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Those contemplating suicide can reach out to the Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935 9935/ 014-322 3392); Talian Kasih (15999/ 019-261 5999 on WhatsApp); Jakim’s family, social and community care centre (011-1959 8214 on WhatsApp); or Befrienders Kuala Lumpur (03-7627 2929/ email sam@befrienders.org.my/ befrienders centres in malaysia).
Dear Thelma,
I'm 28 and have been working in this company for about three years now.
I am feeling really frustrated because my immediate superior doesn't give me any guidance or support in my work, although I have asked her for it several times. This is a problem that has existed since I joined the company. It's like I have been thrown into the deep end of the pool and am expected to swim – or sink. So I do the best I can, but it's been so tiring, mentally and emotionally.
On top of my regular work, I have also been given more responsibilities that used to be handled by someone else who has left the organisation. So, I'm actually doing two people's work! It has been six months now, juggling the heavy workload. Some days, I feel like I can't breathe.
I have requested for help, but the response from my superior is vague, so I don't know if I'm being taken seriously or not.
The other issue is my pay, which I feel should be increased, in view of my added work responsibilities (doing two people's work).
I can't make ends meet, with my current low pay. I have to pay for room rental, utilities, petrol (I drive an old car to and from the office, which is quite far from my house), food and groceries, my mobile phone.
How can I save at all when, at the end of each month, I only have like RM10 left?
On a few occasions, I've had to borrow money from my parents, which I don't like to do, but I have no choice.
I dare not even take out a credit card, for fear of getting into debt.
I've asked my boss for a pay rise but he keeps postponing the matter. What should I do now?
Weary traveller
Thank you for writing in. My dear, I read this and my gut response is one word: Leave. But as I've said before, taking advice without thorough debate is not sensible, so here's a more reasoned answer.
It's normal to struggle the first few months of work because there are odd expenses we don't think about. Ties, tolls and parking, for instance.
But you have been at this job for three years and not only are you not saving a sen but you're sometimes going into debt for work.
There is something seriously wrong here.
You've been working at this company for three years. By now, you should have some seniority. Also, your pay should have increased in accordance with your experience. But from your letter, you are getting more and more work but not more money.
Your boss has discovered that he can let other people go and dump the work on you. While you burn out, your boss saves money. Your boss is unprincipled.
I think you should consider this: A job is about exchanging labour for money. We agree to devote a certain amount of honest effort for a wage. And then we stop and get on with our own lives.
This contract only works if everyone goes about the deal with a good heart. Your bosses are not doing this.
It's not your job to teach them, so I suggest you take some steps.
First, get your CV in order. Putting job titles and responsibilities is a must. However, everyone in your industry knows what your job is about already. Employers want to know what makes you fantastic.
The best way to do this is to add X-Y-Z statements where you list your successes briefly, breaking them down into single sentences covering Accomplishment, Quantitative Result and Impact. For example, "Generated cold-contact list of 20 people and used this to secure five orders worth RMxxx."
Once you have your basic CV, you optimise it to get maximum eyeballs.
Second, each job has skill sets and strengths that employers look for. To find suitable keywords for your industry, go to onetonline.org and plug in your job title. Look at the details page, especially Tools Used and Detailed Activity. Ensure the important ones are plugged into your CV.
Now you have a beefed up CV that should get through artificial intelligence gateways. Next is personalising applications.
Third, look through adverts for jobs you want. Think SEO and note the key words used in the advert. Then adapt your CV to fit. Don't lie; just mirror vocab and tweak.
Fourth, find out what people of your skill set and experience are earning. Put that down as your minimum, and think about extras you might want: Parking and petrol allowance, etc.
This will give you a range of salary and benefits to discuss. Recruitment is just like a giant wet market. Be prepared to haggle!
Finally, we like to think that people are hired by merit alone. However, being known or recommended by a known person is extremely valuable. It can get you to the front of the queue.
Put your new and improved CV up on LinkedIn. You need not announce publicly you're looking to move, although you can if you want. Think over the pros and cons.
A pleasant way to do this is to ask for feedback. And if anyone asks if you're moving, say, "Oh, I'm always interested in opportunities." Either way, you will likely get some interest straight away.
In addition, contact everyone who has left the company and let them know you're looking to move. Maybe they know of an opportunity that hasn't been advertised yet. Send them your CV.
Leverage your aunts, uncles, and old pals from university too. If your industry uses recruiters, find them and message them privately.
As soon as you can, go for lots of interviews. It will give you practice and a sense of what is wanted at the moment. When you're ready, pick a company you like.
I have no doubt that the second your present bosses see you're leaving, they'll offer extras. My advice is to smile a lot and still leave. If they don't have the integrity to treat you properly when they can, they're not worth working with. Move on and find a better employer.
I appreciate this sounds scary. Trust me, you can do this! I'll be thinking good thoughts for you.
