According to Znews, Ifeng reported that Yu, who holds a master’s degree in directing from the University of Sussex in the U.K., started working as a waitress in June while waiting for acting roles. Her responsibilities include translating for foreign tourists, taking orders, chatting with guests, and introducing the menu.

The job also provides free meals, which help her save on costs. Additionally, it offers flexible hours, allowing her to keep up with her audition schedules.

At 29, Yu returned to China in late 2021 after completing her master’s degree. In 2022, she began her acting career in theater, participating in over 1,000 commercial plays.

In 2024, she shifted her focus to film and television acting. However, with the film industry shrinking, opportunities for lesser-known actors like Yu became limited. She began taking roles in short films and frequently traveled to major film sets in different cities to search for opportunities.

“There are fewer TV dramas, and actors like us find it hard to get opportunities,” she told Chinese media. “I only film short films, but the number of projects in Beijing is also decreasing, so I have to go to other cities.”

Despite facing instability in her career, Yu remains dedicated to her dream and is open to exploring other fields to support her passion.

“This waitress job is mainly to cover my daily expenses and reassure my family that I have a stable income,” she said.

Yu also shared that she had previously tried applying for a delivery job but was rejected due to health reasons. She had also handed out flyers before unexpectedly landing her current waitressing job.

In addition to her waitressing, Yu has had other hustles, such as an internship at a hotel in the U.S. as a receptionist and customer service representative, and working as a translator for an ambassador at a media forum in China.

Despite transitioning from acting to waitressing, Yu does not feel discouraged.

“Many young actors take on multiple jobs, like delivering food, livestreaming, or shopping for others. Everyone is fighting for their dreams,” she said. “There’s nothing to be ashamed of.”

Yu views waitressing as a means to support herself while continuing to pursue her acting career. She admits that she does not have the standout looks of other actors, and her film opportunities and income are more limited, but that does not stop her from accepting any role.

“As long as I get to act, I’ll be happy, even if it’s in a short film,” she said. “Many actors who have worked with big film crews might feel reluctant to act in short films. But whether it’s playing a mother or a nanny, I’m ready to perform.”