For many Malaysians, the idea of working in Singapore is like chasing a golden ticket—higher salaries, career growth, and better benefits.
But the reality? Gruelling commutes, long hours, and the constant balancing act between work and personal life.
This struggle is even more real for healthcare workers, who already have demanding jobs.
One Malaysian healthcare professional recently found herself at a crossroads: should she chase the better pay across the border or stay in Malaysia for a more stable life?
‘Should I take the Singapore offer despite the benefits?‘
Weighing her options, she turned to the r/askSingapore subreddit, hoping to hear from those who had walked this path before.
Her situation? A choice between two job offers—one in Malaysia, one in Singapore—each with its own set of perks and trade-offs.
Here’s the breakdown:
Job #1: Malaysia (Private Hospital)
- Salary: RM6,100
- Medical Benefits: Covers her and her family
- Commute: About an hour daily
- Cons: No bonuses, slow salary growth, limited career progression, only 14 days of annual leave
Job #2: Singapore (Public Healthcare Polyclinic Group)
- Salary: S$4,400 (approx. RM14,432)
- Bonuses: 3.6 months’ worth of performance-based incentives
- Leave & Perks: 21 annual leave days and study opportunities
- Cons: Unpredictable work schedule with travel between locations, and a brutal daily commute of up to 3 hours
Money vs. time, growth vs. convenience—it wasn’t an easy choice.
More Than Just a Paycheck
Beyond work, personal factors made the decision even harder. She’s married, but she and her husband would have to stay in Johor Bahru (JB) since he doesn’t have a Singapore work visa.
Her biggest concerns?
- The commute: “Is the JB-SG commute worth it in the long run?” she asked. “How much does it cost, and what’s the best way to do it?”
- Work-life balance: Will the exhaustion from traveling back and forth be worth the financial gain?
- Future plans: If she starts a family, will working in Singapore still be sustainable?
Hoping for honest insights, she asked, “Should I take the Singapore offer despite the benefits? Or is it better to avoid the hassle altogether?”
“Five years working in Singapore could be worth ten years in Malaysia. That’s a huge difference”
Her post sparked a wave of responses. Many urged her to take the Singapore job despite the tiring commute.
One Redditor broke it down in pure numbers:
“Your salary package in Singapore would be nearly three times what you’d earn in Malaysia.”
Another pointed out that now’s the best time to grind:
“Since you don’t have kids yet, why not hustle while you can? If money and career growth aren’t your top priorities, then Malaysia’s fine. But if the daily commute is too much, you could rent in Singapore on weekdays and head home on weekends.”
Others emphasised the financial perk:
“Five years working in Singapore could be worth ten years in Malaysia. That’s a huge difference.”
Some reassured her that commuting isn’t as bad as it sounds:
At the end of the day, it all comes down to priorities. Some Malaysians see Singapore as the ultimate opportunity—to work hard, save up, and secure a better future. Others value stability, shorter commutes, and time with family over a bigger paycheck.
For now, this healthcare worker is still weighing her options, armed with real-life insights from those who have been in her shoes. Whatever she decides, it’s a choice many Malaysians know all too well.
Would you make the leap for the paycheck, or would you stay for the peace of mind?
