Just to drop my opinion here. Both might apply, but it is highly dependable on each individual's discretion and situation.

I actually second kl87 on this (personally - in my case). In one of my previous interviews (I was still pretty fresh back then) I actually asked what are the company benefits (honestly, not that I care but I find that I have nothing to ask so the question just popped out of my mouth) and the boss replied, "All the basic benefits you find in other companies..." and he gave me this 'look'. lol it kind of indicate "what a stup*d question" that I asked.

I realized then and there that this is indeed not a wise question. I mean, there are people who actually place company benefits into heavy consideration on whether to accept a job or not, but since it's not something crucial for me (as long as it's 14 days AL, MC claim etc - basic compensation) I noticed that I don't need to ask about it until I'm accepted for the job.

That's just my personal experience and POV ^^; it's normal to talk about salary (I always wait for interviewer to initiate the discussion about pay) but less likely when it comes to benefits. If the interviewer happens to highlight/ talk about their benefits, then it's fine to ask further question about anything that you're not clear with

Hmmmm sounds like you're being taken advantage of. It's unavoidable sometimes. I read in a blog somewhere that says it is fine to show that you have xx skill (eg. ability to use Photoshop) but do not accept extra responsibility pertaining it if it's not part of your responsibility. Must learn to say "no" and be firm on it, otherwise it'll be placed under your KPI before you know it.

Haha well it varies with companies on the management part. Some management team are very indecisive and they're not sure whether certain things would be feasible. Sometimes in order to keep a potential staff from leaving, they would promise all sorts of candy but once you stayed on you'll realize that it's nothing like they said.

Ohhh this kind of issue actually not suitable to be posted here... but anyway just my 2 cents since you brought it up:

This is a common situation. What you might want to do is bring this matter up to your direct superior. Tell him/ her that you are very interested in networking and you really wish to have an opportunity to participate in projects related to networking.

Secondly, some seniors are actually kinda 'ngiau' towards newbies/ juniors. IMO you should try to get closer to these seniors and talk to them more often (out for tea, dinner, yumcha, whatever works). If you think by buying them lunch once or twice might bridge the gap, why not do it? Once you're more acquainted with them, they treat you like an actual junior and would help you in various aspects. The thing with seniors is that, you must not show them an 'attitude'. Sometimes you can't expect them to come to you and ask you out for lunch. You need to take the initiative.

If you think they are kiasu, then act dumb. Let them think you're clueless and agree verbally to what they say (though you may not think so in reality). You need to be more observant around them and try to be friendly with them, including your boss. If these seniors are close to your boss and you don't deal much with your direct superior, you'll find that these guys play a role in many things related to you.

End of the day it's up to you to stay or leave. If you have tried everything and things still remain the same then perhaps you wanna pursue other opportunities.

This post has been edited by sweet_pez: Feb 11 2011, 04:00 PM

I see... then,

1. If it's me, I might take it for another few months then bring the conversation up again casually someday. You don't have to be so formal and knock on your boss's room and talk about it. Ask your superior out for lunch (if there's an opportunity) and tell him that you're performing well in programming area. Then casually ask, "Is there any upcoming networking project?" and try talking about it. I understand it requires practice and experience to make the topic sound natural but you've got nothing to lose by asking, right?

2. You can't help where you'll be stationed in the office. Try initiating the talk. You can take a short 5-10min break for tea and casually walk downstairs to talk to the seniors. Or, if you brought something perfect for tea time - why not share it with them?

Why the awkward silence? Try talking and laugh more. Act more natural. Sometimes your body language tells more than what your lips say. With them being called your "senior" perhaps they sense that you're not comfortable around them.

3. You might want to check "why" you're not invited or asked to be part of the team. There could be some reasons behind it and perhaps some of the okay seniors might know. Ask them. As a last resort, ask your direct superior why you're not included. Don't be offensive or defensive. Just try asking in a nice manner over a cup of coffee - if you wish to continue working there.

You can just be honest and answer why and what you think. If you got called for interview, they will know if your response isn't consistent when they see you vs what you wrote.

Basic salary is your pay = the company have to contribute to your EPF, SOCSO.

Allowances (not eligible for EPF and SOCSO) - are usually benefits like travelling allowances (for petrol when you travel), mobile phone/ calls, meals etc. These are not taxable if I'm not mistaken. They will pay you the RM1.5k allowance together with your basic salary. Some companies want to contribute less to the staff's EPF and SOCSO thus they give you a higher allowance.

End of the day if you take up a package with high allowance, your monthly nett pay is higher. However, consider the disadvantage that your employer is paying/ contributing significantly lesser to your EPF each month.

Maybe, maybe not. It depends on HR. Usually SMEs don't do that but there's a possibility that listed companies or MNCs may call up your University to check although most of the time not very likely.

They usually only look at your basic pay. So if your basic pay is low, there may be little room for negotiation. Allowance is dependent on each company's package/ policy so it varies.