The issue of earning minimum wage has been a hot topic for years, leading many employees to job-hop in hopes of getting a salary bump. After all, it can happen to the best of us.
A user on Reddit (let’s call him Eric) decided to share an interesting conversation he had with a colleague from Human Resources, which has since sparked a discussion among netizens.
For illustration purposes only
He’s making RM2,000 per month after serving 30 years
In the post, Eric shared that his company was getting ready to prepare a congratulatory letter for an employee who had dedicated 30 years of service to the company.
He later learned from his colleague that the employee in question, who is close to retirement age, is still earning only RM2,000 a month.
“He’s not in a blue-collar job either, he’s in logistics and supply chain. And it seems he’s not too happy when new hires come in making more than he does,” Eric wrote.
For illustration purposes only
“Did you try to fight for a raise?”
Naturally, Eric and his colleague decided to approach the employee for some answers. They asked,
“Did your supervisors ever encourage you to grow or advance in your career? Has HR ever explored your career path with you? Have you ever voiced your desire for a raise or promotion?”
Instead of screaming about the injustice of it all, the employee didn’t feel the need to try his luck by discussing his career path with HR or his superiors.
For illustration purposes only
“Who’s at fault?”
Eric reflected on how he believes the employee’s mindset may come from an old-school mentality, where he feels grateful for what he has and doesn’t want to upset the status quo.
“His supervisors and HR maybe just didn’t care enough to help him progress. 30 years in the same place, and it seems like nobody bothered to push for his growth, and he never felt the need to push himself either.”
Having spent over a decade in the corporate sector, Eric believes that the employee’s salary falls short, especially given the length of time he has dedicated to the company.
“So, here’s the thing, who’s really to blame here? Is it the company? The employee? Both? And if you’re in a similar spot, who do you hold accountable when you’ve had 30 years to make a move, upskill, or switch jobs?”
This is where the debate among netizens comes into play.
Others did not share the same sentiment…
Who do you think is to blame here? Let us know down in the comments!
Also read: M’sian Quits RM3.7K Job to Work in Convenience Store for Only RM1.5K and Says She’s MUCH Happier
