Crushed by exhaustion, delivery man breaks down into tears: 'I regret leaving school'

A deeply moving video of a Chinese food delivery worker breaking down during his shift has stirred widespread attention on social media, highlighting the extreme mental and physical strain faced by gig economy workers. Dressed in a yellow delivery uniform and helmet, the man was seen crying uncontrollably as he opened up about the pressures of his daily life.

Physically Exhausted, Emotionally Drained

In the now-viral clip, the driver speaks about working 10-hour days without any real opportunity for rest. He describes his routine as one that leaves him "exhausted like a dog" and says he cannot afford to slow down even for a moment. Any lapse in effort, he explains, directly affects his ability to feed himself. The constant anxiety of not meeting daily targets has worn him down, both mentally and physically.

The man shares that he often feels overwhelmed by the burdens of his job and regrets the decisions that led him to this point. He says he dropped out of school at a young age, despite warnings from teachers, and now feels that his life would have been different if he had chosen to continue his education.

Regret Over Past Choices

Speaking through tears, the delivery worker says he wishes he had studied harder instead of leaving school early. He acknowledges that his decision was driven by stubbornness, and it is a choice he now deeply regrets. The emotional toll of not being able to support his parents or live a life of his choosing weighs heavily on him.


He adds that the combination of relentless work hours and unending stress has left him without hope or someone to confide in. The video captures a moment of deep vulnerability as he admits to feeling like a failure in the eyes of his family and himself.

Public Response and Broader Concerns

The video resonated with thousands of viewers, many of whom expressed their sympathy and concern for the driver. Comments poured in acknowledging the broader issue of burnout and insecurity in gig-based jobs. Some users emphasized the need for societal support systems that allow people second chances, such as opportunities to resume education later in life. Others reminded him that even degree-holders today face similar struggles in an increasingly difficult job market.

The situation brings to light the growing concerns over labor conditions in the gig economy. Last year, a similar tragedy occurred when another Chinese delivery worker reportedly died while napping on his bike after an 18-hour shift. According to friends, he was the sole breadwinner of his family and sometimes slept for only three hours before starting work again.