According to Dimsum DailyYu shared details of her new life in a video on her Douyin account, where she was seen adapting to her role in a restaurant, donning a waitress uniform and setting tables.

Yu also recounted an incident from her first day on the job when she was reprimanded by her supervisor for not wearing gloves, a standard protocol she had been informed about but forgot. Earning 180 yuan (US$24.9) for her shift, Yu said she found her new job more manageable than her previous high-pressure acting career, according to The Star.

Yu disclosed that the compensation she received while working with TVB was inadequate to support a comfortable lifestyle. This issue, common among actors, compelled her to seek additional employment despite her on-screen popularity and minimal earnings. Throughout her active acting career, she frequently took on various part-time jobs to supplement her income.

The 37-year-old actress joined TVB in 2012 after becoming a finalist in the Miss Chinese International Pageant, and remained with the network until 2023. She gained recognition for her roles in dramas such as “Ghost Of Relativity,” “My Lover From The Planet Meow,” and “Wonder Women.”

Her experiences reflect a broader issue within TVB concerning low salaries, a topic that has prompted other actors to speak out. Earlier this month, actor Niklas Lam revealed that he juggles five part-time jobs to supplement his income, while actor Oscar Li has transitioned to a new role at Hong Kong International Airport, highlighting the financial challenges faced by actors in the industry.