In an increasingly competitive job market, university graduates are exploring unconventional career paths to secure their livelihoods. Lu Yiding, a former university student, exemplifies this trend. After attempting to start his own business during his studies in 2018, Lu left his job in 2023 to run a cake stall at a night market in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Similarly, Wu Yun’e, a graduate with a degree in internet of things engineering from Hunan Agricultural University, found himself working as a server at a Chef Fei restaurant. Initially struggling with social anxiety, Wu has since risen to become the head of a branch in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, within just two years. His journey highlights the growing number of graduates who, unable to find jobs in their chosen fields, are turning to alternative professions. Wu’s initial difficulty in greeting customers and presenting the restaurant’s signature dish underscores the challenges faced by many in transitioning to new roles. These stories reflect a broader shift in the career trajectories of graduates, driven by the need to adapt to a challenging economic landscape.