Dear Thelma: Should I choose a career path in the public or private sector?

Dear Thelma,

I am asking for advice on professional matters, in particular regarding plans for the future.

I’m graduating this year and initially planned to continue my studies at postgraduate studies. This decision was influenced by the issue of academic inflation, which I feared could lead to unemployment after graduation.

Additionally, my goal has always been to work in an academic environment, especially at a public university.

However, recent government policies have raised concerns, particularly the planned abolition of the pension system, which was one of the reasons I chose the public sector. This made me reconsider my career path.

Some of my friends suggested that I consider working in the private sector or moving to Singapore, where salaries are generally higher. However, I avoid capitalist exploitation, such as mismatches between salaries and qualifications and limited opportunities for salary increases. This led me to question the basic purpose of the work. Is it just about making a living or is it about contributing to society?

I fear that even if medical benefits are retained, they may eventually be abolished due to government policy. I am deeply opposed to neoliberalism, which I believe oppresses people and allows the bourgeoisie to live in luxury.

In the public sector, salaries are lower, and with the abolition of the pension system, it begins to resemble the private sector.

How can I convince my future partner that for this salary I can provide her with the life she wants? Even if we become a dual-income family, societal expectations often dictate that men earn a higher salary (at least RM5,000). In addition, rising costs of living and currency devaluation are of great concern.

I feel disappointed with the direction of the country’s development and I worry about my future. Any advice and observations will be very valuable.

A young, lost soul

You’re graduating, so you’re thinking about your future. Many readers will be in the same situation, so thank you for writing about a hot topic.

Your plan was to work at a public university and look for a permanent job with a government pension.

Straight away: In the past, it was common practice to pursue one career with only one or two employers. Nowadays, changing jobs is a normal thing and career changes are also common.

Social scientists expect Generation Z to have incredibly fluid career paths. Conservative estimates suggest two to three career changes, but some suggest as many as five.

Malaysian employers have been commenting for some time that Generation Z will change jobs for the sake of promotion, better prospects or simply because they feel like making a change.

This has inspired changes in the corporate world as well. For example, in academia, an internship (obtaining a permanent position) is no longer the standard.

Plus, as you mentioned, more and more people have completed postgraduate degrees, so you’re going to face stiff competition for any available work.

Your concerns about pensions are also valid. As the world’s population ages and birth rates decline, pensions are changing. They may disappear.

With all this in mind, I suggest planning for flexibility and adaptability.

You didn’t say what area you want to work in. If you’re majoring in pure mathematics or classical studies, for example, you won’t have many options outside of academia, which would narrow your options compared to computer science or chemical engineering.

So we will have to talk very generally.

To start your academic career, you need a master’s degree and several years of student teaching experience. Top positions, such as running a department, usually require a Ph.D. Master’s degrees last two years, and doctorates last three to seven years.

Choose a specialization that you know will work well beyond university, and if you can, choose one that will allow you to move laterally in various professions.

Also consider that PhDs are called permanent head damage for a reason. If you change your mind about your career path or decide to quit, make sure you choose something in which a master’s degree alone will be a good fit for you. This will maximize your flexibility in terms of education and skills.

Which brings us to money. Because teaching is considered professional work, pay is usually short and working hours are long. Given your concerns about fair pay and exploitation, are you sure this is the work environment for you?

That may be true, but I fear you are choosing an environment that is inconsistent with your desires and values.

You allude to theories of extrinsic motivation and social identity with a touch of Marxism, but I think your happiness would be better served by considering your choices regarding self-determination. Seek autonomy, competence and connection so that you can find meaning in your work.

For practical reasons, plan a career path that will allow you to work while you study, and ideally choose a path where, if you fail to get an academic job, or you get one but don’t like it, you can work in the corporate sector.

Then retirement. You are 20 years old, so you have 40 years to achieve your goal. Set up everything you can now and review often.

EPF will be around for a few more years, so start there. Ideally, you would save some money each year and take advantage of compound interest. Then, if you get a nice bonus, you can add it to your slot.

Finally a partner. I think you’re trying to determine the future and that’s just impossible. Focus on what you can control now, which is making smart choices that will maximize your chances of career success.

But go on a date and make lots of friends! You will change a lot in the next year or two and life may be difficult, so many friends will enrich you.

I hope this helps you develop useful next steps. Good luck with your upcoming exams.