"Slash careers" are catching on in China. Zhou Huiquan is an assistant professor/illustrator/writer.[Photo by Liang Luwen/China Daily]

Finding a niche

Zhao Danmeng graduated with a degree in foreign affairs from Peking University but chose to work in human resources for Japanese drinks giant Suntory in Japan.

"I wasn't interested in being an academic, but also wasn't so sure what I wanted to pursue," the 28-year-old says.

Zhao's first job pushed her to learn Japanese and master professional skills such as cross-cultural communication and training.

But after working for three and a half years, Zhao felt disoriented.

"I worked nonstop every year and seldom got the time off to reflect upon my life," she says.

"What I did was meaningful for the company but wasn't so valuable for me."

Zhao quit her job and went to India on a spiritual tour. The trip changed her life. She learned spiritual-healing techniques and found her passion as a healer.

Zhao could transfer many of the skills she developed in human resources to her new career. Now she works as a life coach in Beijing and runs a spiritual-healing workshop.

"I gain satisfaction from what I am doing," she says.

"When you encounter society, never stop experiencing new things, and don't forget to think about who you are and what you truly want to invest in."