We’re always told to pursue our dreams, for happiness is doing something you truly enjoy. But what if your passion is not making you as much money as you’ve always wanted and expected?
In an anonymous dilemma by a pastry chef who has been in the baking industry for over 9 years now, he shared his biggest struggle at the moment – to make his monthly salary exceed RM2,800.
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The pastry chef is 29 years old and only holds a Diploma, but given his age and years of experience in the industry, the salary is considered low, especially if he’s living in Klang Valley where the cost of living is no joke.
“I only have a Diploma but I constantly participate classes to improve my soft skills.”
Regardless, most companies that he went to interview at were still unimpressed. To them, RM2,800 or more is just a little too high with his qualifications and skills.
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“They said whatever that I can do now, a lot of people out there can do, too.”
He said he had tried interviewing with companies that are not related to baking and the F&B industry, but none seemed to be able to give him the figure he wanted.
Does the baking industry pay you peanuts?
With many failed job interviews where he can’t seem to reach a middle ground with potential employers, the man is stuck in a loop – should he leave the baking industry and venture into something else?
“Should I leave the industry? Or the baking industry in Malaysia is just not a good place because it pays you less?”
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According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a baker in KL is somewhere around RM2,267. His current salary is RM600 more than the average salary. Of course, if you know your worth, you should always prove your worth and skills to your potential employers.
To those who are in the same industry, especially those with years of experience, what do you think of his desire to go beyond RM2,800? As for the employers, will you focus on his academic qualifications or his years of experience?
