Chinese man becomes house mover after decade in Australia and finds unexpected demand for English lessons online

A middle-aged man in northwestern China who previously spent ten years studying in Australia has unexpectedly become an online source of English learning after he began posting videos of his work as a house mover. His story has drawn widespread attention as viewers discovered he speaks fluent English despite now working in a physically demanding job far removed from his past studies.

The man, identified as Jia, comes from a well-off family and once hoped to build a successful business after returning to China. Following his studies in Australia, he launched several ventures across different industries. However, each attempt failed, leaving him with significant debt and forcing him to reconsider his career path. Two years ago, he decided to take a job as a house mover in Xi’an, Shaanxi province, focusing on rebuilding stability rather than chasing high-risk opportunities.

Jia began recording short videos of his daily work in August, documenting the moving process and giving viewers a glimpse into the challenges and routines of the profession. What set his clips apart was his decision to narrate them entirely in English. He said he initially did this to attract more online attention, believing that the combination of physical labour and fluent English would stand out among typical social media content.

The strategy worked. As more viewers discovered his account, many were struck by his language skills and began reaching out to him for English lessons. Some commenters said they were inspired by his calm tone and clear pronunciation, while others expressed curiosity about how someone with his background ended up working in such a different environment. Jia said he felt surprised but encouraged by the sudden interest, explaining that he did not expect to become a language resource for so many people.

Despite the contrast between his past and present circumstances, Jia said he feels more content now than when he was running businesses. He explained that he no longer feels pressure to pursue financial success and has instead found satisfaction in steady work and honest effort. He has also discovered a sense of purpose in helping others improve their English, something he did not anticipate when he began posting videos.

His story has sparked discussion online about career choices, life expectations and the value of practical skills. Many users praised Jia for embracing a new path rather than becoming discouraged by failure, saying his experience shows that people can still find meaning and confidence in unexpected places.

As his following continues to grow, Jia said he hopes to balance his moving work with offering accessible English training. For now, he remains focused on documenting his daily tasks, sharing his story and connecting with viewers who find motivation in his unusual journey.