For many, landing a high-paying job is a dream come true.
It offers financial security, a comfortable lifestyle, and a sense of achievement. But what happens when that job leaves you feeling empty?
That’s the dilemma one Malaysian woman is facing.
Despite earning a five-figure salary, she’s contemplating quitting her job—not because she dislikes it, but because she feels like she’s missing out on what truly matters: time with her husband and soon-to-be-born child.
A career that pays well, but at what cost?
The 26-year-old, who works in the oil and gas industry, recently opened up on social media about her struggle.
She shared that both she and her husband work for foreign companies in Malaysia, with her bringing in RM9,000 a month and him RM14,000. On paper, they have a financially stable life.
But there’s a catch—her husband’s job requires frequent travel, leaving her home alone most of the time.
My husband has to travel frequently, so I’m often home alone,” she wrote on X.
At first, she thought she could manage, but as time passed, the loneliness set in. Now, with their first child on the way, she’s seriously considering stepping away from her career to become a stay-at-home mom (SAHM).
A choice about priorities
Her decision isn’t about disliking work—it’s about feeling disconnected from the people who matter most to her. She admitted that despite her financial success, something still feels missing.
I feel ‘distant’ from my husband. I want to take care of him and our child. I want to have dinner with my husband and child together. Am I being selfish for wanting that?” she questioned.
It’s a thought that many working professionals have probably had at some point. The constant struggle between chasing career success and being present for family is a tough one, and for this woman, the scales are tipping toward family.
The big question—Will her husband agree?
Despite her strong feelings, she has yet to bring up the conversation with her husband. She wonders if he’d be okay with her leaving her job, given that they both have stable incomes.
Before I ask him, do you think he’ll agree? We both have stable careers and incomes. But ever since we got married, I’ve cared less about my career because I want to be a wife and mother who spends time with my family—unlike now,” she shared.
Support or skepticism?
Her story quickly gained attention online, with people divided on the issue.
Some applauded her for prioritising family, saying that money isn’t everything. Others, however, argued that in today’s economy, giving up a high-paying job isn’t a decision to take lightly.
At the end of the day, there’s no right or wrong answer—it’s about what makes her happiest.
But it does raise an interesting question: If you were in her shoes, what would you do? Would you take the leap and put family first, or find a way to balance both?
