Oxford Grad Turns to Food Delivery Amid Job Struggles

Facing underemployment, a PhD holder finds stability in Singapore’s gig economy.

Despite holding advanced degrees from prestigious universities, **Ding Yuanzhao** found himself delivering food in Singapore. His story highlights the increasing difficulties faced by highly educated professionals in today’s competitive job market, where even top-tier education doesn’t guarantee success.

Oxford Graduate’s Job Search

Until March 2023, **Ding** was a postdoctoral researcher at the National University of Singapore (NUS). After his contract concluded, he applied for numerous positions and attended more than ten interviews, yet he didn’t receive any offers.

Facing financial constraints, **Ding** opted to work as a food delivery rider. He earns approximately SG$700 per week working 10 hours each day, demonstrating the gig economy’s growing importance, even for individuals with impressive credentials.

A Positive Outlook

“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. He also mentioned an unexpected benefit: “One advantage of delivering food is that you can get your workout in at the same time.”

Academic Achievements

**Ding Yuanzhao**, 39, has a remarkable academic background:

• A master’s degree in biodiversity from Oxford University
• A master’s in energy engineering from Peking University
• A PhD in biology from Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore

His difficulties in finding suitable employment highlight the growing disconnect between elite education and job placement. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 3.7% of college graduates were unemployed in 2023, underscoring the broader challenges in the job market (BLS, 2024).

Early Life and Education

**Ding**’s academic journey began in Fujian Province, China. In 2004, he scored nearly perfect on the gaokao, earning him a spot at Tsinghua University to study chemistry. He later expanded his expertise across multiple disciplines, establishing himself as a scholar in chemistry, energy, biology, and biodiversity.

While many highly educated individuals in Asia turn to tutoring, **Ding** avoided this option. “I felt too shy to seek customers on my own,” he admitted, indicating how personal factors can influence career choices.