M'sian woman considers quitting over no workplace friends
DESPITE having a good salary, understanding bosses, and the luxury of living close to her workplace, a Malaysian woman is contemplating quitting her job — all because she feels alone at the office.
In a heartfelt anonymous confession posted by X user @ammarfaris, the woman shared her emotional struggle, revealing how the absence of camaraderie among colleagues has taken a toll on her well-being.
ALSO READ: M'sian says she's 'cepat koyak' in job interview—netizens split: brave or not job-ready?
'I have a good salary, good bosses and my home is near my workplace. However, I don't have any close friends here.
'I often have lunch alone and I can only rant to myself whenever I'm stressed. I never expected that I wouldn't have any friends and I'm very tempted to resign,' she wrote, seeking advice to reignite her motivation.
Her confession struck a chord with many, including the original poster himself, who offered a dose of empathy and tough love.
'You're not broken. You're just in a season. There really are seasons or phases in life when we feel a little lonely.
'Get a life. One of the biggest advantages you have is that your home is close to your workplace. And what does that mean?
@ammarfaris asked her to make the most of her free time after work, since she's lucky to avoid the traffic others face, and suggested she join night classes—online or offline—that can help her gain skills while expanding her social circle.
He also encouraged her to volunteer on weekends at places like soup kitchens, NGOs, or mosque youth clubs, where many people not only contribute but also find opportunities to meet new friends.
ALSO READ: 'I support a cancer NGO' - M'sian job seeker stunned as male employer insists on cutting female staff's hair short
He further advised her to take advantage of having fewer social distractions by saving and investing more, suggesting that this is the perfect time to build an emergency fund, aim for a six-figure savings goal, and use this 'grind season' to lay a solid financial foundation for her future.
@ammarfaris also told her to reframe her mindset, explaining that this phase was like a training arc. Instead of feeling stuck, she should see it as a time to build her own life, learn independence, manage her emotions, strengthen her finances and upgrade herself.
'Honestly, this can be one of the most exciting phases in your life — you get to choose your direction,' he wrote.
He suggested that if she still wants to resign after considering everything, she should at least do so with a clear plan—setting a concrete goal like saving RM100,000 first before quitting—so her decision isn't driven by emotion and she leaves with something solid to fall back on.
ALSO READ: Terengganu company job ad offering only RM2k for Head of IT leaves M'sians stunned
'So, if you ask me what my final advice is? Stay. Build. Believe,' he concluded.
The post quickly gained traction, with netizens chiming in — many echoing the sentiment that work should not be one's primary social outlet.
One user called @mohdshahnazli commented: 'It's actually best to be a lone ranger at work, as long as your boss acknowledges your efforts. Otherwise, you might end up caught in cliques, with people talking behind your back and all the usual office politics. So, keep your socialising to a minimum.'
'Believe me, there's no such thing as a perfect workplace. Wherever you go, it's the same—there will always be one or two things that don't match what you want. At the end of the day, just be grateful, okay?' ericho_syah wrote.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
9 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Post-pandemic boom fuels demand for smart, walkable living
KUALA LUMPUR: In the post-pandemic landscape, the property market is experiencing a marked shift toward integrated, walkable communities that harmoniously blend residential, commercial, and lifestyle components. According to independent property consultant Jeremy Tan, this evolving demand is redefining investor priorities. He noted that today's discerning investors are increasingly drawn to developments with inherent growth drivers, including planned infrastructure upgrades, internationally recognised brands, cutting-edge technology integration, and favourable demographic trends. "These elements consistently create upward pressure on both property values and rental yields, providing a foundation for sustained returns." According to him, rare investment opportunities typically offer strong risk-adjusted returns and multiple exit strategies, whether through rental income, resale potential, or asset repositioning. "A rare investment opportunity usually stands out due to a unique mix of hard-to-replicate factors. These are often time-sensitive and offer asymmetric upside potential. They're the kinds of opportunities investors look back on and say, 'I wish I had invested then,' he told NST Property. Tan added that such opportunities often involve scarce assets, including limited-edition properties, exclusive land parcels, or early-stage investments in high-potential developments and prime locations. "Timing is crucial. Entering the market just before major infrastructure announcements, like an LRT station or a large-scale urban renewal initiative, can yield substantial capital appreciation. Very few freehold branded residences in Greater Kuala Lumpur offer such a combination. "We see Shah Alam emerging as a growing hotspot for branded residences. Wyndham Suites i-City is one standout example." He added that the involvement of reputable global brands, institutional investors, or established developers brings a high level of trust and long-term confidence to the investment. Developed by I-Berhad, Wyndham Suites i-City is a landmark 55-storey integrated development located within the i-City Finance Avenue. It comprises a 5-star, 200-room Wyndham Hotel and 312 signature residential suites available for private ownership. The suites, sized between 550 and 865 square feet, are priced at RM441,000, or an average of RM800 psf. Designed for optimal rental performance and low maintenance, they offer an ideal solution for investors interested in short-term stays or hybrid rental models. "We've already seen this model succeed at Hill10 Residences, which shares a building with DoubleTree by Hilton i-City," he said. "Units there have achieved gross yields of up to 7 per cent, with short-stay options delivering even higher returns, thanks to the strong brand association and high-traffic location." A senior property analyst from a local research firm echoed these sentiments, saying that developments aligned with macro trends such as smart cities, sustainable design, branded living, and digital infrastructure are increasingly viewed as future-proof investments. "Branded residences continue to attract discerning investors due to their ability to generate superior returns, regardless of market volatility," she said. She emphasised the importance of location in fully unlocking the value of such properties. Commenting on Wyndham Suites i-City, she said projects situated in mature, strategic hubs tend to appeal to a more affluent buyer and tenant profile, making them highly desirable from an investment standpoint. Wyndham Suites i-City is a smart, tech-enabled lifestyle destination with a strong focus on automation and future-readiness. It is linked to Central i-City, Malaysia's first Thai-owned lifestyle mall, and is just steps from Mercu Maybank, a Grade-A corporate office. The analyst said that these commercial and lifestyle landmarks, paired with i-City's Tier-3 data centre infrastructure, have made the area a magnet for multinational corporations, many of which now prefer setting up operations in Shah Alam over central Kuala Lumpur.
Rakyat Post
a day ago
- Rakyat Post
Is Malaysia The New Taiwan? The Expat Debate Dividing Social Media
Subscribe to our FREE A recent Threads post has got everyone talking and dividing opinions online. While most people dream of moving to traditional powerhouse destinations like the US or Australia, there appears to be a quiet exodus of Taiwanese people heading somewhere completely unexpected: Malaysia. The post boldly claims that Malaysia is 'just right' for Taiwanese expatriates. Not too fancy, not too basic – just perfectly adequate. But the three reasons behind this migration trend? They're not what you'd expect. Reason #1: Your Money Goes Further (Like, Way Further) Here's where it gets interesting. The post breaks down the brutal math of Taiwanese living costs: dropping NT$40,000-50,000 monthly (roughly RM6,000) is considered normal. But flip that script in Malaysia, and suddenly NT$20,000-30,000 (about RM4,000) covers your entire lifestyle. The kicker? That cramped Taipei studio apartment money can get you a full-floor condo in Kuala Lumpur – complete with swimming pool, elevator, gym, and often a parking spot thrown in for good measure. It's like financial arbitrage, but for your entire life. Reason #2: Lost in Translation? Not Here Forget language barriers. Whether you're haggling at the wet market, getting a health check-up, or dealing with banking bureaucracy, chances are someone speaks either Chinese or English. For Taiwanese expats, it's like having a linguistic safety net wherever you go. An elderly Malaysian Chinese man reads a Chinese-language newspaper in an Ipoh kopitiam. In Malaysia, many people speak Mandarin, especially in areas with significant Chinese communities, making it easier for Taiwanese visitors to communicate. (Pix: Fernando Fong) Reason #3: The Art of Slowing Down Malaysia offers something money can't buy in Taiwan's hustle culture: space and time. Slower city rhythms, humid but comfortable weather, and room to actually breathe. It's particularly appealing for remote workers or those eyeing semi-retirement – imagine sipping tea on your balcony, watching the sunset without the constant urban pressure. The rolling green hills of Janda Baik in Pahang, where many well-heeled residents have chosen to live while commuting to Kuala Lumpur for work. In the background, part of the Genting Highlands development can be seen nestled among the forested peaks. (Pix: Fernando Fong) Calling BS on the Dream The comments section tells a different story, and it's messy: real talk from actual residents paints a more complex picture. One Malaysian user dropped a reality bomb with a 10-point breakdown of what newcomers should actually expect: Government services primarily in Malay Significant cultural adjustments across three major ethnic groups Longer commute distances, limited public transportation outside of KL, And, yes, genuine safety concerns about phone snatching and bag theft Every place has good and bad. The most important thing is knowing clearly what you and your future want. Malaysia's multi-racial setting might not be as straightforward for Taiwanese to adapt to, as seen in this diverse crowd gathered at McDonald's in Bukit Bintang – a snapshot of the complex cultural landscape that differs significantly from Taiwan's more homogeneous society. (Pix: Fernando Fong) When Locals Set the Record Straight One Malaysian resident with a Taiwanese spouse bluntly advised, 'Don't come if you're from Taipei – you'll regret it.' Another pointed out the irony: 'I've seen tons of Malaysians (Chinese) going to Taiwan for university and work, but never heard of the reverse.' The exchange rate argument also got challenged. One user noted that when they visit Taiwan with Malaysian ringgit, everything seems super cheap, questioning how the currency conversion actually benefits Taiwanese expats. The Reality Behind the Hype What started as a simple lifestyle comparison has evolved into a fascinating cultural mirror. Some see Malaysia as an affordable escape from Taiwan's high-pressure environment. Others view it as an unrealistic romanticising of expat life. The truth? It's probably somewhere in between. Based on Warga China menetap di Malaysia naik mendadak sejak 2022 hingga 2024. Sekitar 200,000 ribu warga China "dikesan menetap" di Malaysia. — encik mimpi (@encikmimpizz) Not Singapore, Not Perfect – And That's the Point Malaysia isn't marketing itself as the next Singapore, and maybe that's exactly why some people find it appealing. Sometimes 'just right' beats 'perfect' – especially when perfect comes with a price tag most people can't afford. Whether this represents a genuine trend or just social media chatter remains to be seen. But one thing's certain: the conversation has people on both sides of the South China Sea thinking about what 'home' really means – and what they're willing to trade to find it. This is Malaysia: – 0% tax on foreign income until 2036 – Nearly half the cost of living of Singapore – Tiered nomad visa: Silver, Gold, Platinum (5, 15, 20 years) Many consider it one of THE global hidden gems. Here are 7 reasons why Malaysia is SE Asia's best-kept secret: — Alessandro Palombo (@thealepalombo) Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
Heart And Soul: Cherish your parents
Do you have any real-life, heart-warming stories to share with readers? We'd love to hear from you. Please keep your story within 900 words. Photos are optional and should be in JPEG format (file size about 1MB, with caption and photo credit). There is no payment for stories, and we reserve the right to edit all submissions. Email your story to: lifestyle@ with the subject "Heart and Soul". When my late mother was alive, my brother once planned a trip for our mum to visit him and his family in Australia. Upon arrival, which happened to be Mothers Day, mum and dad were whisked to a new abode for their stay. My brother and his wife had a granny flat built next to their house. It was a self-contained one- room house with a small kitchenette, bathroom and a small living room. My parents were overjoyed with this small house. With that they had their privacy, and so did my brother and his family. Mum could cook the food that she and dad liked, and on weekends they all sat together and had dinner in my brother's house. It was a delightful win-win arrangement. They took turns to prepare weekend dinners, alternating between an Aussie and a Malaysian menu each week. My Australian sister-in-law soon developed a liking for nasi lemak and my parents were quite happy with lasagne and pizza. More importantly, they enjoyed the privacy in their own respective homes. This year, at my golden girls morning tea session, one septuagenarian proudly told us that her children are treating her and her husband to a Mediterranean cruise. The children had planned with their cousins to send their uncles and aunties too, so it was a family cruise for oldies. Two weeks of visiting Greece, Italy and Spain. It will indeed be a memorable trip. One of the mothers in our group proudly revealed her gift; a digital watch that tracked health stats, reminded her of medical appointments, and offered dietary tips when her sugar levels rose. Another septuagenarian friend was pleasantly surprised when her children pooled their resources and hired a live-in helper to accompany her. She had fallen a couple of times, and sometimes forgot where she parked her car when she went for outings. Initially, she protested when her caregiver came but soon after, it became a fantastic arrangement. Her children, who lived away from her, were happy she was in good hands. The caregiver did the household chores but more importantly saw to her needs. For children who cannot spare the money for expensive gifts for their parents, a simple call to see to their needs and to find out how they are doing will do wonders. To show your love for your parents, one can also send them their favourite food or help with repairs needed in their home. They may be small gestures, but ever so meaningful.
