Is Getting the Right Job Tougher than Finding Love?

Finding “the one” might be a journey fraught with ups and downs, but it seems many Malaysians are finding it even more difficult to “click” with their careers. According to a recent survey by Jobstreet by SEEK, 34% of Malaysians think securing the right job is more challenging than finding a long-term romantic partner.

Insights from the Survey

Nearly two-thirds (63%) of Malaysians believe finding jobs that align with their skills and preferences has become more difficult since they first entered the workforce. The uncertainty of long-term job satisfaction contributes to this challenge, with only 18% of employees reporting that their current job perfectly matches their skills.

Younger Malaysians Are Willing to Seek Change

Nevertheless, younger Malaysians are determined not to settle, with 55% of employees aged 24 and below ready to seek a new job within a year if their current role no longer aligns with their goals.

Age and Career Satisfaction

This willingness to settle in a role decreases with age, with only 35% of employees aged 25-34 and 26% of those aged 45-54 saying they would do the same.

The Findings: A Distinction between Generations

The findings highlight an important distinction between generations, where younger workers place more importance on career growth and alignment over long-term job security.

A Concern for Employers

This desire for advancement across the younger workforce should be a concern for employers, who may need to adapt their retention strategies if they want to hold on to talent, especially in highly skilled sectors. Non-standard employment arrangements, including temporary and part-time roles, may further add to career instability for young and newly graduated talent.

Money Still Matters

While young talent want to find jobs in which their skills can be best utilised, compensation cannot be overlooked. According to the survey, four out of five Malaysian employees would accept a job offer with an attractive salary and benefits, even if it didn’t align with their long-term career goals.

A Key Factor in Job Satisfaction

Across all age groups, compensation is the top factor contributing to workplace dissatisfaction for 55% of respondents, which outweighs concerns such as a lack of career advancement and poor work-life balance, each at 31%.

A Winning Formula for Talent Retention

As such, employers should consider all five key causes of job dissatisfaction – salary and benefits, lack of appreciation, poor work-life balance, poor management, and limited career growth – when designing talent retention programmes.

A Representative from Jobstreet by SEEK

“Much like dating, finding the right job requires mutual understanding: if there is a gap between what employees expect and what the job actually offers, you’re not going to find a good match that lasts,” a representative from Jobstreet by SEEK in Malaysia explained.

“These mismatches can hamper career growth for talent, and become an issue for businesses trying to align with Malaysia’s journey towards building a highly productive workforce.

“While jobseekers need to be clear on their career goals and pursue opportunities that align with their aspirations, employers must also clearly articulate their value proposition and specific expectations to attract candidates that will go the distance.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, finding the right job is indeed a challenging task, especially for younger workers who value career growth and alignment. Employers must adapt to these changing expectations and provide opportunities that match the skills and aspirations of their employees to retain top talent.

FAQs

Q: What percentage of Malaysians find securing the right job more challenging than finding a long-term romantic partner?
A: 34%

Q: What percentage of employees report that their current job perfectly matches their skills?
A: 18%

Q: What is the top factor contributing to workplace dissatisfaction for 55% of respondents?
A: Compensation

Q: What is the key to talent retention, according to a representative from Jobstreet by SEEK?
A: Clear articulation of value proposition and specific expectations to attract candidates that will go the distance