A Malaysian Facebook user recently shared his personal struggles on the page Gossip Department (八卦部门), expressing doubts about his own “success” at the age of 36. Despite owning a small condo and a Perodua Axia, he finds his savings always empty and struggles to make ends meet.
He admitted that even simple comforts like turning on the air conditioner at night or smoking are luxuries he can hardly afford. His main form of entertainment is scrolling on his phone, and he often feels that he is merely “surviving” rather than truly living.
Although his assets might appear decent to outsiders, he describes them as “empty shells.” His salary has not increased in years, and by the third day after payday, his pockets are empty again after covering car and home loans, utilities, fuel, and groceries. This leaves him with just enough to make it to the next month.
His daily life involves careful budgeting: if lunch costs a bit more, dinner has to be cheaper; if he spends extra on fuel one week, he must cut back on groceries the next. Even weekends are frugal, often limited to a cup of Kopi O at a local cafe.
Seeing friends travel abroad effortlessly while he worries over daily expenses makes him feel like he is living in a completely different world from others.
He reflected on the idea that life is short and should be enjoyed, yet he feels that some are born on the “starting line of enjoyment,” while others barely have a runway, only able to watch from afar.
The man often wonders if choosing a different path in education or career could have allowed him more freedom to travel, buy what he likes, and have more life choices, instead of feeling trapped in a constrained daily routine.
He concludes with a practical tip for those in similar situations: if money is tight, consider taking on a side job to improve your financial situation.
