A 32-year-old Malaysian has found new meaning in life after trading in his corporate job for a fried chicken stall at a local kopitiam.
Despite graduating with an accounting degree and landing a RM4,500 job at a multinational company, he said the reality of daily stress, long hours, and burnout led him to walk away.
‘I lost myself in that job’
The man, who shared his story anonymously to TTN, said he once believed success meant dressing sharply and working in air-conditioned offices.
However, he soon found himself overworked, emotionally drained, and physically unwell. Even his mother noticed his drastic weight loss.
A remark from a colleague — “You studied so much just to do other people’s accounts?” — made him question his path.
Back to childhood memories
He recalled his happiest moments growing up: helping his father fry chicken at night markets.
That memory inspired him to quit and open his own stall back in his hometown.
Although the first few weeks were tough — slow business, getting burned while cooking, and dealing with council checks — he pushed through.
‘Now I count my own money’
The business gradually gained loyal customers, including students, drivers, and regular uncles and aunties.
Some people say I wasted my degree. But I think I got my life back,” he said.
Today, he earns a few thousand ringgit monthly. It’s not much, but it’s money he earns with his own hands — without fake smiles, crowded LRTs, or corporate pressure.
He acknowledged the societal belief that a degree should lead to a ‘decent’ job, but said he now values happiness and freedom over status.
“I’d rather be covered in oil than filled with resentment,” he wrote.
Though not rich, he’s proud to have taken control of his life — and hopes others realise it’s okay to choose differently.
