The No Ringgit Traveler

Since the visa expired, Ed was left unemployed and finally the good news arrive. Our reporter are first to approach him.

Congratulation on your visa.
Thanks, mate. Syukur alhamdulillah

How you feel now?
The first thing I do was screaming. I always make noise when I'm happy or sad. I felt a big relieve. It's been a long battle I fought and it's seemed worth my time to wait though it wasted a lot of money.

So what's next?
I called my agency on the same day telling them my visa status. Previous they (recruitment agency) posted me to Telecom's Wholesale Provisioning Department. When my visa was expired early this year they put my name in KIV so I hope they will get my old job back. Anyway, they said answer will be given within next week (early July).

Don't you want to try something else?
Frankly, I did applied at some companies but the response that I got was their regret letter. It's quite hard to get a job in Auckland and since I was under Kelly Services, it might be the best option to just stay with them. It's handy cause they will find job for me instead of I scurry around like a rat.

Was it easy to land a in Kuala Lumpur than Auckland?
Absolutely. Employer in New Zealand is so idealistic. They want a super experience staff but what they offer is little. In Malaysia, from my previous experience, the employer is willing to hire fresh graduate and train them while on the job. In here, the expect you to know-it-all before hiring you. One more thing, to get a permanent job is extremely difficult. The best thing you could get is contract job. In my case, I work on temporary basis.

How's the pay like?
So far so good since my hourly rate is quite high. I won't tell you the exact amount, it's private and confidential (laugh). When (the salary) converted to Malaysian Ringgit, it may sound big but there's a big catch. First, 20.8% of the weekly wage goes to the income tax. That's a huge amount considering it's a weekly payment. Then, goes the (house) rental which burn your pocket about a fourth of your taxed salary. Let me give you an example, gross income NZD$680 minus tax of NZD$144.44 so you will bring home about NZD$538.56. Then you need to pay (room) rental which on average NZD$150 and that exclude the electricity and hot water bill. Then you need to eat, my average weekly grocery is NZD$70-100 and this exclude lunch money. So you left about NZD$200 - 300 per week for saving and shopping or for travel. Not that bad I suppose considering I don't have any other committment like car and petrol. Can't imagine how high the petrol now (sigh).

Wow, now I know the real situation. One, more thing do they have bonus system there?
Not likely. Only certain position and if i'm not mistaken the top executive entitle for performance bonus. But for a temporary staff you are dreaming. Sometime, even the permanent and contract are not getting bonus. It's very rare here. I personally think, Malaysia is a bonus heaven especially in corporate sector. A friend of mine working with TV3 were getting 6 months bonus! In that sense, I may consider relocate myself back in Malaysia.

When?
Only time will tell. For now, I want to have fun while I still can in here.

Is it really fun working there?
Yes and no.

??? (raised eyebrows)
Here's why. The people are fun. The working culture is are more laid back compared to Malaysia. The people here is very friendly and it's easy to strike a conversation. The boring part was my job. Day in and day out are the same thing. I'm the type of person that like different setting and different task everyday and that what excite me here. Here, the role was so extremely boring but what motivated me was the money.

Thanks for spending time with us and we will visit you from time to time to get the update and kudos to you. Before that, any last word for our viewer out there?
Thanks to you too. Yeah I would to thanks my beloved god for granting my wish and thanks also to my family and friends who has been praying for me. May Allah bless you.

End.