Work or Wellbeing? Malaysians Struggle to Keep Life in Balance

RinggitPlus

20th June 2025 - 5 min read

A candid post on Reddit’s r/MalaysianPF community has sparked a wave of relatable testimonies from users grappling with an increasingly harsh reality: the cost of survival may be work-life balance itself.

The original poster, who described having a decent job with a mid-range salary and excellent work-life balance, expressed distress over mounting financial pressures. Despite being content with their current lifestyle, which includes time with family, manageable stress, and personal freedom, they admitted to considering a higher-paying opportunity that would involve longer hours, more pressure, and a far less predictable routine. The trade-off, they feared, could undermine the very quality of life their current role supports.

Hard Choices and Burnout Stories

The responses, numbering in the dozens, revealed a landscape where financial survival and personal well-being often appear mutually exclusive. From those who took the leap for higher salaries only to regret it, to others who accepted burnout in exchange for career advancement, the thread painted a portrait of a working population under siege. Not by laziness or lack of ambition, but by the punishing calculus of modern living expenses.

User “micdarlin987” shared their experience of leaving a balanced job for a higher-paying one, only to return after the stress proved unsustainable. “I did, hated the new job,” they wrote. “Currently back with old job that has work life balance.” They added that a conversation with their manager might have produced a better financial outcome without ever needing to leave.

Others, such as “stitch1294”, recounted sacrificing their health for professional gains, working after hours, through weekends, and sometimes during public holidays. They described being expected to fly at a moment’s notice, and although promotions and bonuses followed, they ultimately concluded that the lifestyle was not viable in the long term.

Some contributions took a darker turn. One user, “Fuzzy_Mulberry5511”, offered a scathing indictment of corporate hierarchy, lamenting a stagnant career despite years of experience and competence. “Yes, and not only work-life balance but also my principles and dignity, all just to survive the current financial and corporate hellscape,” they wrote, describing a system they view as unjust and demoralising.

Would You Choose Contentment or Cash?

Not all voices expressed despair. A few users highlighted alternative paths and coping mechanisms. One returned to a lower-paying job that provided better mental health outcomes. Another, “poop_paws”, chose to leave corporate life entirely and start a micro-business focused on handmade crafts. Despite earning minimum wage and relying on occasional support from family and friends, they wrote, “More is nice, but content is good, for now.”

Others advocated a more strategic approach. “capitaliststoic” encouraged readers to reframe their choices, arguing that with the right preparation, it is possible to find roles offering both high pay and sustainable schedules. They acknowledged that such opportunities may depend on industry, credentials, and diligent effort, but insisted that they do exist.

While economic hardship is not new, what distinguishes the present moment is the pervasiveness of the struggle across age groups, sectors, and income levels. Whether it is the junior employee grinding for recognition, or the seasoned worker earning sizeable bonuses but feeling burnt out, the shared theme is an erosion of sustainability — financially, emotionally, and physically.

User “Bajunid” reflected on how standards of living have changed over the years, noting that former luxuries have become expectations. They emphasised that hard work remains essential but acknowledged that the rewards are not equally distributed.

Between Pay and Piece of Mind

The broader question is not merely about choosing between pay and peace, but about whether it is sustainable to expect individuals to give up rest, relationships, and health simply to make ends meet. In Malaysia, where salaries have failed to keep pace with the rising cost of living, the financial strain is increasingly difficult to ignore.

Essentials such as housing, transport, and food have become more burdensome, while economic uncertainty and a depreciating currency add further pressure. For many, maintaining a reasonable standard of living now requires difficult compromises.

There is no easy choice when the rising cost of living turns work-life balance into a luxury many Malaysians can no longer afford. Instead of focusing solely on how to earn more, the more pressing question may be how to manage what we already have with greater care and clarity.

Financial Literacy, Uncertainty and What Comes Next

According to the 2024 RinggitPlus Malaysian Financial Literacy Survey, only 33% of Malaysians save more than RM500 a month. Just 39% believe they could sustain themselves for four months without income, and 55% say they feel anxious or overwhelmed by their financial situation. These figures reflect a growing need for practical financial guidance. With the 2025 edition of the survey set to be released later this year, it remains to be seen whether these trends have improved or worsened.

While no tool can eliminate the hard choices people face, better information and smarter financial choices can help Malaysians make decisions with more confidence and less fear. In a time when so many feel forced to choose between income and wellbeing, what would it take to afford both?

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