Countless Malaysian students tend to study their butts off in an effort to get good jobs and build a better life for themselves and their loved ones. But, even with amazing educational credentials, are good job positions guaranteed?
For 1 Malaysian woman, it certainly is not.
According to a report by Harian Metro, 25-year-old Zuraini Zulkornian has been working as a restaurant assistant at her brother’s restaurant for about a year now, despite having a first-class Bachelor’s Degree in Finance with a Vice-Chancellor’s award.
But, she isn’t shy about her role in washing dishes as a job is a job, and she isn’t doing illegal work.
She resorted to working at her brother’s restaurant as a helper after graduating from Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) in June 2023, as she could not find a job that is equal to her qualifications in the field of finance.
“After completing my practical at an agency, I went through a ‘protégé’ course for 6 months but I was not able to be absorbed (by the organisation) because there was no vacancies at that time, so I returned to my hometown and started working at my brother’s restaurant,”
“I wash dishes, make drinks, take orders and set dining tables. I don’t mind doing this even though I have a Degree because it is Halal, so why be ashamed,” she shared.
Though, she added that she gets questioned by the people around her, with many making insinuations about her current job status.
“I don’t blame them because it’s a normal part of life, especially when you know that you studied to a high level but do this kind of work, but there are words mixed with sharp sarcasm that hurts my heart,”
“Some people who make comparisons with me, who is highly educated but earns RM30 a day, with someone who only finished primary school but has incomes that reach tens of thousands a month. But, I just keep quiet despite feeling discouraged,” she explained.
With all of that being said, she has not given up on applying for jobs in her field and is seeing her role at her brother’s restaurant as something to do for the time being.
She is also staying positive and hopes to educate the public to not see a person’s job as a measure of their education.
What do you think about this? Do feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.
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