(Interview) Annie Chen Reveals Secret Behind Her Acting Hiatus: A Decade as an Entrepreneur, Now 'More Free'

Annie Chen, once a prominent figure in Taiwanese entertainment, has opened up about the intense pressures that led her to step away from acting for nearly a decade. The acclaimed actress, known for her role in "In Time with You," confessed that her perfectionist nature, coupled with the demanding environment of the entertainment industry, resulted in severe anxiety and unhappiness. She felt a constant need to meet unattainable standards, leading to a deep dissatisfaction with her own performances and a reluctance to even watch her own work.

Chen described her pre-hiatus life as completely consumed by work, to the point where she felt disconnected from her peers who were discussing relationships and marriage. This realization, prompted by a friend's observation, highlighted how her career had overshadowed other aspects of her life. The decision to leave the industry upon the expiration of her contract with Huayan International in late 2016 was a deliberate choice for her well-being, prioritizing mental health over professional demands.

Now, Chen has successfully reinvented herself as an entrepreneur. She is involved in the startup of the instant booking app "FunNow" and serves as the creative director for the F&B brand "Chiu Sen Tea House." This new path, which involves everything from image design to market research, offers her a sense of freedom and intellectual stimulation she didn't find in acting. While she acknowledges a lingering fondness for the "dreamlike" aspects of her former career and maintains contact with industry friends, Chen emphasizes that her hiatus was not a failure but a mature decision to seek a more balanced and fulfilling life. She remains open to returning to acting but is now highly selective, prioritizing healthy work environments, compelling scripts, and well-developed characters over simply returning to the spotlight.