Hi all, I'm asking on behalf of a friend who is a degree-holder but still working for low salary at a local factory. This is the situation.

After graduation, he worked at some Chinaman factory that produce vegetable oil in Penang mainland, salary was like 2.5k yet it was quite close to his parent's house so he didn't have to move, plus with the pandemic the jobs became hard to find.

Then last year after 2 years working there with little recognition he moves to another factory, this one even closer to his family house and salary about 3k, producing sweets and baking supplies. After 1 year working there and other factories near his house not too interested, he receives an offer from some local oil refinery factory based in Port Klang, salary about 3.8k yet this time he has no family support so he has to rent and the additional RM 800 will probably be sunk into the rental since it's quite high there, plus food and other expenses will probably take another RM 500 monthly so he will be left with maybe RM 2.5k monthly in his bank, which is similar to what he was earning at the very first job where he had little personal expenses and could just use the monthly salary for him and family. Would you roll the dice and accept this sort of offer? Or would you just stick with your hassle-free life earning little but being contented, and maybe only move if it's close to your family?

Just need to answer himself one question

What does he want in life?

1. Money/career
2. Family First

but seems like his concern is lower cost of living subsidised by family rather than being able to see his family daily

YET... +800 does not seem like a good hike to move, some more to KV assuming now outside KV

Good point, for number 2 it's probs both reasons as his parents are also older and prefer to have him around. I told him as well it's probably not a good idea, except maybe for prospect reason as that company is bigger and more reputation than his current one yet it's still gonna hurt financially unless he nego better salary after some time.

extra 800 only? to work in Klang Valley...

better don't go

I agree with the comments of the others ... RM800 is a bit too low for such a big jump in living circumstances.

may consider looking for a new job in Penang. Try move to olechemical or chemical/ petrochemical plant e.g. Toray, Fatty Chemical or Honeywell UOP which may give better salary or bonus..

No easy to adapt in new place (town) when he/she doesn't have connection or friends around.

There are quite many factories in Penang nowadays, he could probably change to a bigger MNC factory for better benefits. Or if he has outgoing personality, there are quite many technical sales job hiring people to take care of Northern region of West Malaysia Market. Probably he can change his career to this direction. But bear in mind, just accept those sales job with commission/incentive....

This post has been edited by justapawn: Sep 21 2023, 10:30 AM

Based on his scenario stay close. 800 not a significant jump considering he'll lose out money in rental, and higher cost of living.

Stay close to family. The rental, deposit, food rate is different in KV. Check for flood prone areas too in KV.

Just 800 hike, stay with family. Penang factory opportunity is considered good.

O&G industry may generally pay better if just pure employment term. So if there is further career progression.. maybe worth it..

True. And if wanna move to new town might as well go overseas