After 13 years of taking on almost any job he could find, Taiwanese comedian Ma Guobi has slashed his gambling debt from NT$50mil (RM6.39mil) to NT$5mil (RM639,872).
The 51-year-old incurred the massive debt in 2013 due to a gambling addiction and has spent more than a decade working tirelessly to repay what he owed.
Despite making significant progress, Ma continues to juggle multiple jobs as he works towards clearing the remaining balance.
During a recent variety show appearance, Ma revealed that besides acting, he also works in sales at a printing factory.
He has also invested NT$1.2mil (RM153,584) with a friend to open a fried chicken shop and is personally involved in almost every aspect of the business, from testing recipes to fine-tuning the amount of sauce used.
As the shop has no additional staff, Ma often rushes there straight after filming and stays until 2am or 3am to help out.
He said the business has since stabilised, giving him another source of income as he continues working to settle his remaining debt.
Over the years, Ma has taken on a wide range of jobs, including working as a delivery rider, labourer and waiter, while also doing livestream sales.
He previously said he was willing to try almost anything as long as it allowed him to earn extra money and chip away at his debt.
However, years of working tirelessly have also prompted Ma to reassess his priorities and take better care of his health.
He recalled suffering from prolonged sleep deprivation while filming in the past. The deaths of friends in the entertainment industry also made him realise that no amount of work is worth sacrificing his health.
Ma has since made a conscious effort to look after himself, recognising that maintaining his health is just as important as clearing his remaining debt.
