You don’t expect riches. Just something fair.
But when a chemical engineering grad gets offered RM2.4k, even ‘reasonable’ starts to feel insulting.
A Malaysian recently took to Threads to vent their frustration after receiving a job offer that didn’t match their expectations or qualifications.
I feel so sad. They offered me RM2.4k??? I have a degree, you know,” the user wrote, expressing disbelief over the offer.
According to Vocket, they revealed that they had studied chemical engineering, a field often regarded as critical and demanding, and believed this should have warranted better pay.
To make matters worse, they had worked on a two-year contract that wasn’t renewed. They have now been unemployed for six months, with their parents covering all their expenses.
“Just having a degree doesn’t entitle you to anything”
The post didn’t go unnoticed. Soon, the comment section was filled with Malaysians sharing their own thoughts and experiences. Some were sympathetic, while others provided a reality check.
One user pointed out the oversaturation of the job market and how it is no longer enough to simply hold a degree:
“The number of fresh grads entering the market is higher than the number of jobs available. Just having a degree doesn’t entitle you to anything.”
Another added a piece of advice that many found relatable:
“If you’re skilled and competent, you’ll eventually get what you deserve. But in the meantime, don’t expect your competitors to just sit around and wait.”
Experience doesn’t always mean higher pay
As the conversation grew, others began chiming in with stories that showed this wasn’t just a one-off experience. Even those with years of experience still face lowball offers.
“Girl, I have a diploma and 10 years of experience. A new company with no system is offering me just RM3k,” shared one netizen.
But amid the frustration, there were also words of encouragement. One person shared how starting small didn’t stop his wife from working her way up.
“My wife has a degree. She started at RM2k and went along with it. Now she’s earning RM5k. Her company won’t let her go and she can negotiate for anything now.”
Beyond personal experiences, the post sparked a broader discussion. Many questioned why entry-level salaries remain low even in 2025.
One netizen reflected on how little has changed in the past decade:
“That was the market rate for fresh grads in 2015. How is it still the same now? With two years of experience, you should be getting more, at least 10% more than your previous salary.”
