A 'trash picking' career for Chinese law school graduate

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Wu Kaisi is a fresh graduate with a degree in law and a set of skills that made his friends and family certain a job with a hefty reward package was just around the corner. But the 22-year-old decided not to pursue a nine-to-five office job, opting for a more "outdoorsy" career which sees him shuttling between flea markets in south China looking for good bargains.

Wu is a "professional" collector of everything old, used and obsolete — and the young man could not be any happier.

His case highlights the sticky situation of many young Chinese caught between the wishes their parents have for them and their own dreams.

Wu and an old‍ accordion. /Photo via sohu.com

“Every single old item is exclusive, and its uniqueness is what truly fascinates me,” Wu said, displaying a sense of pride and excitement while talking about his collection.

Wu's collection of abacuses. /Photo via sohu.com

Born in north China's Shanxi Province and bred in Beijing, his interest in collecting antiques began since childhood years.

His parents would take him to Panjiayuan, one of the largest and most popular flea markets in the country, where second-hand goods, discarded family heilrooms and interesting trinkets are a treasure for some. He was a child in a candy store.

Wu's pottery collection. /Photo via happyjuzi.com

"My parents used to want me to get a doctoral degree and then find a decent job," Wu said, "but I insisted on keeping my individuality and personality.”

The independent and rebellious young man spoke about the struggles he went through to confront his family.

“I spent more time and effort collecting old and second-hand pieces than doing schoolwork at college,” Wu said half-jokingly, describing his current job, which has kept him busy for two years, as “garbage picking.”

Wu and his junk shop. /Photo via happyjuzi.com

But the young collector has proven his potential in his own way. Instead of simply being a collector of old goods or a hoarder, he has opened up four stores: a junk shop, a hostel, a designer shop and a bookstore, where he can strategically organize or sell his treasured possessions.

Wu in New York City. /Photo via gd.qq.com

Wu is also a photographer, who has traveled around 100 cities, and given more than 20 lectures in various universities across China, sharing his travels and the countless old and used goods that he collected during his journeys.

Wu's collection of old cameras. /Photo via sohu.com

It was never Wu’s dream to earn a few bucks from selling his collections, but it's his newfound path that led him to a sense of happiness he had never felt.

The young man has worked to help the poor, organizing several fundraising events to ask for donations and clothes to the elderly and homeless.

Flea markets have given him the excitement and thrill of collecting what he sees as valuable, but sharing these items with others who are in need has offered him another genuine type of joy and satisfaction.