Man on the Street is a regular series where we talk to someone doing an everyday job, in order to gain insight into the lives of normal Chinese people.
Every weekday at 4pm, students rush out of the International School of Nanshan Shenzhen. They bike past a quiet road on their way home to parents and homework, most not noticing the street or its tree with a small sign nailed to the trunk. Written in Chinese characters, the sign reads: “haircut RMB7, haircut and face shave RMB9, face shave RMB3.” Zhang Disheng, the street barber, stands cutting his customers’ locks nearby.
Every day from 7am to 6pm, the 66-year-old Guangdong native from Meishan can be found clipping split ends underneath the shade of the tree. Most men his age in China are enjoying their retirement, but Zhang does not have that luxury. When asked about his unconventional work, he says he does this job to help his family overcome financial difficulties. “It may put my family in trouble if I don't do this job,” he tells us while shearing a soldier’s hair.
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Zhang has worked on quiet Kangyuan Lu, in Nanshan District, for more than four years. Though its a tough job in which he must stand for most of the day, there are few options available for men his age in China.
“They probably will not hire a man over 60 as a cleaner or waiter,” he says. “I have no choice except this.”
Yet Zhang is seasoned in the position, beginning his barber career at age 14. He’s created a simple routine for himself over the years, rising every morning at 6am and manning his post from 7am to 6pm. He has no weekends or holidays with the exception of days with bad weather.
“I will not quit this job until the day I die.”
His station seems fairly professional, considering it’s on the street. There are chairs, a bucket with newspapers and reading glasses for those waiting for a trim. Zhang orders most of his tools from Taobao or buys them at the local supermarket. Though not high quality, he says they suffice in helping him accomplish his tasks.
His regular customers are nearby residents and soldiers stationed in the area. Also, foreigners visit his post sometimes. “Not everyone needs a haircut every day,” Zhang says, confiding that sometimes he only makes around RMB30-40 in a 24-hour period.
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This can put strain on his family, whom he lives with nearby, not far from the Taoyuan metro station. Their rent is RMB3,000 a month, a doable yet difficult amount for them to muster up each time. Zhang’s wife stays at home to take care of their grandchild, and his son and daughter-in-law work during the week.
At the day’s end, Zhang sweeps up his post and packs up his equipment. As a final thought before leaving, he says, “I will not quit this job until the day I die.” He then shuffles off home to his family, leaving Kangyuan Lu until 7am the next morning.
THE DIRTY DETAILS
Monthly salary: RMB600-3,000
Days per week: 7
Hours per day: 10
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