With the current economic situation, it’s getting harder for people to live within their means, let alone save up. And this challenge can become all the harder when there are family members who constantly badger for money.
Recently, a fresh graduate poured out her heart on X (formerly known as Twitter) anonymously about how she felt guilty for lying about her salary as she didn’t want her family to come after her for money.
M’sian fresh grad says she lied to family about salary to avoid demands
According to the anonymous tweet posted on @twtsecretsmy, the OP began by saying that she had a secret that she “wasn’t proud of”.
Her secret was a job which she had secured after graduation, where she was paid a salary of RM3,000 and told no one of it except for her boyfriend and best friend.
When my first day at work neared, I told my family about it and they began asking about my job, its location, and salary, which I told them was just RM2,000.
“I couldn’t bring myself to be honest because my family tends to ask for money. And if I don’t share, they will see it as a sign of disobedience, disrespect, or arrogance,” she said.
As such, the OP was left struggling with the feeling of guilt for her dishonesty whenever she meets her parents and at a loss of what to do.
Netizens encourage OP
This post, which has garnered over 560,000 views at the time of writing, saw netizens leaving words of advice and encouragement to the beleaguered OP.
‘You are absolutely doing the right thing! Never let your family know your actual income. Not even until the day you die!
“I guess you’re doing it right. Not everyone can get their family to understand and respect their personal space. At least you have savings and they are not taking advantage.’
‘I had an aunty who instructed me: ‘Don’t tell your husband your actual salary. Make it RM500 less so that you can keep it for (an) emergency.’ I think that’s also valid for parents. Don’t feel guilty. Life is hard so take care of yourself. Whatever you do, take care of yourself first ok?’
Would you reveal your actual salary to family members if you were in the OP’s shoes? Let us know in the comments!
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