Retirees relishing a return to work

Coffee culture

Like Li, a man in Xianyang, Shaanxi province, who wanted to be named only as Shen, has been enjoying a new life since retiring about three years ago.

Shen, who is in his 60s, now takes on a number of roles at the cafe he owns in the city, which he opened one year before retirement.

"I enjoy hosting various small events, serving the customers and making coffee for them," he said, adding that the job is not just about making money, but has given him a new interest after retirement.

Shen said he cannot stay idle, as he has been active in various fields, including home renovation, advertising and the electronic products trade.

In 2008, he launched out on his own — traveling to countries such as Thailand and Myanmar to sell light industrial products produced in coastal areas of China, such as Guangdong and Fujian provinces.

During his time in Southeast Asia, Shen became acquainted with coffee culture.

He said that when he was in Yangon and Mandalay in Myanmar, people spoke to him about working in coffee shops.

"At first, I didn't like the bitter taste of coffee, but with the idea of doing business with others, I slowly began to accept it, and after a while, it grew on me," he said.

Going to coffee shops also gave him the chance to relax and overcome his homesickness.

"Visiting a cafe in the afternoon allowed me to recharge my batteries at a time when I was alone and far from home. Somehow, the bitterness of the coffee, along with the cafe atmosphere, helped comfort me," he said.

After returning to China in 2011, Shen missed the coffee culture of Southeast Asia, so he decided to buy numerous coffee-making utensils and use his free time learning to make the beverage.

It was not long before he opened a small "coffee corner" on his balcony to entertain friends. To Shen's surprise, everyone spoke highly of his efforts and gave his coffee positive reviews.

He then thought about opening a coffee shop, but didn't act on his idea immediately.

"I was afraid of losing money. My home city is not like Beijing and Shanghai, and I didn't know the local coffee market, or if young people like the drink," Shen said, adding that he still had to make a living to support his family.

He decided on something "more reliable" by running a copy and printing shop outside a local school for several years.

As the family finances improved, especially when his retirement benefits plan started, Shen became more determined to open a cafe.