A 56-year-old Malaysian business owner has sparked discussion online after sharing a candid reflection on the generational gap in today’s workplace.
Posted on XUAN, he focused on explaining why younger employees often misunderstand the pressures, responsibilities and financial risks that come with running a company.
The man, who built his business from scratch and is preparing to hand it over to his children, said he has seen a drastic shift in attitudes compared to when he first started working.
“Young ones want high pay before proving anything.”
He recalled graduate University decades ago and starting his first job in a construction company. The pay was low, but he and his peers focused on doing good work, not negotiating perks.
But he said today’s workplace culture feels different.
Young people now want high pay, flexible hours and fast promotions even before gaining experience. I always tell my staff: don’t talk about RM2,500 — if you can help the company make money, I’m willing to pay RM25,000! The problem is not everyone wants to prove their value first.”
He added that while young employees are quick to criticise bosses for “selling dreams” or “promising promotions that never come,” they don’t realise that business plans often fail, clients delay payments, and deals fall apart behind the scenes.
“They don’t understand the pressure behind it.”
One of the points he raised, and what sparked most debate, was how younger employees often misread outward appearances.
He explained that many assume bosses are rolling in money when they change cars or travel overseas. But in reality, these decisions are often strategic, not luxurious.
We change cars to improve the company’s image. If I go meet a client driving a normal car, sometimes they don’t take me seriously. For big projects, your image can affect whether you win the deal.”
He added that trips abroad are frequently for learning and industry exposure, not holidays.
“I don’t use company money to enjoy. I go to see how overseas companies operate, visit construction expos, learn new technology.
Bosses also need to upgrade themselves. If I stop learning, the company stops too.”
His message to young Malaysians
He said workers usually assume bosses enjoy rewards without understanding the heavy responsibility behind the scenes.
When our plans change and we cannot give the bonus we hoped for, staff will think we lied. Just because they saw us travel or change a car.”
He said this is similar to everyday life where people sometimes fail to keep promises. Yet bosses are expected to deliver perfectly at all times.
His advice to young workers is simple. Be grounded and focus on responsibility before demanding high pay.
He said bosses will happily reward staff who bring value. “If you really have the ability you do not need to ask. The high salary will come.”
