Chinese actress Maggie Yu Miao has transitioned to working as a waitress after stepping away from Hong Kong's entertainment industry in 2023.
In a video shared on Douyin (the Chinese version of TikTok), Yu – dressed in her uniform – was seen setting tables at a restaurant in mainland China on her first day on the job.
The 37-year-old actress encountered a few hurdles, including a scolding from her supervisor for forgetting to wear gloves, despite being reminded earlier.
For her shift, she earned 180 yuan (about RM110).
Reflecting on her new job, Yu shared that it feels more manageable compared to her hectic days as an actress in Hong Kong.
Having been signed with TVB from 2012 to 2023, she revealed that the pay at the broadcaster was insufficient to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.
The My Unfair Lady (2016) star recalled taking on part-time jobs, including working at a fast food restaurant, during breaks between acting gigs to make ends meet.
Yu's career with TVB began in 2012, after she became a finalist in the Miss Chinese International Pageant.
She is known for her roles in dramas like Ghost Of Relativity (2015), My Lover From The Planet Meow (2016) and Wonder Women (2019).
Yu is not the only celebrity to speak out about the low salary at TVB.
Earlier in March, TVB actor Niklas Lam shared that he works five part-time jobs to make extra income.
Hong Kong's box office queen Sandra Ng also revealed in 2024 that she had left the broadcaster due to its low pay.
