u/wheninshower

Fresh grad here. Got offered a full time position (finance) at Petronas. Starting is RM5k. I am mainly interested in knowing the salary structure, work culture, and job security.

Salary structure
Did some research and all I know is there’s 4 salary grades before you reach managerial level (RM15k floor). And each salary grade takes about 3 years. But how significant is the raise between each executive grade?

G1: RM5k
G2-G4: ???
G5: RM15k

And what’s the EPF employer contribution %?

Work culture
Should I expect a kiasu MNC work culture? Or is it more chill due to it being a GLC? Especially since it’s malay centered, which has a reputation/stereotype for being more laidback.

Job security
I know there was a massive downsizing last year mainly due to the issue with Petros over operating rights in Sarawak. But aside from that, how volatile is the industry? E.g. How often is MSS, VSS given?

As per the title, just out of curiosity coz I always hear most people save diligently for years just to spend it all on one day.

Feel free to share details too (how many years ago was the wedding, how many pax, venue, etc)

Fresh grad who started working 1 year ago. I know it’s too early to be asking for a raise/promotion at the moment since I’m still fresh af. But how can you gauge or tell when is the right time? I feel like unless you ask for it, company will never offer it. Again, not saying I deserve it now, but just wondering how long does it take for every step up in the career ladder.

The past year what I’ve done is mostly familiarising myself with the industry, getting to know the workflow of all the different functions in my department, and to improvise workflows to optimise efficiency. Over time, I’ve also earned the trust of my superior to be doing my daily job with minimal supervision, and to occasionally present findings to senior management (SGM level).

I genuinely don’t know where I stand. I do think I’ve become someone dependable, but do not want to be overly optimistic about it haha.

What do you think? What’s a good benchmark for what progress/growth should a fresh grad be making in the first few years of their career?

Someone told me:
Year 1: Understanding the industry & functions of your dept.
Year2: Specializing aka becoming the focal point for a specific function
Year3: Build expertise into the other functions within the dept as well, so you can easily “show up” whenever you are needed anywhere in your dept.

As per the title, I’m finding it difficult to find someone with the same financial values as me. Not so much in terms of how much NW we have or how much $ we make, but more on how much we spend and what are we willing to spend on.

My ideal dream of FIRE does not involve a big house or a fancy car. But rather a slow life doing reading, writing, meditation, and maybe spend half the year just slow travelling. I tried that lifestyle (although I only did a couple months instead of half a year) when I took a break last year, and I absolutely loved it. The caveat is, I travelled as a broke backpacker, not as a boujee tourist. And I’m fairly certain not everyone would enjoy it the same way as I did.

I’m a fairly young guy (still in my 20s), and most of the people who I know that have a comparable NW as mine, spend money way more frivolously than I do. Not saying it’s wrong, it’s just that we value different things. I have been fortunate to have a good self control not to succumb to the pressure of lifestyle inflation.

But back to the question, I wonder if it’s even realistic to find someone whose financial values perfectly align with yours? And what are my best bets? I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately, as I’m (hopefully) achieving FIRE in 10 years time. But the more I think of it, the more I feel like I have to give up one or another. Between having a partner, and living my dream FIRE life.

EDIT: just to be clear, when I said FIRE, what I really meant is actually leanFIRE.

Hey all,

I’m (M24) new to this sub. I’ve done some backpacking in the past where I had no fixed plans and not knowing when to return or where to sleep for the night, etc. And while I enjoyed the liberty and uncertainty that comes with it, sometimes I wonder if it’s unideal for a long-term relationship.

A lot of people look for security, and certainty in their partner. And vagabonding is pretty much the opposite of that. Because you’re always moving around. You’re not always available. So in my opinion, your best bet is to find someone who’s also a vagabond as your partner.

Does this sound true to you? I just wanted to ask since I’m feeling hopeless in dating when everyone seems to perceive me moving around and not wanting to settle down to a place, as a red flag.

To those in a relationship, how did you find your partner?

This may not be the most appropriate sub but I’m only asking because I’d imagine CF people are more likely than other demographics to relate to this.

I’m a CF guy in my mid20s, and I have a stable job, a good education, and a solid financial background. But one thing that’s often perceived as unusual or weird about me is the fact that I don’t like to be tied to a specific location.

This probably stems from the fact that I’m very much a travel person. I get bored and tired of a place quite easily, and I always look for the next novelty. As I’m typing this, I am planning to quit my job and travel full time. I know I’ll end up having to crawl back to finding a job once reality hits again. And I know many would call me stupid for throwing away a good job. But I just can’t stand a completely predictable routine of line. It’s completely uninteresting to me, at least not while I still have the youth in me.

I know this is a rather uncommon lifestyle, and I can understand why not many people would agree with it. Because they prefer certainty and decisiveness in their partner.

And always moving around sounds like the complete opposite of that. But to me, the freedom and liberty to make choices on a whim, and the uncertainty that comes with it, is where the excitement is.

Of course, I most likely will not do this lifestyle forever. I imagine once i’m in my 50’s I probably will appreciate the peace of having my own place to call home. But until then, am i unfit for marriage?

Currently have about RM150k parked in safe instruments like TH/ASB. I have been very risk averse, until lately when I realize, not taking a risk, is itself an opportunity risk. I have looksd into ETFs since 5 years ago, and every time the market goes up, I feel a regret in me for being too afraid to take a risk.

Nevertheless, I am not trying to succumb into my emotions and plunge head first without a strategy. And for that reason, the RM150k is already excluding my 6 months emergency funds. I also have sufficient monthly cashflow from my salary to fund my lifestyle, or in other words, I am not dependent on the dividends from my investments.

Now the ultimate question is: DCA or Lump Sum the whole amount? The ETFs I will be investing will be mostly tech heavy (Because Sharia ETFs are mostly heavy in tech)

I asked Claude, and it says Lump Sum wins over DCA roughly two-thirds of historical period, based on the sole fact that markets have risen more than it has fallen.

But, DCA has its advantage too, especially during sustained downturn periods like 2008, 2000-2002, or the 2020 pandemic. And on top of that, there is the classic example of what happened to Japan in 1989, where Nikkei peaked and has not recovered to the same level for about 3 decades.

So I’m leaning towards DCA over the next 18ish months (RM8k per month) due to the ongoing geopolitical tension involving the US. But again, knowing that I’m risk averse by nature, I just want to get some opinion from here. Are my concerns valid, or am I being overly paranoid?

Last but not least, I know ultimately no one can decide for me. But I just want to get opinions on my thought process, and be more informed of the risks I’m taking.

For context, earning RM6.7k (gross) per month. Annual bonus is 3 months salary (3x RM6.7k = RM20k) and it’s pretty much guaranteed. However bonus is paid out in March.

In the meantime, just secured a new job offer (RM8k) that agrees to let me start after serving my 3 months notice period. So if I tender by next week (early Aug), I will start the new job in early Nov.

Which makes me double guess my plan since by that time it’s only a few months left until March. Should I consider just staying till March and collect my bonus first before resigning? Of course, I will need to hunt for a new job again as the current offer will not be available anymore.

I’m sure many here have faced the same dilemma. Bonus first, or hop first? Can give me some advice on how to think about this situation straightly?

Salaam,

I’ve been wanting to ask if anyone had a prenup before getting married? If yes, how did you initiate it without sounding like you were imagining or envisioning a divorce in the future.

I personally feel like it’s not uncommon that people get unfairly robbed of their wealth in the case of a divorce. I’m sure we all have read plenty of cases where the spouse (usually the one who had more in assets/earnings) had to relinquish up to 50% (or even more sometimes) of their Net Worth to the other spouse.

Of course, you don’t go into a marriage already expecting the worst. But it also doesn’t hurt to prepare and protect yourself.

And to go one level deeper, what do you think are some fair conditions to be put in a prenup? Most common one is that each spouse gets to keep whatever asset they had accumulated before the marriage. What else?

Salam,

I’ve been wondering if it’s better to keep one’s finances secret, even after getting married? I personally don’t mind letting her know my salary, but savings, on the other hand, is a very personal thing. And that there are better ways to make your wife feel financially secure without revealing how much exactly you own. For example, ensuring her needs are met, occasionally treating her stuff without her asking, etc.

I’d love to hear opinions from both men and women, especially those who are/were married. Has financial transparency (or the absence of it) ever been a problem in your marriage?

EDIT: It’s crazy how contrasting opinions can be. I asked the exact same question on the app Threads, and almost everyone agrees it’s a bad idea to ever disclose the exact numbers to anyone (because not everyone is good at budgeting). Nevertheless, it’s good to have differing opinions which means it could just be a personal preference.

(M,24)

Hi all,

I am in a good financial position which allows me to purchase a housing land (not the house yet tho) in cash. I am thinking of buying it as a hedge against rising land cost. I am planning to build a house on that plot of land, either soon if I decide to stay in there, or in 15-20 years as part of my retirement plan.

The thing that’s holding me back is the thought that my future spouse might have a different idea of her ideal home (in terms of size, location, etc). I’m not very pleased with the idea of possibly needing to sell the land later on as that may involve a lot of costs. In that case, i probably would have been better off just investing all that money instead (my country has no capital gains tax)

For those of you who owned a house/land before getting married, if you could turn back time, would you have waited for marriage first so that you could discuss and agree on what both of you really want in a house?

tl;dr:
On one hand, it does feel like I should have the autonomy to make any purchase/decision solely based on my preference. But on the other hand, knowing that the purchase/decision will eventually need to agree on together, i feel like I could be saving myself a lot of headache (and money) if I wait out this purchase first.

Am I overthinking this? 😅

My company used to adopt 3 WFO + 2 WFH but has now returned to 100% WFO. Honestly, work is OK but commute is sometimes very very stressful. I work in finance/risk management and my role is very backend so I don’t really need to meet anyone honestly. I’m thinking of finding a new job and willing to take a pay cut.

Anyone in this industry fully WFH? Is that a norm in the industry? Can give clue ah what company to look for?

28M, single, and no intention to ever have kids.

NW: 500k

Current expenses (monthly)
- Rent: RM1.2k
- Groceries/eat out: RM600
- Subscriptions/fun activities: RM200
- Paid off 2nd hand car, fuel: RM 250
- Misc.: RM200
- Travelling (RM10-15k per year): ~RM1000
Total: ~ RM3.5k

I’m generally a frugal person and I dont see myself succumbing to lifestyle inflation. Therefore I expect these expenses to remain the same (after adjusting for annual inflation).

No plan to own a property. Might buy a piece of land in the future, so I can build a tiny house to hedge against rising rental cost. But for now and the near future, renting seems to be the most affordable and flexible choice for me.

I am open to getting married one day but she has to be low maintenance and have her own income to fund her lifestyle. But just to be conservative with the numbers lah, let’s put additional RM1.5k a month for household contributions. That would now put my total expenses now to RM5k/ month.

Based on 4% rule of thumb, I need RM1.5 mil. I’m hoping to get there in 10 years (age 38). I know the 4% rule is only tested for a 30-year timeline(which could outlive me if I live beyond age 68), but since I am not inhering any money to anyone (planning to die with as close to zero), I feel like this should be able to offset that? Plus, I feel like you spend less money (after adjusting inflation, of course) when youre older anyway.

Am i being realistic with my plan? Can anyone point anything I missed?

Mid20s, and just got offered a non-tech (finance) exec role there. Ive bee doing some research on what to expect in terms of working environment, culture, work life balance, but seems like plenty of things have changed this past year following the massive rightsizing. Anyone currently working there can share some up-to-date input? Thanks in advance!

Hi all,

I am a skilled professional and I’m trying to get Canadian PR via Express Entry (French category). I’ve yet to submit an application but judging from my expected CRS score, the odds are looking pretty good.

But I’m a bit concerned about the current job market in Canada. Is it really that bad? I have around 4 years of foreign work experience in the energy industry (specifically in financial risk and derivatives trading) and I’m curious if anyone from the same industry could give some insight on what my prospects are?

I’ve always wondered this question. Land seems to require much less maintenance than property. Wouldn’t it be wise to purchase some while you’re young, and hope that the value goes up over time. In 1-2 decades, you either get yourself a plot to build your retirement home, or sell it at a margin. People do this all the time for properties, but it seems not so much the case for lands.

Is there a catch in owning and maintaining a plot of land?

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Edit: I probably should’ve added some context. So, in short, I have no plans in acquiring a property anytime soon due to geographical uncertainty and my unwillingness to take out a loan (I like to keep my cash outflow at a minimum).

However, I have to admit I’m concerned with property/land prices going up. I can’t afford to outright buy a house but can probably purchase a small plot of land in full cash.

Would it be a good idea to buy some land just to ‘lock’ the biggest cost of home ownership once and for all? Of course I still need money to fund the building costs later but I’m not convinced that those will rise faster than my invested portfolio. Basically the plan is just to guarantee (or at least, maximise the chances) that I’ll have a roof under my head even if all hell breaks loose one day.

I work a typical 9-5 office job (GLC) and my employer prohibits me from formally working another job even outside my 9-5. Is there a way to workaround this so i don’t get myself into trouble?

Is freelancing/working under the table (cash payment) the only way to do it? What are some examples if you know any?

Can anyone advise?

I’m struggling with something and would really appreciate honest advice.

I have a strong fear of falling into zina, and I’m trying to handle it in a halal way. At the same time, I’m finding it really difficult to find someone who perfectly aligns with all my preferences and expectations.

I feel like it’s so hard to find someone that perfectly aligns with your preferences. Especially these days, when people (including myself) add on so many ridiculous criterias. In the West, non-Muslims tend to be in a relationship (stay together, have intimacy, etc) for years to assess long term compatibility before committing into marriage. This seems ideal. Of course, that’s clearly haram for us Muslims.

But it got me thinking, can’t we imitate this but make it halal with a nikah? Because if both parties consent to be together, and the wali agrees to the relationship, the only thing we’re missing here is the akad.

Just to be clear, I am not talking about anything like temporary marriage of Mut’ah (which I believe is Haram). I am not going into the marriage with a predetermined intent or plan to divorce later. I am simply entering marriage with an open mind that divorce is a possibility and solution if things end up not working.

I also thought about delaying having kids at the start, so if things don’t work out, it wouldn’t complicate things as much.

Please read til the end as there is a specific context to this question.
—————————————————————————-

I understand it would be irresponsible if only person is marrying just for sex. But in this case, it’s a mutual desire by both. Both parties only want to fulfill sexual needs in the halal way, but neither are sure if the marriage works long term.

If it works, good. But both parties are open to spearation if no genuine love ever evolves over time.

Would this be acceptable since it’s a mutual decision that is agreed by both parties beforehand, and, no one would be hurt at the end?

EDIT: To people saying this is Mut’ah, can you explain why? Mutah requires explicitly planning a divorce, while in this case, it’s more like wanting to “see where it goes”

Anyone can link any studies showing the likelihood of progressing from one advanced norwood class to another? I’ve been toying with the idea of harvesting beyond the permanent safe donor zone. Which could be OK if I dont end up going beyond NW5 or NW6, especially if I’m taking a DHT blocker.

I know there’s no way to predict genetics but I just want to make a more informed decision when taking a calculated risk.