Let's talk about your salary...

My Malaysian Graduates,

Today this Uncle is going to talk about your salary.

In my definition: Your salary is the measurement of the value you provide to your company.

If you spend your energy and focus comparing your pay with your friends or from hear-say (very common in Malaysia), you may end up feeling pretty miserable over time.

Let's just face it, there will always be someone who is better than you, getting paid more than you and enjoying better benefits than you. You may feel this is not fair, but why are you putting yourself through unnecessary stress worrying about such things?

Many corporations today are already ensuring that every employee has equal opportunities to be successful and excel in their career. (For example: https://hrexecutive.com/how-the-worlds-most-admired-companies-drive-diversity-and-inclusion/) Investments are made to ensure that every one regardless of race, culture, gender, age, religion, etc can be successful as long they put in the good work and bring value to the company.

However, I do notice that sometimes people misinterpret that as equality of outcome. That is when the problem start to happen. It is also very common that many employees don't even know what is the impact and value of their work to the company.

"My boss ask me to do I just follow lorr... "

Goodness gracious.

My personal advice is: Focus on upskilling yourself, learn new things, take up challenging opportunities (even though you don't know how to do it... yet) and contribute to the success of the company. The salary & benefit thing will definitely follow. If you feel your company is not compensating you well after all that you've done, talk to your manager and discuss openly without emotions involved. Who knows? Maybe your boss will take that hint and give you a nice surprise :)

Just my 2 cents. Hope you all have a great weekend and stay healthy!

Signing off,

"Uncle" Ho