No regrets working overseas

BETTER work-life balance, wanting to be more independent, and a love for travel.

These are among the reasons why some Malaysian Gen Y-ers are drawn to pursuing work overseas – and most do not have regrets doing so.

Corporate banker Chan M.L., who has been working in Singapore for five years, says she wouldn’t change her decision about choosing a job across the Causeway.

“I was presented with the opportunity to work in Singapore and went for it.

“Wanting to gain more experience and to learn to be more independent were some of the factors that aided me in the decision making,” shares the 31-year-old.

Also, Chan points out that it was a strategic move for her since Singapore is considered a regional hub in the banking line.

“Working in Singapore would open more doors of opportunities for my personal career progression,” she says.Nevertheless, Chan is open to the thought of coming back to Malaysia to work, citing family commitments as her reason.

Sean Ng, a senior accountant working in Perth, Australia, took the opportunity to work Down Under since he pursued his degree in a university there.

“I enjoy a good work-life balance where I get to finish my work at 5pm to pursue my hobbies or to socialise,” says the 32-year-old.

He says it is typical of Asian culture to do overtime and the extra time put in could extend until the wee hours of the morning.

Looking back at his decision, Ng says he has been in Australia for almost 10 years and “wouldn’t change anything”.In fact, he plans on getting a management position in his company. “Hopefully in a year or two, I’ll be promoted to a manager role if there’s an opening,” Ng says.

For some, the desire to work overseas is a bit more personal, like master’s degree student Muhammad Anuar Kil who loves travelling and gaining new experiences.

“I’m thinking of being a professor in a foreign university one day, maybe in Europe,” says the 23-year-old.

However, Muhammad Anuar says such plans will only be pursued later in life when he is on a stronger financial footing.