M’sian Graduate Shares Frustration After Getting Only RM1.5k Offer for Graphic Designer Job in KL

In today’s economy, we can hardly blame jobseekers who are pursuing better opportunities in the workforce just so they can balance personal obligations going on in their life. But through these searches, are there situations where offers are just too poor to consider?

A recent TikTok video has been making waves online after one Malaysian who goes by Cikgu Hanis shared some details about a job experience she had while looking for employment. In a brief clip posted to her page @mastura_aaaaaaa, Hanis revealed that she was offered only RM1,500 per month for a graphic designer role with a company in Kuala Lumpur.

“How do you expect me to live off that? But if I were to work at a retail job, the basic pay would be RM3,000. You only need SPM qualifications for that. I bring my undergraduate degree and all I get offered is RM1,500,” said Hanis in the video.

Providing context to the situation, Hanis stated that while she does not have any prior experience working in the graphic design profession, she has never worked in retail before either, though the salary is almost double than that of the one which requires an undergraduate degree.

“The retail job only needs my SPM certificate, and even that, they won’t inspect it as much. I live in Kuala Lumpur. It would be better for me to return to my kampung in this case,” said Hanis at the end of the video.

Receiving a polarising response online, multiple individuals related to Hanis’ struggle, with a few users saying that the amount she was being offered is a normal amount for fresh graduates who have no experience in a specific field.

Another user also relayed her own personal experiences to Hanis, saying that she had a basic pay of RM1,400 when she started working, even though she possessed an undergraduate degree.

“I have one child and I’m a single mother. Now my salary is just RM1,800. If you feel as though going back to your kampung will get you a better salary, then you should do it,” wrote the user.

Nevertheless, others also advised Hanis to take the job, saying that the short-term perspective may seem frustrating, though the experience would do her well and build her portfolio over the years.

“Experience is more valuable than certificates nowadays. That is the reality when there are too many smart people around,” wrote the user.

A few people also told Hanis not to compare working in retail stores to regular corporate jobs, as the former can sometimes include 12-hour shifts, standing with no breaks, and interacting with various personalities.

Despite that, some of the more fruitful comments of the bunch supported Hanis and understood her concerns, adding that even a minute salary increase over the next few years may not be worth it due to inflation and other economical factors.

“It’s not about being selective with jobs. If you live in the city, you have to pay rent. If you have a car, you need to pay for gas. That’s not even including food,” said one user in defence of Hanis.

Watch the full TikTok video below:

@mastura_aaaaaaa

Patut budak lani malas blajaq tinggi2. Tambah pencen pulak takdak.

♬ original sound – Cikgu Hanis – Cikgu Hanis

Do you think RM1,500 is too little for a fresh graduate to earn in 2024? Let us know!

Also read: M’sian Refutes Claims That Living in KL & Selangor is Pricy, Says Living in Johor is More Expensive