The 34 year old went from earning RM3,500 to a five figure salary, only to return to their starting pay in search of a slower life.
A high salary may sound attractive, but it can also come with a heavy price.
One Malaysian recently shared that they accepted a job paying RM3,500 a month after previously earning RM12,000, choosing peace of mind over a bigger paycheque.
Was working seven days a week
In a post, the 34 year old said they were earning RM12,000 a month earlier this year.
However, the job was highly stressful and required them to work practically seven days a week.
They have since accepted a new role that pays RM3,500 a month, marking an RM8,500 reduction in monthly income.
Under the new arrangement, they will work four days a week and only need to be in the office twice a week.
The office is located in Kuala Lumpur, although the individual noted that each commute would take at least two hours.
Back to their starting salary
While speaking to their brother, the individual realised that their career had come full circle.
They had started with a salary of RM3,500, worked their way up to earning five figures, and eventually returned to the same pay.
Despite having doubts about the decision, the individual said leaving the previous job was necessary.
“It wasn’t easy to quit, but I would have been in a much worse condition if I didn’t leave,” they wrote.
The individual added that they had planned their finances early, allowing them to cover their commitments even with the lower salary.
They also clarified that they did not see the new position as a long term arrangement, but rather as a much needed break before returning to the hustle when they felt ready.
Netizens say peace matters too
Several netizens supported the decision, saying that peace and mental wellbeing could sometimes matter more than a high salary.
One commenter shared that they had also gone from earning RM15,000 to RM5,000 and found that their lifestyle did not change significantly. They said proper financial planning was more important than constantly climbing the corporate ladder.
Another commenter said Malaysians should not have to choose between fair pay and work life balance, as employees deserve both.
Others also shared similar experiences of rejecting lucrative opportunities due to personal priorities and overwhelming workplace pressure.
Responding to the comments, the individual said there was no single right or wrong choice, as everyone had different needs and priorities.
