Not everyone is chasing a five figure salary.
One Malaysian woman recently drew attention online after admitting that earning RM2,000 a month would already feel like a win for her next year, after spending years stuck below RM1,500 despite having a university degree.
In a post shared on social media, she reflected on how her expectations have gradually become more modest after never earning more than RM1,500 throughout her working life.
With the cost of living continuing to rise, she said that reaching RM2,000 would already feel like a significant milestone.
She wrote:
Even if I manage to earn RM2,000 next year, that would already be enough. I’ve never earned more than RM1,500 before. I’ll be 32 next year, and I have a bachelor’s degree. God willing, may Allah grant me the chance to experience earning RM2,000 in 2026.”
Her post struck a chord with many Malaysians, quickly drawing a wave of reactions that ranged from encouragement and advice to disbelief and reflection.
“Just jump companies”
Some netizens responded by sharing their own career journeys in an attempt to motivate her, with one commenter detailing how frequent job changes helped them steadily increase their income.
They shared that they began working with a salary of RM1,200, gradually moved up to RM1,500, and after switching companies multiple times, eventually reached a monthly income of RM11,000 to RM15,000 by the age of 29.
According to the commenter, skills, work ethic, effort, and discipline are never wasted, urging others not to be afraid of job hopping.
Others question how RM1.5k is still a reality
Other reactions focused on disbelief that a RM1,500 salary is still a reality in today’s economy.
Some questioned what kind of job still pays below RM1.5k, with one netizen pointing out that even waiters now earn around RM2,000.
Another commenter shared that their foreign worker earns RM1,700 a month to comply with government requirements, and with overtime and allowances, could bring home as much as RM4,200 a month.
Many people are still struggling more than they are
Not all responses were critical.
One netizen shared that reading the post and its comments made them realise that many people are still struggling more than they are, prompting them to feel more grateful for their own circumstances.
Others offered words of encouragement, acknowledging that RM1,500 is simply not enough to survive in today’s economy, especially as prices continue to increase year after year.
Degree does not guarantee stability
Some commenters also highlighted a harsh reality faced by many Malaysians today.
They pointed out that having a degree no longer guarantees stable or well paying employment, with one employer even sharing that their staff without SPM qualifications earn more than RM2,000.
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