Oxford Graduate Delivers Food: A Stark Reflection of Global Underemployment
The case of an Oxford-educated PhD holder working as a food delivery rider in Singapore highlights a troubling trend: even elite degrees can no longer guarantee job security in today’s volatile global market. The story, which has recently gone viral, isn’t simply a personal hardship, but a symptom of rising underemployment among highly skilled professionals worldwide, forcing many into the gig economy for survival.
The Rise of Underemployment Among the Highly Educated
A growing number of individuals with advanced degrees are finding themselves underutilized in the labor market. Economic uncertainty, diminishing academic funding, and a mismatch between skills and available positions are pushing even PhD holders toward freelance and gig work. This phenomenon isn’t limited to any single field; professionals in the sciences, humanities, and engineering are all experiencing this challenge.
From Postdoctoral Research to Food Delivery
According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), Ding Yuanzhao, 39, worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the National University of Singapore (NUS) until March 2023. Despite applying for numerous roles and attending over ten interviews following the end of his contract, he remained unemployed.
Faced with financial pressures, Ding made the pragmatic decision to become a food delivery rider in Singapore. This represents a significant departure from his academic background and underscores the increasing necessity of the gig economy, even for those with impressive credentials. He reportedly earns approximately SG$700 per week working 10 hours daily.
“It is a stable job. I can support my family. If you work hard, you can earn a decent living,” Ding shared on social media, maintaining a grounded perspective on his situation. He even noted an unexpected benefit: “One advantage of delivering food is that you can get your workout in at the same time.”
A Rare Academic Pedigree
Ding Yuanzhao is not a typical gig worker. His academic achievements are exceptional, including:
- A Master’s degree in Biodiversity from Oxford University
- A Master’s degree in Energy Engineering from Peking University
- A PhD in Biology from Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore
Despite this impressive portfolio, he has struggled to find employment commensurate with his expertise, highlighting a disconnect between elite education and practical career placement.
A Journey of Academic Excellence
Ding’s academic journey began in Fujian Province, China, where he achieved a near-perfect score of 700 out of 750 on the gaokao, China’s notoriously difficult national college entrance exam, in 2004. This earned him a place at Tsinghua University, where he initially studied chemistry. He then broadened his academic scope, excelling in chemistry, energy, biology, and biodiversity – a remarkably cross-disciplinary background.
While many highly educated professionals in Asia supplement their income with private tutoring, Ding chose not to pursue this option. “I felt too shy to seek customers on my own,” he admitted, revealing how emotional and psychological factors – such as confidence and self-worth – can influence career choices, particularly in less structured environments.
The story of Ding Yuanzhao serves as a sobering reminder that academic success, while valuable, doesn’t automatically translate into career stability in the modern world. It’s a testament to the evolving nature of work and the challenges faced by highly educated individuals navigating an increasingly competitive job market.
