<h1>In Malaysia, some jobs demand far more than they give back—whether it’s long working hours, poor work-life balance, or low salaries despite heavy responsibilities.</h1><h2>While passion and job satisfaction matter, no one wants to feel overworked and underpaid. If you're wondering whether your job is worth it or if there are better opportunities out there, this guide breaks down the most overworked and underpaid professions in Malaysia—and what you can do to improve your situation.</h2>💡 Looking for a job that values your time and skills? Browse <a href="https://www.hiredly.com/jobs">Hiredly’s latest job openings</a> to find better opportunities.<hr><h2>1. Junior Doctors – High Stress, Low Pay<img src="https://assets.hiredly.com/cms/image_2025_03_07_105548519_0bb5eb5602.png"></h2>✅ Why It’s Overworked &amp; Underpaid:<ul><li>Long shifts (80+ hours/week) with frequent overnight calls.</li><li>Low starting salary (RM3,000 – RM4,000/month) despite years of study.</li><li>High-pressure work environment dealing with life-and-death situations.</li></ul>✅ Average <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/how-to-answer-salary-expectations?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=malaysia’s_most_overworked_&amp;_underpaid_professions&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Salary </a>in Malaysia:<ul><li>House Officer (Intern Doctor): RM3,000 – RM4,000/month</li><li>Medical Officer: RM4,500 – RM7,000/month</li><li>Specialist (After 10+ years): RM10,000 – RM20,000+/month</li></ul>📌 Reality Check: Many junior doctors burn out or leave for private practice or overseas opportunities for better pay.🔎 What Can You Do? ✔ Consider medical specializations with better pay (e.g., dermatology, anesthesiology). ✔ Explore private sector or locum work for extra income. ✔ Negotiate work-life balance improvements if possible.💡 Thinking of a career switch? Read <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/how-to-make-career-change-malaysia?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=malaysia’s_most_overworked_&amp;_underpaid_professions&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How to Make a Career Change at 30, 40, or 50 in Malaysia.</a><hr><h2>2. <a href="https://eduadvisor.my/articles/how-to-be-a-teacher-in-malaysia" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Teachers</a> – Huge Workload, Modest Salary<img src="https://assets.hiredly.com/cms/image_2025_03_07_105630372_34634edf73.png"></h2>✅ Why It’s Overworked &amp; Underpaid:<ul><li>Heavy workload beyond teaching – Lesson planning, grading, and extracurricular activities.</li><li>Long working hours (often unpaid overtime).</li><li>Average pay remains low despite experience.</li></ul>✅ Average Salary in Malaysia:<ul><li>Government School Teacher: RM2,800 – RM4,500/month</li><li>Private School Teacher: RM3,000 – RM6,000/month</li><li>International School Teacher: RM6,000 – RM12,000/month</li></ul>📌 Reality Check: Many teachers spend their own money on classroom materials and take on tuition jobs to supplement their income.🔎 What Can You Do? ✔ Consider moving to international schools for better pay. ✔ Take up private tutoring or online teaching as a side income. ✔ Explore education-related roles in corporate training or e-learning.💡 Need salary negotiation tips? Read <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/fresh-grad-salary-negotiation-malaysia?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=malaysia’s_most_overworked_&amp;_underpaid_professions&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Can Fresh Grads Negotiate Their Salary? (Yes, Here’s How).</a><hr><h2>3. Journalists – Passion Over Pay<img src="https://assets.hiredly.com/cms/image_2025_03_07_105653603_58c722a88f.png"></h2>✅ Why It’s Overworked &amp; Underpaid:<ul><li>Long hours, tight deadlines, and unpredictable schedules.</li><li>Constant pressure to produce content quickly.</li><li>Starting salaries are low, even for skilled professionals.</li></ul>✅ Average Salary in Malaysia:<ul><li>Entry-Level Journalist: RM2,500 – RM4,000/month</li><li>Mid-Level Editor: RM5,000 – RM7,000/month</li><li>Senior-Level Journalist: RM7,000 – RM12,000+/month</li></ul>📌 Reality Check: Many journalists switch to PR, corporate communications, or <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/how-to-become-a-copywriter?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=malaysia’s_most_overworked_&amp;_underpaid_professions&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">content marketing</a> for better salaries and work-life balance.🔎 What Can You Do? ✔ Consider shifting to digital media roles (e.g., content strategist, SEO writer). ✔ Look into freelance writing for global publications. ✔ Negotiate better work hours or perks.💡 Looking for media &amp; creative jobs? Read <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/freelancing-vs-full-time-malaysia?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=malaysia’s_most_overworked_&amp;_underpaid_professions&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Freelancing vs. Full-Time—Which One’s for You?.</a><hr><h2>4. Retail &amp; F&amp;B Workers – High Stress, Minimum Pay<img src="https://assets.hiredly.com/cms/image_2025_03_07_105711301_73b066ef09.png"></h2>✅ Why It’s Overworked &amp; Underpaid:<ul><li>Low wages (often close to minimum wage).</li><li>Long shifts, weekend work, and public holiday duties.</li><li>Physically demanding roles with limited career progression.</li></ul>✅ Average Salary in Malaysia:<ul><li>Retail Assistant: RM1,500 – RM2,800/month</li><li>Restaurant Crew: RM1,500 – RM2,500/month</li><li>Store Manager: RM3,500 – RM6,000/month</li></ul>📌 Reality Check: Many employees rely on overtime pay and incentives to make ends meet.🔎 What Can You Do? ✔ Gain management experience for better-paying roles. ✔ Consider switching to corporate sales (higher commissions). ✔ Look for companies offering better benefits and career growth.💡 Want to break into higher-paying industries? Read <a href="https://thefullfrontal.my/7-odd-jobs-in-malaysia-that-pay-well/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Malaysia’s Most Underrated Jobs That Pay Surprisingly Well</a>.<hr><h2>5. Social Workers – High Emotional Toll, Modest Pay<img src="https://assets.hiredly.com/cms/image_2025_03_07_105741792_8d990a29c9.png"></h2>✅ Why It’s Overworked &amp; Underpaid:<ul><li>Emotionally demanding job dealing with vulnerable communities.</li><li>Limited government funding and support.</li><li><a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/how-to-answer-salary-expectations?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=malaysia’s_most_overworked_&amp;_underpaid_professions&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Low salary</a> despite high qualifications.</li></ul>✅ Average Salary in Malaysia:<ul><li>NGO &amp; Charity Social Worker: RM2,500 – RM4,500/month</li><li>Government Welfare Officer: RM3,000 – RM5,000/month</li><li>Corporate CSR Manager: RM5,500 – RM10,000/month</li></ul>📌 Reality Check: Many social workers struggle with burnout and low job security.🔎 What Can You Do? ✔ Consider roles in CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility). ✔ Work with international NGOs or UN-affiliated organizations. ✔ Upgrade qualifications for specialized counseling or therapy roles.💡 Looking for a new direction? Read <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/successful-career-switch-in-malaysia?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=malaysia’s_most_overworked_&amp;_underpaid_professions&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How to Successfully Switch Careers in Malaysia</a>.<hr><h3>Many overworked and underpaid professionals in Malaysia stay in their jobs due to passion or job stability, but that doesn’t mean you have to settle. If you’re stuck in a role that demands too much for too little pay, consider negotiating for better benefits, upgrading your skills, or switching to a higher-paying career. Ready for a better-paying job? Explore <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/jobs?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=malaysia’s_most_overworked_&amp;_underpaid_professions&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hiredly’s latest job vacancies</a>, take the <a href="https://hiredly.typeform.com/to/K4idZTDK?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=malaysia’s_most_overworked_&amp;_underpaid_professions&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hiredly Work Personality Test</a> to find your best job match, and join the <a href="https://hub.hiredly.com/young-leaders-community?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=malaysia’s_most_overworked_&amp;_underpaid_professions&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Young Talent Community</a> for career insights!</h3>

Some jobs in Malaysia demand long hours but offer low pay. Find out which professions are overworked and underpaid—and what you can do about it.

Malaysia’s Most Overworked & Underpaid Professions