Summary of the Core Content
This news article tells the real story of Chen, a post-90s individual from Shenzhen, who transitioned from working in the international trade industry to becoming a full-time clown. Through his daily work, income and expenses, career transformation, and attitude towards “selling happiness,” it explores the intricacies, perseverance, and self-identity behind this seemingly glamorous profession. Chen faces challenges such as being cheated out of 5000 yuan by a running-down barbershop, but he also finds genuine joy when surrounded by children. His small workplace, a 6-square-meter “happiness warehouse,” is both stuffy and busy, yet it provides him with a sense of fulfillment from his skills and positive reputation.
1. From Foreign Trade Executive to Full-Time Clown: An Accidental Career Change
Chen studied international trade in college and worked as a foreign trade clerk for several years, dealing with emails and quotes at a typical office environment. Feeling that he wasn’t cut out for landing big deals and making substantial profits, he resigned and saw an ad for a clown (as long as you could blow up balloons) in a part-time job group. During his first training session, he learned to shape more than 10 types of balloons. Although the instructor was dissatisfied with his skills, he was still hired and worked at a community event in Yantian for four to five hours without any issues. On his way home, he thought about starting his own business with his own props. Gradually, as he took on more jobs and gained recognition, he became a full-time clown by chance.
2. Making a Living in the “Happiness Warehouse”: Low Costs, but High Volume
Chen’s workplace is a small shop of 6 square meters located in Henggang’s urban village, with a monthly rent of 1100 yuan. It’s filled with balloons, magic props, and acrobatic equipment. His main expenses are for fuel and highway fares (to travel to places like Huizhou, Dongguan, and Guangzhou for gigs). The props and costumes are relatively inexpensive since they last for a long time.
In terms of income, children’s birthday parties cost between 400 and 1000 yuan per hour, with prices increasing based on the complexity of the performances. Events in shopping malls are more lucrative, starting at 1000 yuan per session, and he performs 3-4 times a day with no repetition. The holidays are the peak season, during which he can book 20-30 gigs per month. There’s no fixed pricing; his earnings depend on his experience and skills. This job allows him to support himself in Shenzhen and cover the costs of his workplace.
3. A Clown’s Day: The Challenges and Dedication Behind the Glamorous Performance
Chen’s daily work is full of uncertainties. For example, a scheduled mall event might be moved to McDonald’s, but he’s accustomed to such changes. Before a performance, he blows balloons in the stuffy warehouse (the more unique the shapes, the more excited the children are). He has to change into his costume and makeup in the bathroom to avoid embarrassing the children. He has techniques for dealing with different age groups: older children respond well to exaggerated expressions and actions, while those in kindergarten need educational games. If a child gets upset, he calmly talks to them; if a balloon hits the wall, he pretends to surrender and laughs with them. During performances, he wears long sleeves and pants, sweating profusely without time to wipe off, but seeing the children laughing makes it all worth it.
4. The Value of the Profession: Selling Happiness and Healing Oneself
Chen believes that emotional regulation is a crucial skill for a clown—like when he’s cheated out of money but still has to smile for half an hour before performing. He doesn’t mind the negative connotations associated with clowns online and finds joy in making people laugh. He has declined offers to work at tourist attractions in Zhejiang (with free accommodation and transportation) to take care of a newly born rabbit. He’s also made mistakes but has managed to recover his reputation through hard work. For him, being a clown is a legitimate job that allows him to earn a living with his skills and find happiness amidst the hustle and bustle.
5. The Challenges of the Industry: Low Entry Barriers, but Need for Commitment
The clown profession requires little training (just knowing how to blow balloons), but success demands dedication. Chen has self-taught magic, acrobatics, and bubble show skills. He practiced throwing balls until he could do it flawlessly and learned to ride a unicycle with confidence. He emphasizes that although the skills may seem simple, they require time and practice to master. A good reputation is essential (no late arrivals, and mistakes must be quickly rectified). He considers Stephen Chow’s humor as an inspiration, believing that pure, abstract laughter can touch people’s hearts. This seemingly frivolous job has helped him find a lifestyle that suits him better than working in foreign trade.
This article doesn’t preach grand principles but shows us through Chen’s story that not all jobs have to be high-status; being able to earn a living and find happiness in one’s work is a respectable way of life.