jobs include being a doctor, reporter, and government officer. Their second lives include being a gardener, owning a coffee shop, and theater acting.
For example, Ma Jia is a TV host at Beijing Television, but he also has his own dessert restaurant. Zhang Zhuyuan is a manager at a small company, but he provides travel photos to a picture agency; while Zhu Lin is an officer at an NGO, but teaches kids how to play the piano.
Eighteen of those surveyed said they had become more sociable by living a double life.
"Young people in big cities face more pressure in their daily lives, including work and family. So, they begin to seek enjoyment from their outside interests and this becomes an important part of their lives, just like their normal jobs," psychologist Xiao Yuanhui says.
Xiao says it is easier for people to keep on doing what they are interested in and this also explains why they seem different, more energized, when they are playing out their second-life roles.
"Chinese people have been taught to pursue their dreams since they were young. A double-life is a compromise. If they have not realized their dreams this represents a positive way forward and promotes patience, confidence and discipline."
By Gan Tian
Editor: Liu Fang
Print
Save