Pandemic a time to get out of one's comfort zone

Jiang Minghao, 26, said he could earn more than 4,000 yuan monthly by delivering food to businesses and households who are observing social distancing.

"If you work very hard, you can earn more," he said.

"Food delivery is a sector that doesn't require you to have previous knowledge about it, so it's easy for us to make a switch and step into the field," said Jiang.

According to Meituan Dianping, a food delivery platform, 37.6 percent of its newcomers are from the catering or related businesses, 27.2 percent are from the manufacturing sector and 13.8 percent are micro and small business owners.

Although the fitness club where Jiang works has been in business since mid-March, many members are hesitant to show up there for fear of contracting the virus. And, it's also difficult for the club to recruit new members.

"Now it's not the time to cherry-pick jobs. The important thing is how to survive," he said.

Other people, however, are taking advantage of the adversity to switch careers which they've long considered, but lack the impetus to act.

"It's hard to decide on taking up a new job when times are good. But now, you've to force yourself out of the comfort zone," said 39-year-old Hu Xin.

Hu is engaged in network construction and maintenance work for a jewelry company in Shenzhen's Shuibei area, which is known for its jewelry industry. His salary shrank by a half in February as sales of luxury goods slumped due to the outbreak. Now, he only has to go to work twice a day as business declined.

"I've long been thinking of joining an industry that's more stable and sustainable for self-development. The coronavirus outbreak has given me a strong impetus to learn something new and make a change," he said, adding he has registered for an information technology course that will help him acquire the knowledge to make a career transformation.

"Indeed, it's a bad time for businesses and the job market. But, it's a good time to power yourself and prepare for a better future," reckoned Hu.