Core Viewpoint - The article discusses a generation of individuals who, despite having prestigious educational backgrounds, choose unconventional paths in life, rejecting the traditional definitions of success imposed by society [1][2][3]. Group 1: Individual Choices and Paths - Lin Zhiyi, a graduate from a prestigious university, chose to become a city wanderer and content creator instead of pursuing a high-paying job in finance, reflecting a desire for personal fulfillment over societal expectations [4][5][6]. - Liu Ruoyun, who graduated from Peking University, opted to teach in a Tibetan school rather than follow a conventional media career, emphasizing the importance of personal choice and passion in her life [7][8]. - Han Che, a top student from Fudan University, decided to open a second-hand bookstore instead of pursuing a lucrative career in finance, highlighting a shift towards a more meaningful and slower-paced life [9][10]. - Jiang Shiran, who left a stable job in a large state-owned enterprise, became an independent podcaster, focusing on topics that resonate with her personal experiences and values [11][12]. - Chen Yu, a computer science graduate, chose to work in rural education rather than in a high-paying tech job, aiming to empower children with digital skills [13][14]. Group 2: Changing Perspectives on Success - The article illustrates a broader societal shift where individuals no longer equate effort with guaranteed success, leading to a reevaluation of what constitutes a fulfilling life [15][16]. - There is a growing recognition that prestigious educational backgrounds do not dictate a singular career path, allowing individuals to explore diverse opportunities [17][18]. - The emphasis is on personal happiness and meaning rather than societal validation, with individuals prioritizing their own definitions of success over traditional metrics [19][20].

Group 1 - The conference focused on the opportunities and challenges of employment for college graduates, emphasizing the need to enhance their adaptability in the job market [1] - Experts highlighted the importance of vocational education and skills enhancement, aligning with the national development strategy as outlined in the "Education Strong Nation Construction Plan" [1] - The conference gathered nearly 50 experts from various institutions, including government departments and universities, to discuss new dynamics in employment [1] Group 2 - In regions like the Pearl River Delta and Yangtze River Delta, vocational education has shown advantages in aligning with market demands, with Shenzhen Information Vocational Technology College maintaining a graduate employment rate above 95% over the past five years [2] - More than half of the graduates from Shenzhen Information Vocational Technology College are employed in high-tech industries, new generation information technology, and the internet sector, with about a quarter entering leading and large-scale enterprises [2] - Experts suggested that schools should enhance career planning education and strengthen industry analysis and school-enterprise cooperation to better align students with market needs [2]