How I Plan to Earn 100 RMB per Hour After Losing My Job at 40?

I am a Chinese programmer, and I am about to turn 40. Recently, I faced an uncomfortable reality — my company started a round of layoffs, and I was on the list. In China, a programmer at 40 often struggles to find another full-time job in the tech industry.

Before this happened, my monthly salary was around 30,000 RMB. That income allowed me to live comfortably and support my family. But now, after losing my job, I have to find a way to maintain a similar level of income, or at least get close to it.

I calculated that if I want to sustain a monthly income of about 30,000 RMB, I would need to make around 100 RMB per hour working full-time. That became my new target. So, I started researching possible options.

Here are some of the ways I explored:

1. Food Delivery (Meituan / Ele.me)

Delivering food has become a common way for people to earn quick cash in China.

• How it works: You register with a platform, accept orders, pick up meals from restaurants, and deliver them to customers.
• Income potential: In busy urban areas, during lunch and dinner rush hours, it’s possible to make about 20–30 RMB per delivery. If you’re fast and lucky with orders, you can reach 80–100 RMB per hour.
• Pros: Flexible schedule, low entry barrier, immediate earnings.
• Cons: Physically exhausting, weather-dependent, requires a bike or scooter, income fluctuates by time and location.

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2. Driving for Didi (Ride-hailing)

Driving for Didi can be a steady way to earn money if you own a car.

• How it works: You accept ride requests through the Didi app and drive passengers to their destinations.
• Income potential: In peak hours, experienced drivers can earn 100–150 RMB per hour, but during slow periods it can drop to 50 RMB/hour or less.
• Pros: Can work any time of day, no physical strain like delivery work.
• Cons: High fuel costs, car maintenance, potential safety risks, requires a driving license and vehicle.

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3. Selling Fruits (Street Stall)

Fresh fruits are in constant demand in China.

• How it works: Buy fruits wholesale and sell them directly to customers, either at a street stall or via live-streaming platforms.
• Income potential: Margins can be good (30–50%), but you need volume to hit 100 RMB/hour consistently.
• Pros: Simple business model, easy to start small.
• Cons: Perishable inventory, requires good location or strong online presence, competition is high.

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4. Freelance Programming / Software Design

This is the most related to my old job, but with a twist — instead of a salary, I work on a project basis.

• How it works: Offer coding, website development, or app design services to small businesses or overseas clients via platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Chinese freelance websites.
• Income potential: For skilled programmers, 200–400 RMB per hour is realistic, but projects take time to find and complete.
• Pros: Uses my existing skills, high hourly rates, flexible work environment.
• Cons: Inconsistent project flow, client acquisition is time-consuming, requires self-marketing.

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Comparison Table

Method	Hourly Potential	Pros	Cons
Food Delivery	50–70 RMB	Flexible, low entry barrier	Physically tiring, weather-dependent
Didi Driving	50–100 RMB	Flexible hours, no heavy labor	Fuel/maintenance costs, safety concerns
Selling Fruits	0–80 RMB	Simple to start, steady demand	Perishable goods, competition
Freelance Programming	200–400 RMB	High earning potential, skill-based	Unstable flow, need for client hunting

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My Current Plan

For short-term survival, I might combine food delivery and Didi driving to secure a steady income. In the background, I will also work on freelance programming projects, which could give me a much higher hourly rate in the long run. This mixed strategy balances immediate cash flow and long-term earning potential.

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I know there are many other creative ways to earn 100 RMB per hour or more in China today. If you have tried other methods — online or offline — I would love to hear your ideas. Please share your suggestions in the comments and let’s help each other navigate these challenging times.

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