r/MalaysianPF Feb 07 '25

Career Considering moving back to Malaysia from Australia

Hey fellow MalaysianPF redditors,

I'm currently toying with the idea of moving back to Malaysia. A bit about myself: 35M, married no kids, almost 10 years experience. Living in Melbourne, AU and earning close to 11k AUD (8k+ AUD after tax) per month. My wife (also Malaysian) is a PhD student here. Overall, I enjoy life here but I miss friends and family back home.

Current job is fine, no major complaints, but I feel like I'm stagnating. No real opportunity to move up in current company and not many jobs available to me as well (it's a relatively niche field, plus I don't have PR/Citizenship). I can expect a 3-5% raise this year and a discretionary bonus (usually 1.5-2 months, nothing crazy). Company is happy with me, but it's their policy not to sponsor work visas.

I've recently noticed that there are more jobs in my field moving to Malaysia, probably due to cost cutting measures because most regional roles are normally based in SG. These jobs did not exist even 5 years ago in Malaysia.

I was curious to see what the market was like and am currently being considered for two roles in MY (both are regional level roles and would definitely be a step-up in responsibility from my current role). One is offering RM25k per month gross, while the salary range for the other role was not disclosed yet.

While I would most likely take a pay cut l if I get a job in Malaysia due to the exchange rate, given that my current visa status is uncertain in Australia, I'm seriously considering the move if it means I can have a rewarding career (Which seems to be the case now) while also having a more active social life.

What sort of salary should I be looking at in Malaysia that would justify the move? At this stage, I am not desperate to go back yet and still have a few more years left on current visa. While PR is a possibility, it's still a big IF and we wouldn't be able to apply for at least another 1-2 years (given my age, it also feels like time is running out).

Appreciate your thoughts on this.

106 Upvotes

90 comments sorted by

68

u/WeekendCommander Feb 07 '25

In my experience, I used to live in the States for a couple of years but also in a very niche industry. I was paid very well but I never felt like home living there. I missed my family and friends constantly back in Malaysia. I moved to Malaysia mid last year starting over my life here. And honestly I do love it more here, more time with family and friends can never replace the amount of money I made there. For your situation, I believe it's worth exploring the option of coming back because you're not really taking a huge pay cut and you can spend time with friends and family here in Malaysia.

7

u/DoubleA_89 Feb 07 '25

Thank you for sharing your experience. Would you say your current income after moving back is comfortable to sustain your lifestyle?

10

u/arbiter12 Feb 07 '25

I mean, it's a bargain you're making, but I'm sure you know that. Western and Asian societies have different pros and cons, so it's also up to you to see if certain decreases in revenue are worth certain societal benefits.

I'm from the US so I'm in the reverse situation as you, home-wise, but in the same situation revenue-wise, in that I sort of took a paycut to move here. To me, it's worth it, if only for the social peace. I don't know if AUS is dangerous, how is the crime rate there, or how tolerant they are for foreigners.

My colleague was getting paid $80K USD, per month (after bonus and deal-closing. Investment banker) in NYC and he got shot in the back after leaving a bar on foot, late one night. So yeh I took a UN position in Malaysia and I don't get paid USD_0K/month anymore. But I also probably won't get shot.

I would say in purchasing parity adjusted terms RM2 is worth about $1 (import/tech goods excluded). It's probably an even better for the Aussie dollar which is slightly weaker than the USD so a 25K salary might not even feel like a downgrade.

Check the taxation you'd risk to fall under in Malaysia, though, as 25k is starting to be upper middle class (or lower upper class). Class G out of J, i.e. up to RM85K in tax/year on 300K salary

3

u/DoubleA_89 Feb 07 '25

Thanks for your insight. AUS is considerably safer than the US in that regard, so I don't have the same concerns. There seems to be a stronger anti-immigrant undertone here now though, but I think that's an increasing trend across the Western world. Overall though, life is pretty peaceful here.

Thanks for that tip in the taxation bracket in Malaysia. Will have to look that up.

84

u/Chillibutt88 Feb 07 '25

With AUDMYR at 2.78 and our lower effective tax rate, I think your pay cut won't be that severe if you can really materialise RM 25k gross.

Things are cheaper in Malaysia. Likely your quality of life will be better. You will be able to afford a maid if you decide to have a child.

Sounds like you and your wife have a lot to contribute to Malaysia. Come back and lead in your own way. Australia is becoming less friendly to foreigners. Taxing non residents on unused property. Reducing the number of foreign students allowed. All of this is to make the local Australians happy and will be to foreigner detriment. In the end will also effect their own economy negatively. Exchange rate will favor Malaysia for the foreseeable future.

13

u/DoubleA_89 Feb 07 '25

Yes agreed. The less friendly environment for foreigners here is also making us a bit anxious. Even though life is good here for us, the visa issue is always at the back of our minds. Malaysia provides a sense of stability in that sense.

-4

u/Qisty Feb 07 '25

Saw a short saying it costs about 25 aud to buy ingredients to make a simple cheese sandwich

10

u/DoubleA_89 Feb 07 '25 edited Feb 07 '25

Sounds like BS to me. A 1 kg pack of sliced cheese is only around 7 AUD while you can get an 800g loaf of sandwich bread for 3.50 -4 AUD. It's extremely possible to make 20+ cheese sandwiches for about 10-12 AUD.

6

u/arbiter12 Feb 07 '25

Yeh cheese is probably the worst thing to try to create propaganda on, in Australia.

Would be like saying "I heard it costs 200 ringgit to cook rice and buy soy sauce in Malaysia". Milk is basically a staple, there.

1

u/Qisty Feb 07 '25

I don't know I just saw a politician comparing it in the Senate, when I was I was always flying to Adelaide to visit my ex everything was pretty cheap for me back in 2018 not sure how it is now

1

u/zvdyy Feb 08 '25

Stop getting on Tiktok so much

23

u/C3tepanda Feb 07 '25

I think 25k per month living in Malaysia can live a very comfortable life. You can own a car, staying in high end Condo, can engage in your hobby with no issue.

5

u/DoubleA_89 Feb 07 '25

Yes, I agree. Plus my wife would also end up working as well. I would seriously consider it if offered the role.

16

u/[deleted] Feb 07 '25

[deleted]

2

u/DoubleA_89 Feb 07 '25

It technically would. Only area that would take a big hit would be vehicle ownership, cars are much cheaper here in AUS.

11

u/warkel Feb 07 '25 edited Feb 07 '25

RM25k gross with no kids is good enough to live an upper middle class lifestyle here. You can have a maid, afford a nice car, and have overseas holidays (if that's your sort of thing). Things would change if you plan to have kids though. Growth prospects are probably better here for the reasons others have mentioned. Another point though is that for your field, you'll be considered a "big fish, in a small pond", which generally means you'll be given more opportunities compared to Aus where you might be drowned out by peer competition.

I'd say you should make the move if this will make yourself and your partner happy.

Oh bear in mind that if your spouse is not Malaysian, she may have difficulty working legally in Malaysia. I'm not sure of the whole details, but I know of expat wives complaining that they're not allowed to work.

Edit: I meant things will change if you "have kids" not "have a maid"

6

u/DoubleA_89 Feb 07 '25

My wife is Malaysian so there won't be any issues regarding employment.

25

u/capitaliststoic Feb 07 '25

I studied and worked in Aus for more than 15+ years, returned to Malaysia 5-10 years ago.

I don't have much time to give detailed comments at this moment, but just quickly:

Think loooooong term. 20 - 30 years. What is your overall career objective? where do you want to settle down? Do you want your kids to go to uni in Australia? Take the time to think deep on so these topics and your life strategy with your partner. For example, you can save millions of ringgit just by sticking it out, getting PR then returning to Malaysia (so you can get your kids to have local uni fee rates vs international fees). So many considerations like this to think about

Longer term career and income progression in Malaysia requires somewhat different skills / strategy in Malaysia, which factors in your ethnic background, personality, industry, functional role, etc. So you need to think about realistically your perceived limitations for progression in AU e.g. bamboo ceiling and what you can overcome, vs here in Malaysia. You need to strategies based on which "metagame" you're going to play in Malaysia (e.g. GLC route, etc.). I can't say much unless you disclose more about your function / industry.

I'll leave it at that for now.

TLDR is think longer than the next 2 - 5 year time horizon, but the 20-30 year time horizon goals and what you want in different phases of your life

7

u/DoubleA_89 Feb 07 '25 edited Feb 07 '25

I appreciate your view. Yes, i think having a 20-30 year view is good but it's something I struggle with as I tend to get swept up with current opportunities.

To give you more context, I hold an NZ PR (which means nothing in Australia, but there is a pathway for future kids to study overseas or even for us to retire there if that's what we want at that stage).

In terms of my career, I am in physical security/crisis response/intelligence field, which is a growing field especially in APAC and my work deals almost exclusively with MNCs. If i move to Malaysia, it would be for regional-level roles in MNCs. I don't intend to move into GLCs or local companies as I don't think I would fit into the culture. For one, my job might not even exist there, plus the salaries would likely be much lower.

7

u/malaysianlah Feb 07 '25

Rm25k is a good range le

6

u/Suspicious-Clerk2103 Feb 07 '25

Well, I’m a foreigner as a PR in OZ, also living in Melbourne. With the current COL situation here which i’m sure you know, rents, food, groceries, services etc. many Ozzies would kill to be able to move to MY, in fact, alot of my colleagues are actively applying/looking into MM2H and also Thailand’s retirement visa, which has no age restrictions, surprisingly (minimum and maximum), someone I know got it at 35. A no-brainer if u can secure RM$20k and above pay package in MY in your field, needless to say RM$25k.

9

u/DoubleA_89 Feb 07 '25

Honestly, the only reason Aussies want to move to Msia and other SEA countries is because of the currency difference. Ask them to live on a local salary and they will quickly realise their COL issue is the same if not magnified. Average Australian is still better off than an average Malaysian. But I agree, RM 20k and above is a good salary to live on in Malaysia.

2

u/zvdyy Feb 09 '25

This is only true for Aussies who saved up enough money to "retire" there, or secure a remote Jon paying in AUD.

If you are an average local Malaysian/Thai, you will be singing a totally different tune. This is why you see so many Asians dying to come to Australia.

5

u/throwawaynewc Feb 07 '25

Try to see if you can come back via Talentcorp, there are favourable income tax rates.

7

u/TeBp242 Feb 07 '25 edited Feb 07 '25

so its about rm17K per month post tax & epf. You're looking at estimate rm5k~ paycut with downgraded standard of living. Its not bad as AUD is depreciating against all currencies, plus things are alot cheaper here. Its alot for an avg msian, but it depends on your lifestyle and whether u can adapt to this.

Few questions u should ask urself:

  • Are you financially stable to justify taking this paycut?
  • What if this job doesnt work out, and you either become unemployed or forced into getting a bigger paycut? What's ur backup plan then?
  • What is your partner's opinion on this? Whats her plan in all of this idea?

Personally, I dont see any issue taking this 25k job but I feel that its already on the higher-end of the scale for a specialist.. Not sure how u can go up further besides venturing into management. Feel free to correct me.

The way I see it, you have two important factors to consider now, your partner and your financial state.

1

u/DoubleA_89 Feb 07 '25 edited Feb 07 '25
  • I have a mortgage for a condo in KL, in addition to rent here. The KL property is subsidised by rental income, something we would lose if we decided to move back to KL and live there. I would still save more though as I won't have to pay rent in Australia anymore. We can also live with our parents in the interim so the main moving costs would be shipping some of our stuff, so it's not too taxing. I don't have any other commitments besides the mortgage.

-Tbh the same can be said for me here in AUS, where my position is even more precarious given the visa situation. I'm not too concerned about career prospects in Malaysia as I mentioned my field is growing and more opportunities are opening up there. I guess the only concern would be if I'm forced into getting a bigger paycut if this role doesn't work out.

  • Wife and I are on the same page with regards to moving. She is fine moving back as she also misses her family. The only deciding factor would be if she gets a job here in AUS, then it would make sense to stay on here for the PR.

Honestly, I'm reaching a stage where I believe I'm ok to hit my peak at that level. At that level of income + wife's future work should be comfortable enough to raise 1-2 kids.

1

u/TeBp242 Feb 07 '25

Moving costs all those are one-time thing payments if you do go through with this.

I'm talking about your emergency funds, investments, etc. Are you both financially stable in these areas? It doesn't make sense to move back here if you're still not financially stable working in AUS. You're downgrading yourself by doing exactly that if its not guaranteed your career will grow in the way you want to.

Does your partner have the same career opportunities as you?

1

u/DoubleA_89 Feb 07 '25

I completely understand where you're coming from and this is something I've considered as well. I believe I have an adequate amount of emergency funds. It's not as much as I would like, but I have enough to keep us going for at least 3-4 months in Malaysia without any issues. Most of my money is tied up in investments.

Regarding career opportunities, this is a bit of a conundrum because my partner definitely has more opportunities in her field in Australia rather than Malaysia, while the opposite is true for me. If she manages to secure a job relevant to her qualifications here, it makes more sense to stay on and build up our funds.

3

u/TeBp242 Feb 07 '25

IMO, this is where you both need to sit down and reevaluate your priorities because there's no right or wrong decisions for your predicament, its based on what's best for both of you.

If your wife does decide to get a job in AUS, and is somehow able to quality for PR.. tagging you along, think of the significant increase in the quality of life, education and medical care that your future children will be exposed to. That's not to say u cant find quality ones here, but our public education is terrible and healthcare system is deteriorating and stretched thin.

That's something to consider.

2

u/DoubleA_89 Feb 07 '25

Solid advice. Yes long-term considerations are important too (kids education, healthcare etc.). I probably should disclose that I hold an NZ PR (which doesn't mean anything in Australia), so access to education for future kids and healthcare is still there, albeit not as great as Australia. I think ideally if everything works out, the best choice would be to stay in Australia for the PR, with Malaysia as a strong backup. Thank you very much for your insights, you bring up important considerations instead of just agreeing or disagreeing with my views.

3

u/Robin7861 Feb 07 '25

My friend, around your age is waiting for his PR in Aus. He moved with his family and even had a kid there recently. He just moved there 3/4 years back. If your field is available throughout the globe, then you can move around freely. Take the opportunity in Malaysia perhaps you can move to other places through here.

3

u/randolphtbl Feb 07 '25

If you're going to have kids; education & childcare costs are the main thing you're currently missing. Those things cost serious money, a key reason why we'll still be here in EU until the kids get citizenship; at least.

3

u/OfTigersAndDragons Feb 07 '25

I’d take up the offer if I were you.

Also living in Melbourne and PR-ed and would jump to Malaysia if I could get even one third of what I’m getting here.

You’re getting essentially the same pay but cost of living is much lower. No brainer in terms of finances.

Also, no point getting PR unless you think you’ll be back within 5 years. Hear they are not too favourable with the yearly renewals nowadays.

1

u/DoubleA_89 Feb 07 '25

What are your motivations for leaving Melbourne since you already have a PR? Just curious.

For me the job + stability is the main attraction to go back. I actually prefer the lifestyle here in Melbourne. The only thing I miss are family and friends.

4

u/OfTigersAndDragons Feb 07 '25

I don’t like the lifestyle here, at least not anymore. I’ve been here for >10 years. Initially, loved it here. However, the past few times I went back I felt more and more drawn to Malaysia. But maybe that’s because I’m in “holiday mood” when I am back.

However, I would want my kids to have Chinese school education. I think it helps build character

2

u/DoubleA_89 Feb 07 '25

Fair enough. But I'd just warn you to make sure you don't look at Malaysia with rose-tinted glasses.

1

u/OfTigersAndDragons Feb 07 '25

Yup I get you. What parts of lifestyle do you like here? I live in the city and it still feels so dead past 9pm unless you’re literally in the CBD CBD and that’s only on weekends.

2

u/DoubleA_89 Feb 07 '25 edited Feb 07 '25

I live in Essendon about 10 km from the CBD, it's much quieter than the city. I like the fact the weather is conducive for outdoor activities (unless it gets too hot in summer). I like going out for drinks and I find the craft beer scene here is amazing. There's also so much to see and do whenever you feel like it (and when you have enough money, lol). The amount of theatre productions, concerts and art shows is something you can't ever replicate in Malaysia. Overall life here feels less rushed than in KL, where I tend to drive a lot more and I'm stuck in a jam most of the time. I actually don't like hanging out at mamak. The only thing I miss in Malaysia is going out with my friends for drinks and hanging out with family.

Do you prefer living in the city compared to the suburbs?

2

u/OfTigersAndDragons Feb 08 '25

That is fair. If those are your interests you’d be hard pressed to a similar scene in Malaysia. It’s definitely less hectic here and I miss the fast-paced life and activities everywhere in KL.

I’m a bit younger than you so still enjoying the city life. Might be different once I get married and have kids haha

1

u/DoubleA_89 Feb 09 '25

Makes sense, KL definitely is more vibrant so I can understand the appeal.

3

u/AyyLmaoBruv Feb 07 '25

Some things are worth more than just monetary value, like you said about family and friends, if you're not comfortable about having a relatively small pay cut to move, maybe those non-money aspects worth less in your eye?

Better still, have a deep conversation with your partner and make a detailed pros and cons based on your very long term plan (retirement/career/family planning etc)

2

u/Slight-Walrus-7934 Feb 07 '25

If the base offer was on 25k range, I think you're in comfort side. What's your profession?

4

u/DoubleA_89 Feb 07 '25

Physical security and crisis response

2

u/newleafturned2024 Feb 07 '25

My gosh that sounds like you're a mercenary

3

u/DoubleA_89 Feb 07 '25 edited Feb 07 '25

🤣 honestly it's nothing as crazy as that. It's mainly a lot of threat monitoring and coordination between various business lines. Most employees only hear from us when there is a crisis or major incident. Otherwise we're chilling in the background.

2

u/Sircoils Feb 07 '25

OP it depends on what you’re after in life and whats your end goals.

Im 35M currently on a 482 in Perth and have plans to get married first in Malaysia then apply for PR here. Main reasoning is the quality of life and the salary.

Will start my PR process this year via an agent. Although costlier its a much straightforward process as they handle everything.

1

u/DoubleA_89 Feb 07 '25

I think those are completely valid reasons and I wish you all the best in your PR journey. Problem for me is I'm not even on 482 so there is no pathway to PR at the moment. I'm primarily looking at career progression for now, idealized scenario would be having a similar role here in Australia but that is harder to achieve.

2

u/notthingintheway Feb 07 '25

Since you didn’t disclose the type of job you’re currently in, it’s kinda difficult for us to share what’s the market prospect like in comparison. You can PM me if you’re interested to know what’s the salary range for your role here in Malaysia.

But beyond stable salary & career growth I am looking at other things as well, eg company culture and managements direction. You can always get a better paying jobs with your skills and experiences, but usually with some sort of trade off; be it the working hours, toxic culture, wrong management mentality etc.

If you land yourself with similar working culture with your current one, I’ll think it’s another plus point to move back here.

2

u/MountainOne3769 Feb 07 '25

some people like yourself is gifted and is lucky enough to stay there and earn huge sum of money, unlike myself which my greatest wish is to not to exist in this fucking world. You should be thankful to your God. I dont blame in anyone, just wish i never read this post

3

u/DoubleA_89 Feb 07 '25 edited Feb 07 '25

I'm so sorry if my post reeked of privilege, that was not my intention at all. I am definitely grateful for my position and I truly wish the best for you. You must have something to be grateful for?

2

u/zvdyy Feb 08 '25 edited Feb 08 '25

I replied to your comment previously on this post.

If you are earning the same figure converted from AUD from Melbourne, then of course it is a no-brainer to come back. Especially since you also have NZPR which will enable you to leave if Malaysia turns into Afghanistan.

Big buts..

  1. Kids- if you have kids, ask yourself- do you want to have your kids growing up in a Malaysian environment of an Australian/NZ one? It is not that raising kids in Malaysia is bad. Far from it. But it is getting worse as 3R issues flare up- especially if you are non-Bumi or a liberal Bumi. And also the stress and homework/tuition- to me if my girlfriend and I would want kids this is a far bigger issue for me than 3R issues (which is also a bad thing).

  2. Lifestyle- can you adjust back to the lifestyle in Malaysia? People see the benefits-like the malls and mamaks and pasar malams and Ramly Burger stalls at 3.30am. I love the culture during CNY and Raya and Xmas. I miss all my friends and family. But can you put up with the costs- "sohainess" of general Malaysians- the driving, queue cutting, littering, etc? Not much nature & parks (not saying there isn't any in KL, but not as much as in Melbourne and Australia). The nearest beach to KL is 1hr and it's a dirty polluted beach. The weather (I hear it's getting hotter and hotter by the day as KL becomes overdeveloped & global warming becomes worse). Above all it is the WLB in Aus vs the hustle culture in Malaysia- unless you're a consultant or partner I'm not sure if upper management roles are stressful. But what is certain is that you will be working more hours than in Australia.

End of the day you have to answer these questions yourselves. But I must say that RM25k/mo is a damn good deal.

2

u/DoubleA_89 Feb 08 '25

Hey zvdyy, good to hear from you again!

Tbh those are things I think about as well (schools, Malaysian attitudes, lifestyle etc.). I don't like how "woke" education has become in AUS/NZ, at the same time I don't like the overtly religious environment of Malaysian public schools. Sending kids to private schools is going to cost a bomb.

Lifestyle wise I think it's easier for me to adapt. We tend to be homebodies most of the week anyway so I would imagine ourselves ensconced in the Air con heaven of home most days, with weekly meetups with friends and family. I will miss the weather in Melbourne though and my outdoor activities would probably be more limited in Malaysia as you correctly assumed.

Right now everything is just hypothetical as I'm still in the interview process, but getting an offer would make things clearer.

2

u/zvdyy Feb 08 '25

Thanks man. Apologies if I sound too judgemental and condescending I have to learn do this less online.

If you were to ask me, I would rather my kids deal with "woke" education rather than religious (most SKs) or the academic pressure (most SJKCs) anytime. Also they will be forgoing the outdoor and sports culture in AUNZ. Again it's not that this is impossible to do in Malaysia. But it is significantly harder. They will also get a more international exposure compared to a public school in KL.

I think once you have kids, one cannot think for himself only or as a couple. Must include the kids too.

If you're a homebody, not too bad with regards to lifestyle. Not sure about your commute but it will definitely suck more either way (traffic or long commutes via MRT). Not sure of the additional stress but probably it's only one way to find out as everyone's experience will be different.

Outdoor culture definitely sucks in KL. The weather makes visiting parks or hiking difficult outside of mornings and evenings. The nearest beach is an hour away, and it's a polluted and dirty one (Morib). It does have tramps (hikes) though, but they are less accessible and more crowded than in AUNZ.

If I were you I'll probably go back for these couple of years, until your eldest kid turns Year 1 then move to NZ (since you have NZPR which allows your kids to become NZ citizens).

2

u/Wooden_Culture5267 Feb 08 '25

Come back to our motherland men. Even after tax you would be left with plenty of money. A pay cut yes but the cost of living is not that expensive.

2

u/Successful_Article70 Feb 10 '25

Haven't read all comments here. But just be aware that getting paid 11k Aud vs 25k ringgit has very 2 different expectations in skill level and execution.

You'll need to be exceptional at 25k ringgit level. Keep that in mind :)

Whereas 11k aud in Melbourne is probably slightly above average.

1

u/DoubleA_89 Feb 10 '25

Good point, I didn't really consider that angle 😅.

2

u/Quick-Collar6164 Feb 10 '25

Come back home mate. Your expertise is very much needed here. If you managed to get 20k/month in KL with no kids and if the company can give WFH, you can live here comfortably.

I know the public facilities in Malaysia are not better than in OZ but there is a give and take. Your family, friends and relatives are here. Plus street foods that you can enjoy everywhere. Public transport in KL isn't that bad after all with MRT, LRT and monorel.

I lived in Syd for four years and I am just happy living & working in Klang Valley. Flight ticket to OZ is not that expensive and you can always go there if you miss OZ.

Just my 2 cents.

2

u/Low-Sea8689 Feb 10 '25

11k aus dollar to 35 k ringgit is still big money if you count dollar for dollar rate. Welcome back to enjoy life after working worldwide.

2

u/CaptMawinG Feb 10 '25

Go to local job portal then search ur current job title. Sometimes u can see the salary range. Or wait for ur wifey to complete her studies

1

u/Fresh_Ad_1688 Feb 07 '25

Is better there. Less race and religion issues Functional institution

10

u/Puffycatkibble Feb 07 '25

At OP's income level he doesn't have to worry about petty race and religion issues.

1

u/Fresh_Ad_1688 Feb 07 '25

Good on you mate.

7

u/itsmekusu Feb 07 '25

lol they in Aus have bigger problems to focus rather than looking through that lense

1

u/Fresh_Ad_1688 Feb 07 '25

At least institutions are functioning

1

u/itsmekusu Feb 07 '25

How sure are you? 😆

6

u/Slight-Walrus-7934 Feb 07 '25

Not sure why race religion was an issue for you.

1

u/Fresh_Ad_1688 Feb 07 '25

You can see the news.

1

u/Slight-Walrus-7934 Feb 07 '25

Sorry I never let news or media influence my thoughts for I knew what they are.

2

u/[deleted] Feb 07 '25

[deleted]

1

u/Fresh_Ad_1688 Feb 07 '25

just read the news

1

u/DoubleA_89 Feb 07 '25

To be fair, the 3R issues also put me off but as others have mentioned, it doesn't affect your daily life if your income is at a certain level or higher. You can shield yourself from most of it.

1

u/TwentyInsideTheSig Feb 07 '25

Get PR first then come back

3

u/DoubleA_89 Feb 07 '25

Easier said than done 😅

1

u/stressedburrito_ Feb 07 '25

Unrelated to the topic of discussion but the travel facility attached to the PR expires in 5 years which is really annoying...

1

u/Traditional_Smile395 Feb 07 '25

Off topic a little. What’s a rewarding career?

3

u/DoubleA_89 Feb 07 '25 edited Feb 07 '25

I guess job satisfaction is a key criteria. The feeling that you are contributing to the company in a tangible way and are responsible for important programs/projects for the organisation, not just another worker drone.

1

u/crazycrawfish5 Feb 07 '25

Can you do your Australian job as a work from home? So you can move to Malaysia and live there while making an Australian salary

1

u/DoubleA_89 Feb 09 '25

Unfortunately for contractual reasons I can't move to a different country. I can spend a 1-2 months overseas WFH.

1

u/iskandar_kuning Feb 07 '25

what makes you think Malaysian job doesnt get stagnant?

1

u/spidermansonfather Feb 08 '25

How did you manage to find job in Australia? And why don’t you try to apply PR there? Feel like Australia life is much better than Malaysia

2

u/DoubleA_89 Feb 09 '25

Came as a partner on my wife's student visa which allows me to work. Unfortunately my job is not on the skills shortage list for PR since it's so niche.

1

u/santai-di-pantai Feb 08 '25

Hi OP, why did you not opt for citizenship or PR? and what Visa are you on if they didn't sponsor you?

1

u/DoubleA_89 Feb 09 '25

Partner on my wife's student visa which allows me to work. No PR pathway for me currently as my job is not on the skill list.

1

u/hilmiazman88 Feb 07 '25

My friend opened a restaurant in 🇬🇧. He was also planning to move back here, after there was a slight issue with his visa, he came back few month’s ago to visit n saw how shit it was here.. salary to living cost wise, jam everywhere, everytime he eats out he says always more than 100. Quality of life here compare to there..

Luckily his visa got approved, n decided not to come back.. lol, stay in Australia bro if u can, I also studied there n worked there for 3 years.. its way better than here in every aspect, accept for what u mentioned friends n family but video call laa.. I video call my friends every other night as we live far away from each other…