Quest for appreciation at work

When I first started, the ladder towards my career seemed high and out of reach. Although I've found my feet climbing ever so slowly on its steep steps, I still haven't reached the halfway point.

It's given that I need to struggle and put in my time in the beginning to get anywhere in life but if there's a difference between and underpaid and overworked employee and a appreciated and overworked employee.

Don't you agree? If I have to put in more of my time, effort, energy and brains into a job - shouldn't I at least be rewarded for it? It's a different story if I'm a slacker and an idiot at what I do. But I work hard and make sure I make deadlines. Yes, it is my job but my philosophy is, a happy employee is a hardworking and loyal one.

Living costs have continuously risen, from food, cost of goods to gas here's a question I'm asking employers in Malaysia in this day and age - how do you expect your employees to survive on the meager salary you give them?

It's a struggle to survive. By the last two weeks of the month, I'm already starting to count every penny and by the last week, I have to depend on others so I can get myself to work.

Most Malaysians will continue to work hard for so little, my point is - say something, we can justify our daily costs and they do not match up with our salaries. Know your worth! These cheapskate companies continue to survive and excel at your cost, taking advantage of your talent and time.

And at the end of it all, who profits? Definitely not you. Move up and claim whats yours. You're not being unreasonable, you're getting what you deserve.

Any good company will realise this and understand the rising costs. A cheap one will turn a blind eye and keep exploiting you beyond your limits.

Remember, they need you as much as you need them.

As for me, I'm moving to a different company. And I really hope they share my philosophy. Lets just hope I climb further up the ladder in my quest for appreciation!

As I always joke, I picked the wrong field to make money. I'm in this for the satisfaction of reaching out to an audience and trying to make a difference in print.