Read the inspiring story of a Meituan courier who erased a 420 million VND debt in six years. Learn his lessons and discover how you can break free from gig work.
In the bitter chill of a winter morning, a young man armed with a decade‑old phone, an electric bike, and a 120,000 NDT (≈ 420 million VND) loan took his first gig as a delivery rider for Meituan, a Chinese food‑delivery platform. With no degree, no experience, and a mountain of debt, the only viable escape he saw was to become a shipper.
Year 1 – Learning the Ropes
Veteran riders warned him that a hard‑working courier could make around 6,000 NDT a month (≈ 21 million VND). He started early, logging into the app at 7:30 am and riding until nightfall. A “good” day meant 45–50 orders and earnings of 220–250 NDT (≈ 770‑875 k VND). Bad days—traffic jams, canceled orders, or a dip in his rating—could cut his income in half.
Because the debt was looming, he never turned off the app, even for a short break.
Year 2 – Mastering the System
He soon realized that chasing the routes suggested by the algorithm was the least efficient strategy. After a year of navigating the city’s streets, he learned to avoid traffic lights, bypass congestion, and pick high‑frequency zones. This tactical shift lifted his monthly earnings to about 10,000 NDT (≈ 35 million VND).
Year 3 – Halving the Burden
By the end of the third year, more than half of the loan was repaid. The remaining 55,000 NDT (≈ 192 million VND) felt manageable. He reduced his riding hours and began mentoring new couriers, charging a small fee for route tips and traffic‑avoidance advice. This side activity added another 1,000–1,500 NDT per month.
Year 4 – The Setback
Just as he expected to clear the balance, his electric bike broke down, forcing a sudden “strike” against his income. With no savings, he had to take a fresh loan to buy a replacement bike, instantly adding a second debt. The moment he signed the loan paperwork, he felt as if a dark cloud had eclipsed the sun.
Learning from this mistake, he started reserving about 1,000 NDT each month as an emergency fund, preventing another financial free‑fall.
Year 5 – Health Comes First
Months of relentless riding left his back, shoulders, and neck in constant pain. The physical toll made it clear that a lifelong career as a shipper was unsustainable. The mantra “once the debt is gone, delete the app” grew louder in his mind.
Year 6 – The Final Push
Determined to finish strong, he intensified his efforts during peak periods—holidays, weekends, and festivals—while capping his daily rides at 9 pm to protect his health. He also secured exclusive contracts with two fashion boutiques, guaranteeing a steady flow of orders. By the year’s end, the debt was finally paid off.
At 9:17 am, he deleted the Meituan app. He describes that moment as the most relieving in his 30‑year life, not because he dislikes the work, but because he is finally free from its compulsion.
Reflection & Future Steps
The courier credits the gig job with giving him income, discipline, and a realistic exit strategy when he had no degree or capital. Yet he also admits that a lifelong gig isn’t a viable path. Today, he works as an apprentice at an auto‑repair workshop—an unpaid role that provides food, shelter, and a clear, non‑financial‑driven future.
His story underscores a powerful lesson: while gig work can be a lifeline for debt repayment, long‑term well‑being requires a transition to stable, sustainable employment.