Meet Zhang Xinyang, the genius who opted for a life of joblessness
Zhang Xinyang – A genius with master’s and doctorate degrees shared why he chose to become jobless.
Zhang, once dubbed “China’s youngest graduate student,” gained fame for his extraordinary intelligence since childhood. Enrolled in grade one at the age of five, he accelerated to grade five within six months. At ten, he entered college, earning the title of “China’s youngest university student.” By thirteen, Zhang entered graduate school, becoming “China’s youngest graduate student.”
In 2011, at 16, Zhang pursued a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics at Beihang University in Beijing, sparking controversy by demanding his parents buy a two-million-yuan flat in Beijing. He threatened to abandon his Ph.D. and master’s degrees if they refused, arguing that a house in Beijing was crucial for his academic pursuits.
After completing his doctorate in 2019, Zhang worked as a lecturer at Ningxia Normal University. However, after two years, he resigned, expressing a shift in life perspective. At 28, he lacks a full-time job and relies on dwindling teaching earnings, unaware that his parents lied about buying the flat; they rented it instead.
In a September 20, 2023 interview with Jiupai News, Zhang blamed his lack of professional interest on his parents, stating they owed him for the promised but unfulfilled apartment. Despite financial support, Zhang lives contentedly, choosing a stress-free path and saving expenses by eating vegetables. He occasionally takes part-time jobs but adamantly rejects full-time employment.
Zhang’s controversial decision sparked discussions on Weibo, with opinions divided on whether his parents pressured him or he deliberately chose unemployment. Regardless, Zhang sees himself as an ordinary person, rejecting the label of being a genius. His story unfolds as a unique exploration of societal expectations, parental pressures, and personal choices.