26-Year-Old Beautiful Woman with a College Degree "Raising Pigs and Earning 1.14 Million Won a Month, but Happy"

26-Year-Old Woman Graduated from University Suddenly Joins Pig Farm
Monthly Salary About 1.14 Million Won... "Happiness Comes Before Money"

A story about a beautiful woman in her 20s who graduated from university and took a job at a pig farm earning 6,000 yuan per month (about 1.14 million KRW) has become a hot topic.

Zhou, who has been working at a pig farm for three years.
Photo by SCMP

On the 17th, major foreign media reported that a woman named Zhou (26) from Yunnan Province in southwestern China, who holds a bachelor's degree in literature, has been working at a pig farm for three years. Zhou said, "I have worked on the farm for quite a long time, but I still like this job. I feel a sense of fulfillment," showing pride in the work she does.

Zhou revealed, "After quitting my first job, a friend introduced me to farm work," adding, "I was recommended to be a pig breeder, but my family opposed it, and I was initially against it too. I thought it was not a decent job and received no support from my family." However, Zhou, who likes animals, ended up getting a job at the farm.

Zhou, who has been working at a pig farm for three years.
Photo by SCMP

Having faced many hardships over three years, Zhou said, "My first task was difficult and memorable. It was sorting pig placentas, and the stench was overwhelming," adding, "I don't know if I got used to it or became numb, but now I am not afraid of such tasks at all." She introduced her work by saying, "I have become skilled at feeding pigs, assisting with pig births, and giving injections." She also added, "My monthly salary is about 6,000 yuan." This is 2,700 yuan lower than the average monthly salary of 8,700 yuan for female workers in Chinese cities.

The story became a major topic on social networking services (SNS) and online communities in China. Netizens responded with comments such as "A woman who chose a job based on happiness and quality of life," "Such determination is really admirable," "A brave woman," "People who do what they love are beautiful," and "I want to emulate her mindset."

Meanwhile, amid the accelerating employment difficulties among young people in China, Chinese authorities are trying to redirect young people's interest toward rural and countryside jobs. Currently, the youth unemployment rate announced by Chinese authorities was suddenly suspended after reaching a record high of 21.3% in June last year, and since December, figures reflecting new standards have been released.