“There’s nothing to do”, Newly-Hired M’sian in Project-Based Company Says He’s Earning “Free” RM3.5K

Being employed is, unfortunately, not a privilege that everyone has now in the midst of inflation. What if you’re employed with fairly good pay but your workplace is lacking in things to do? Do you call that a blessing in disguise, or an impending disaster where you’re one job away from poverty?

On the Facebook page Ricebowl铁饭网-解决您的求职难题, an anonymous Malaysian man recently revealed that he has just secured a job in a project-based company, where he earns Rm3,500 per month. That’s a fairly good amount if you spend wisely in Klang Valley but the monthly wage is not his concern. 

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It’s the absence of jobs and tasks that are worrying him.

“We haven’t really had any events recently, my boss is occupied with some other things, so he asked me to do whatever I can at the time being.”

The man also said that since he’s still a newbie, there is nothing much that he can help around.

“It has been half a month now and other than the minor errands, I really have nothing to do.”

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Receiving your money by just slacking around? It’s a lie if you say you’ve never thought of that, and the man himself admitted that it’s fun to even just acknowledge that he’s set to receive his “free salary” this month. But what happens if the situation remains the same for the next month or two? Here’s when he’s a little concerned.

“What if I’m free for the next month or so? Doesn’t it sound wrong? Is this a cue for me to leave?” the man asked.

“Wait till the peak season of events”

Many Malaysians, especially those who work in the same industry told the man to cherish his free time when he can before the projects come flooding in.

Some also suggested what he should do as a newbie to leave a good perception to his employer.

“Wait till the peak season and you’ll know why you’re hired. Use this time to seek guidance from the seniors before the rush hours, so you can all work as a team to bring more money in.”

“This is how we roll in a project-based company. I was chilling last month entirely and I tried to find things to do or went for online training. This month I’m working OT every day.”

“Since your boss is busy, show an effort to help him. He’ll treat you even better.”

In the meantime, more netizens convinced the man that the sun does not always shine bright and that it’s only a matter of time before everyone is occupied at work.

“Rest before you get occupied. I did this job before, and when you’re really busy, you don’t even have the time to go home.”

“Yes, you’re not always busy, but you can’t say the same for peak season. You’ll be breathless and you’ll think about running away.”

If you’re among those hardworking souls who work in a project-based company, what advice do you have for this young man?

Also read: “I hope you don’t regret this” – Gen Z F&B Boss in JB Fires 3 Gen Z Staff in 3 Months for Bad Working Attitude