Booming life services breed new occupations

China's booming life services industry is breeding new occupations, with a growing number of people pouring into fields other than traditional service sectors, according to a study by zhaopin.com and the Meituan Research Institute.

The life services industry is forming a benign ecosystem in which new consumption, new technology, new business forms and new occupations promote each other, it says.

Meituan Dianping, a Chinese lifestyle platform offering food, medicine and grocery deliveries, has seen more than 70 new occupations bred by the new business on its platform.

More talent is being attracted to positions in new areas in medical and health care such as disinfection and sterilization in homes and public places, nucleic acid testing in medical institutions, and online medical care.

Extreme experiences such as trampolining, surfing and niche hobbies including floral art and Chinese studies also create more job opportunities, according to the study.

Last year, China's per capita GDP reached US$10,276. With this increase in incomes and accumulation of wealth, Chinese consumers are increasingly pursuing quality services and personalized experiences. Spending on education, entertainment, tourism and other services is expected to continue to grow, the study notes.

Compared with other traditional industries and occupations, the new practitioners in the life services industry tend to have a clearer career path and enhanced sustainability.

Love and income are the top two motivators for them to pursue new careers.

After engaging in a new career, they find that their professional abilities in the field of new business improve rapidly, the report adds.