It’s disheartening when a person’s qualifications and experience don’t seem to matter as much as their physical appearance in the workplace.
A Malaysian woman, who holds a degree and has over 12 years of experience, opened up about her struggle with low pay, despite being highly qualified.
In a post that sparked a conversation online, she shared her belief that her looks may be contributing to her underpaid salary of less than RM4,000 a month.
A glimpse into her struggles
The 32-year-old woman, who has spent over a decade in the workforce, made her concerns public in a thread on social media, under the handle @lidyaa_una.
She expressed her frustration over earning less than RM4,000 a month despite managing multiple roles in her company.
I’m very multi-tasking, but because of my physical appearance, I find it hard to secure another job,” she wrote.
Her post struck a chord with many, especially as she pointed out the difficulty she faces in advancing her career or changing jobs due to her looks.
Netizens shared their thoughts
The post quickly gained attention, with many netizens sharing words of encouragement and support.
One user commented, “You’re beautiful, you just need to be more confident.”
Another reassured her, saying, “Don’t downgrade yourself, sis. Everyone is beautiful in the eyes of the right people. Be confident with your appearance.”
However, the woman’s experience extends beyond just the comments. When asked if she had ever tried changing jobs, she shared her discouraging attempts.
Despite going for multiple interviews, she was either offered lower salaries or didn’t hear back at all.
One of the most painful rejections came when she was turned down for a job because she was “overweight,” with her BMI being deemed too high for the position.
Adding to her frustration, she revealed that some companies in her area have also been racist, contributing to her struggles.
Following her reply to that netizen’s comment, she further shared that she’s currently going to the gym.
It’s a painful reality for many women in Malaysia and around the world, who find themselves judged on superficial factors rather than their skills and experience.
What do you think about this? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section.
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