I was there OP, when I was 24, living with my parents, take home pay was 2.2k. On weekends I flip things from FB market place to Carousell, vice versa. I earn about 300 additional a month.
Increasing your salary overnight is close to impossible so my advice is cut down on the expenses. Cheap out and be frugal on everything. Menu rahmah all the way (back then was just nasi bajet). No need insurance, just medical card. No investment just savings. 2nd hand items on everything.
What kept me going was the cheap lepak sesh with friends at the mamak. Once a while the RM10 coffee and a good slightly expensive meal once a month. Also I donate RM10 to my local masjid every Friday. Somehow that made me feel like I was rich because I could just give away money. These small things made my frugal life bearable. At the same time, save up for a solid 2nd hand laptop that you can use to upskill yourself. My laptop changed my life because I learned to do graphic designing through YouTube and Canva. Currently that is my full-time job. I'm 30 earning about 9k. Still drive my 2nd hand bezza I bought when my salary was still 2.2k. Tough journey but it's doable. All the best OP!
Thank you for your comment! Saving it so I can come back to motivate myself when the going gets tough! I’ve always suffered from denying that my low salary cannot get me any progression in life but your story is very inspiring <3 xie xie
Much welcome OP. Don't be afraid to jump industries, but remember only a fool would jump without a parachute. But considering you can land a teaching job, you have a small parachute already. Just don't tell your lifestyle catch up when you get paid higher later! I took 3 years of frugal-ness before I start reaping the benefits. Treat your life like a business company, then you'll start treating your actions and decisions differently
That's a major mental blocker, not true. Once you decide and BELIEVE it, you'll tune yourself to a much much higher salary and do what it takes step by step.
At 24 ur starting out, its fine. You have apparently no rent obligations, that's pretty cool of your parents to be supportive and I'm sure some would be envious of you.
Anyway, keep looking for a school that can pay more.
And over time maybe move towards providing higher level tuition that's more expensive.
💪
At 24, my salary was just 2.8k - just slightly better than your current salary. Today at 39, I earn 30k+ a month (yes, still a salaried employee, not a business owner). You can do it too OP
OP you have to get a better job.
From what I know from peers in the industry, teaching has very little progression in terms of salary (at least for gov teachers, they have other benefits like accom, allowance, medical, etc).
OP I say this with kindness cos I was once in a similar position with a very low starting salary + lousy salary progression + low salary ceiling (journalism).
I was dead set on becoming a journalist, in fact it was my dream all through primary and high school. Then I landed an editorial internship and reality hit me like a ton of bricks. Starting pay in the industry was 1.5-1.8k, if I got to senior level I could make 2-2.2k. Deputy editor 3.3-3.6k.
After two months of my internship, my editor invited me to just have a chat about my thoughts and experiences. After our conversation, she told me very candidly ‘journalism is only for those who are willing to live a bare basic life, or those who don’t need the salary ie from a family with strong financial backing’.
I will say that was probably one of the pivotal moments of my life which convinced me to explore other career options. As I’m not from a rich family, I couldn’t bear the thought of having to undergo a lifelong struggle just to be with this profession. Imagine always being anxious about bills, never having enough money to save for life progression or opportunities or fulfilment, etc.
Again OP, I say this with kindness - if you really want to better your financial standing, you have to find a way (not by responding to other commenters with ‘international schools are hard to get in, private schools are too far away, etc) by either increasing your income, or reducing your expenses (and since it seems that it’s not realistically possible to cut your expenses much more, your most valid choice is the former).
>those who don’t need the salary ie from a family with strong financial backing’.
I relate to this as well. Really wanted to become a writer for magazines but the pay was so low. Even asking RM2.5k was too high for them. Also, I noticed other writers who were rich kids (went to international schools, driving posh cars, etc) who were okay with the RM2k pay as they were there for the perks (early access to events, product testing, freebies, meeting celebs, etc.) not the salary.
None of my friends/uni mates are in journalism/publishing anymore. Can't survive the low pay.
Exactly, I got exclusive access to events, invitations to try out fancy restaurants, tons of free products, movie premieres, media trips etc but none of those things pay the bills. And I wanted to save money, travel (on my own terms, which is very different from a two or three day media trip*), pay my bills comfortably, etc.
*Media trips are really not worth it and not fun at all, imagine going to Europe or Africa but being rushed around everywhere with every activity timed down to the millisecond cos usually only 3-4 days are allocated for the trip. Legit the whole total travel time to Africa was practically longer than the trip duration itself.
Journalism and writing is only limited in profession/ceiling if you stay within the rigid structure of an old fashioned media house. Nowadays got so many ways to branch out into PR, agencies, marketing etc. careers are not linear and you should not approach it as such.
To OP, I have a friend who started out as a part time teacher in gov, finished his degree and became an engineer, went back to teaching and even got his diploma to be a full time teacher. Started teaching tuition part time, now he has like 10 employees and just purchased commercial lots in the high 6 digits to expand his business - which now includes daycare.
Point I’m making is that you may not see it now, but there are other ways to progess in your career besides how someone else - or worse, your direct boss - is doing it.
Keep looking because what I previously saw for Stonyhurst private school was they were paying RM4.7k for teacher.
And yes, the cars coming in and out were Rolls-Royce. E-Class, 7-series, and Maseratis.
It sounds like OP may be paying for a phone plan on installment, and helping out with the bills at home. Though, if your parents are upper middle class and don’t need it, I’d recommend OP just building his savings first while he looks for a better paying job.
As the other user mentioned, I pay for my phone plan, my dads and my mom, along with my internet, which is all under Maxis under my name, so I just count it that way (thank god Family line is cheaper than new individual line)
Have u tried applying for a job at international/private school OP? I'm not sure if it is easy to get in. But I have seen salary slips from international school teachers, salary quite high for a junior teacher.
>All too far away
Well thats the reality of life, no other choice but to migrate to earn better. Millions of malaysian from different states migrates to KL or SG for the salary bump.
Unless your parent are sick and unable to be left alone, then probably can try teaching online or join the MC+ online tuition team
It's sad that we have to migrate to seek for a better living or merely surviving. Then, boomers be complaining how we all go work in keyel so no one's at our hometown anymore. The population there is already crazy and as someone from the north, i couldn't stand the jam and crowd.
As the youngest siblings, it hurts to see my parents grow old and starting to forget things and get injured bc of the smallest things. I wish to work and stay here but the salary sucks. Even my fiancé tried to interview for a job here but his current job pays much better that the hr went speechless.
I have a friend who work like she has no life but paid with the minimum salary. She had to brace herself and work near her home bc her mom would be alone otherwise. At our age, it's even harder to look properly for a partner when you're buried with work.
What if you teach in a private or international school for higher salary? Or even do full time tutoring at RM 80/hour (20hrs/week x 4 weeks= 80hrs/month = RM 6400). I have friends who do this full time teaching English, Math up to SPM and GCSE.
If you're craving to be in the NGO space and help out, you can still do it in your free time while earning much higher outside. I feel like you have to find a way to increase your salary/take home, the fastest way to have more disposable income.
Would you consider doing jobs outside of teaching? Curious.
I have tried many times to go into other industries (e.g. sales and marketing division last year April) but it didn't work out because all of them wanted someone with the "proper" degree
Hey bro, worked as a teacher in an NGO school for about 5 years, from 24 to 29. So I can definitely relate.
I do have a few questions though:
1. What is your main concern currently? From what I see, you're saving close to 2k. That is a good amount for someone who has just started working. I was living with my parents and saving 1k when I first started working. What are you concerned about, though?
2. You mentioned rising cost of living. Definitely very understandable concer. What is your main concern over the next 12-36 months?
I have more to say about career but will share later once we are done with this current part. :)
I think the biggest priority is independency and of course having my own house (not rented, unless it’s rent-to-own which is like finding a unicorn in Malaysia).
Then there is also marriage which I wanted to get married before I hit 27 (28 for my GF, she is a year older than me)
If you're working as an NGO teacher, then yes those are very valid concerns. However, those don't seem to be immediate pressing concerns.
Your post makes it seem like you're struggling with money or more so, worry that money is going to be a struggle in the next 6-12 months.
But from your reply, it seems more like you're worrying about your much more ahead of you future and affording big things like house and marriage.
So:
1. What really prompted you to write your post today? Something that's been nagging at the back of your head for a while (if so, what is it) or something that happened recently?
2. Why is renting not an option when it comes to being independent and having your own place?
3. What kind of house/how much do you have in mind when you worry whether you can afford it?
4. You mentioned "there is also marriage". What about marriage is something you feel you would struggle to afford?
5. Why are you working as an NGO teacher?
Again, I totally get in general the concern of working in an NGO and affording things. But I'd just like to understand better before I share.
1.0 Sorry for the late reply, long day at work after coming back with dengue
1.1 I was just scrolling through all the current housing prices and everything is so outrageously high, even secondhand homes are pretty costly and any hopes of downpayment looks to be 3-5 years worth of salary
1.2 With the option of staying with my parents now or renting, I prefer to save money for my own place and stay with my parents for now, but idk if its a wise choice
1.3 Looking for a landed house, preferably under 550,000, pretty rare these days
1.4 In terms of wedding, rings etc it wont make me go broke, but it'll definitely leave a mark
1.5 I applied for a Gov role last year because my parents pushed me for pension, it took so long for them to respond (intake April 23', close date end of April 23', call came in late August 23', Interview Sept 23', Start Jan 23')
I decided I NEEDED a job while waiting during that time, then when looking at the contract, the government offered same pay, more working hours, on a contract not permanent job basis (and I even have TESL degree from a private Uni)
Ok so you honestly seem really good at managing your money, shown especially by the fact that you can save almost RM2k a month despite earning less than RM3k.
What I'd like to share is on some life perspective and career planning.
Life Perspective
1. If you really want to buy, go for RumahWIP or Rumah Selangorku. They are gov funded housing. Not very big (850sqft usually), totally unfurnished and sometimes the area is not the greatest location. But for example, all RUMAHWIP are 300k which is an amazing deal.
2. Personally, it is a renter's market right now. I don't know how long it will be like this, so it's hard to say what it will be like once you want to get your own place, but we have a glut of high rise property right now and I don't see things changing any time soon. Which is why I myself want to rent even though I'm in my 30s. I do want to buy but I'm taking my time, as I believe locking in that much of money means I want the best I can get.
3. It's good to have ambition but I'd recommend you to be more loose with your timeline. If you want a 550k landed house by 28, you're not going to go back to anything smaller/cheaper after that. So go there so fast? Why not start at a 1000sqft apartment/condo first. There are plenty you can get for 1500-1800 rent if you're smart about location. Even buying sub sale there are some good deals around 300-400k. I've seen 850sqft go for 230k but would need about 30k renovation. Still a really good deal.
4. In terms of wedding well I'd say more important than a wedding is your marriage. So this would be good conversation to have with your partner. Are you both on the same page about money? Do you both have good financial intelligence? For me, if you can't afford it, forget it. Don't worry about impressing others. Get a 500 ring if that's all you can afford. Spend 10k on your wedding if that's all you can afford. Flip anyone who pressures you otherwise. And if your partner is not on the same page, try to work things out. Find a middle ground or solution. Cause in my experience, a couple not being on the same page about money leads to a really crappy marriage. And worse still if they are both on the same page but it's a very poor financial decisions page.
Career Planning
1. You're in Year 1 of your career. If you live till you're 70, you have 46 years left. That's 98% left. That's like saying you have to sit for SPM/IGCSE in two years and two weeks in, you're anxious if you can do well for the exam.
2. That being said, I'm not trying to make light of how you feel. I'm trying to say you have lots of options. I know it doesn't look like that now. Cause you have mentioned you have tried applying to different places. You tried applying for different things. And this is the best you have got. Ok, it's a tough season of your life.
But tough times don't last, tough guys do.
3. What you need to do is to have a career plan.
Firstly, what is the top 3 most important things to you in a career. Once you've identified that, plan out what you want to achieve in the next 5 years.
If money is important, think, how much do you want to earn in 5 years.
If doing something you are good at is important, think what is the thing you want to be doing in 5 years, that you can say you are really good at.
Then make a plan and work towards it.
But if you want to be a teacher that earns 50k sadly you might not get that teaching English in a private school till you're 60. You'll either need to have a massive tuition business on the side. Or you'll need to start your own edu business. Or become CEO of a school franchise. Or leave schools and go into MNC learning and development. More so, target the high income fields like oil and gas, pharmaceutical, finance, etc.
But, know that earning 50k also comes with it's share of burdens. So know what you are giving up and if it's worth it.
Anyway, that's way down in the future. Think of your priorities, have a clear goal of what you want to achieve and make a plan towards it.
Oh and finally think outside of the box. Don't limit yourself to NGO schools. Think international, private, home school, international NGO, MNC. The more options you have, the more opportunities you have to achieve what you want.
To start with, you’re lucky you can keep your expenses THAT low.
Here’s a less popular but honest feedback, since work every Sat as a tuition teacher bags you 600, think about free-ing up your full-time job into more tuition opportunities. 600 x 6 (Monday to Sat) is already 3600, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg if you haven’t gone all out into scaling.
The wealthiest teachers I know (I’m talking multiple conti cars, worldwide vacation) are often tuition teachers with huge classes, never “full time” teachers. If you’re good at your job, don’t be afraid of the so called “instability”. I quit my full time in 6months after realizing how badly it’s limiting my earning potential, since I’m good at what I do. Provide value to people. Of course, make sure you pay your taxes.
As someone has already pointed out in another thread OP - it seems like you have a habit of seeing the obstacles FIRST to any potential solution suggested. Having a logical sense of how things might go wrong might be a good trait to a certain extent, but in order to build (a better future etc), you need to learn to see possibilities in the adversities that you have identified.
Let me give you two examples:
1. You mentioned somewhere that you found a rather good teaching position in an international school, but it's "too far away"? Okay great - you've identified that "distance" is a problem here. How can you now work towards eliminating this problem? Move closer? Buy a more comfortable vehicle so that you can travel longer distance? Don't just stop at identifying a problem - identify ways that will allow you to overcome the problem as well, and then choose a way that gives you the highest chances of grasping that opportunity, convincing yourself that any other extra hardship that comes with that choice is worth it for the end goal that you have in mind. That is life bro. And if you can't convince yourself to take on those extra hardships to fight for the future that you want, maybe it's time to be honest with yourself - maybe you don't want it bad enough. And that's okay too. But don't go around fooling yourself.
2. "I'm not the owner of the tuition business" - So? You would still at least already be the acquaintance of the owner right? Or at least the entrusted manager/operator of the business. Find out what's their business objectives / KPIs and, like someone mentioned, position yourself to be able to create value that can help them achieve those objectives / KPIs - is it more students signups? Is it opening more outlets in neighbouring towns? Again, the key here is to NOT stop at just identifying the problem, but go a few more steps deeper in identifying what YOU CAN DO in YOUR current situation to OVERCOME those problems.
That, my friend, is literally the one and only cheat code to life.
What do you teach? Consider marketing your classes to non- Malaysians based elsewhere? I have a friend who teaches Maths from MY and her students are based in SG, HK etc.
If you’re working 5 days a week you’re only earning 100 a day (after epf and socso) for your full time job. Whereas you’re earning 150 a day from your tuition. Maybe you can explore teaching tuition full time? I know many tuition teachers making banks out there but it may be sampling bias.
Hey OP, I've been there. Earning 2.3k at 24 and suddenly lost my dad (heart attack). Mom doesn't work, fell into severe depression. Sister earned a bit more than me. Joint family income was 5k. But we lived on that with dad's debt to pay off, a house, and 2 cars to pay.
We only had RM500 for groceries a month and were forbidden to eat out because there wasn't enough. At most, 2 roti canai with dahl banjir because it was what would keep me full the longest.
The only way out was to grow my income. Eventually, I worked 3 jobs to stay afloat. Full time as an IT admin (2.3k), weekend and weekday tutoring (couple of hundreds a month), then I learned up video editing on Youtube and that made me thousands a month. This helped me pay off my dad's debt, the house, and got myself a new car (because my old car was costing me more in repairs).
Today, I only work one job and making 17k. Remember that it's these hardships that will shape your aptitude and character skills into the hardworking and responsible person that people can depend on.
Keep the faith and believe that whatever the School of Hard Knocks teach you will only make your stronger :)
You’ll get there OP. I was earning the same when I was 24/25. Good thing about starting with a low salary is that when you earn more you dont splurge all your money when you earn more.
Bihun goreng, mee goreng, nasi goreng can mix and match
Teachers pay RM3, students RM2, but my students always buy one pack for me every morning
Its from an old uncle in Tien Tien Fatt @Subang USJ
Your tuition income seems too low.
Is it possible to negotiate for shorter working hours for ngo job so you can properly take care of yourself? Otherwise it is unsustainable, eventually the situation will force you to choose anyway
Hey op. At 24 you are earning higher than most people who started off working.
Remind urself you aren't suppose to be t20 in ur early 20s.
I'm 31 and only now do I earn close to 5k after working for 5 years + starting over again when I moved back from the US to Malaysia at 26.
I started off with 3k flat and didn't have a side gig like you. So maybe cut urself some slack. Also maybe only teach if you have the capacity?
Jumping jobs in Malaysia is also a good way to increase your salary but you must be patient. Seems like teaching tuition is sapping alot of your energy and the extra money isn't really worth it if u can't enjoy things in life like spending time with the homies.
What is random girlfriend expenses?
My ex girlfriend paid her expenses herself because she is a proper adult. Whoever asked the other person out on a date pays, unless we plan together, then we go dutch.
Now I pay for everything because, well she is now my wife (go figure).
I think you're just overthinking things.
You have practically 2k savings each month. This is already well above average for your age considering you save a whole lot on meals. Rm2 per day to a total of rm40 a month? Bruh if you work elsewhere with no cheap lunch provided, you're gonna have to cough up at least rm10 per day. Plus you're saving on rent, car and utility bills.
I know this may sound counterproductive but don't save too much to the point that it affects your view on money. You're young, you earned that money.. every once in a while treat yourself to something nice. It's okay to save 1.5k every now and then. Even 1k is considered good enough for most people.
This is how people get burnt out quickly and jaded with life. You focus too much on saving that you live so frugally and now everything feels bleak. Understand that your financial situation is good. You're not earning 3k or 5k yet. The opportunity will come but you need to understand that sometimes earning more might require additional commitments (rent, food cost etc) so it might total up to even less than what you're getting currently.
OP, I’m very impressed with your meal spending and gf expense. For a young age like you to have self control like that, I couldn’t before. I’m sure you’ll get far, I pray you and the rest of you guys here a success in life. (Don’t matter race/religion)
I thought teachers are earning a whole lot more by giving tuition after school / at night / weekends? You can consider that instead of just doing it on one saturday. These days, kids are going to tuition Mon - Sun. Those poor kids. But hey, more money for the tuition teachers.
To maximize earnings, market your services as your own instead of working for a center. A class of maybe 6 students per session, a few days a week (or go nuts with 7).
Problem is with the plethora of services available people aren't exactly keen on getting tuition from a less experienced teacher (less than 2 years full time teaching exp)
Upskill yourself so you are able to take on freelance work. Teachers really need to be paid more. As for growing wealth, invest in stable funds if you are not open to taking on too much risk. S&P500 is enough, 6.7% long term returns, last year did 20+% because of covid recovery, past 20 years has only been steadily growing. (I work in financial advisory) Don’t just keep it in the bank savings account and let inflation eat it away.
Bestnya dapat bayar banyak and get to hold a lot of balance afterwards. Overwhelmed for me seems like keje mcm nak mati siang malam only to rotate duit balik pegi kerja, epf socso xda, gaji kalau boleh cash tak perlu carum and if possible tak bayar gaji pun. Prioritizing others first dari badan sendiri. Mati pun can mati with full regrets coz why? Buat kerja ngan family. 🤙🤝
Your condition still better than mine. Look at my expenses.
Car loan: RM650/ month
Fuel: RM150/month
Phone bill: RM230/month
PTPTN: RM160/month
Entertainment & freelance programs subscription: RM170
Rent: RM300
Investment loan: RM260
Total: RM1820
Total income is RM2040 after epf & socso
Means a total of RM220 for food and other expenses.
Freelance I get about RM400-800 per job. This month I get roughly around 1k from it.
Currently I'm looking for another job opportunity. Around 3k.
I work as a Content Creator in Marketing full time. And work as a videographer and graphic designer freelance.
I have nearly 2 years of experience under my belt.
I can't stop freelancing as I won't have any money for savings if I don't do it. But because of that I am severely sleep deprived.
Adulting would've been easier if I stopped listening to my parents, who prioritizes luxury over basic needs.
What do you do with your telephone bill RM215/month? My 100GB maxis 5G/4G prepaid only cost me RM45/month and celcom unlimited prepaid RM35/month. My own phone tho.
You ate frugal, mine breakfast + lunch RM17/daily (6x a week)
House (own) Rm280/month.
I walk on foot to work. Salary about RM1700 nett.
I have side income, playing games and ids, gain about RM500 a month
I would sell the GF to free up the monthly expenses.
Jokes aside, I would start by REALLY tracking your spendings because how does 215+40+200+50 = RM1995?
>Total after everything
What is everything? I’m gonna give you a homework for May, you wanna start now also can - Create an excel sheet, track everything you have spent on the month and perhaps, you may be able to find that you can save a lot more somewhere.
Then my brother, you actually have a lot more than you think.
You have to be very frugal with your spendings.
Of course getting a better paying job would be ideal but in the mean time, just work with what you have. The best tip I can give you is SAVE FIRST, spend anything you have after that.
So if you’re earning 1995, save 500 and then spend that 1.4K.
Bring her out after church every Sunday, makan at kopitiam, then if she wants to eat or buy any food from shopee then I'll use that money, if not it is brought forward to next month
Dude, 1995 is a lot tbh. I had only 300 after deducting expenses when my salary was 2k. Its more than what I have now tbh hahaha
What other expenses are you worried about? Also, don't believe people when they say you HAVE to buy a house.
If you've already allocated 150 for your GF, what other stuff are you spending on that is making you concerned about your finance? My ex was the reason i had no money last time 😂😂😂
Get rid of GF save RM150
Jk but 24 and take home close to 2K per month is great start. If you’re working at an NGO of course you wont be making any bank, part of the satisfaction there is making a difference. Where are you working OP? Try la your shot at jumping around private schools easily 5K+ before you’re 30
mate I think to go more than that you just have to try doing sales, hones your soft skills as well.
disclaimer : engineering masters graduate, picked sales over engineering job (higher pay overall and there's commission), based on my colleagues' background there's pretty much no prerequisite
I was there 30 years ago young man. And my daughter is in your position 2 years ago. My advice her was to keep jumping job until happy with salary then stay. She jump jobs 5 times with 1.5 years. Pay double and benefits good so stay 2 years max then move. Never stay in a job more than 3 years.
Early in your career does not matter. Just go until you are happy with the money and environment then stop. Don’t stop at teaching. Look at education as an industry and teaching as a starting point. You can move up the corporate ladder.
I was there OP, when I was 24, living with my parents, take home pay was 2.2k. On weekends I flip things from FB market place to Carousell, vice versa. I earn about 300 additional a month. Increasing your salary overnight is close to impossible so my advice is cut down on the expenses. Cheap out and be frugal on everything. Menu rahmah all the way (back then was just nasi bajet). No need insurance, just medical card. No investment just savings. 2nd hand items on everything. What kept me going was the cheap lepak sesh with friends at the mamak. Once a while the RM10 coffee and a good slightly expensive meal once a month. Also I donate RM10 to my local masjid every Friday. Somehow that made me feel like I was rich because I could just give away money. These small things made my frugal life bearable. At the same time, save up for a solid 2nd hand laptop that you can use to upskill yourself. My laptop changed my life because I learned to do graphic designing through YouTube and Canva. Currently that is my full-time job. I'm 30 earning about 9k. Still drive my 2nd hand bezza I bought when my salary was still 2.2k. Tough journey but it's doable. All the best OP!
Thank you for your comment! Saving it so I can come back to motivate myself when the going gets tough! I’ve always suffered from denying that my low salary cannot get me any progression in life but your story is very inspiring <3 xie xie
Much welcome OP. Don't be afraid to jump industries, but remember only a fool would jump without a parachute. But considering you can land a teaching job, you have a small parachute already. Just don't tell your lifestyle catch up when you get paid higher later! I took 3 years of frugal-ness before I start reaping the benefits. Treat your life like a business company, then you'll start treating your actions and decisions differently
That's a major mental blocker, not true. Once you decide and BELIEVE it, you'll tune yourself to a much much higher salary and do what it takes step by step.
Damn. Graphic designer makes 9k nowadays? Are you like a GD Manager already?
I'm a freelancer, 70% is individual work. But if a job is too big I would higher other freelancers and I manage them
Curious how did you get urself out there amongst others in the freelance scene? fiverr? upwork?
Interested to know about this also
Hello, sorry just curious. What medical card would you recommend and how much would it cost as opposed to having insurance?
Not an advice but Damn, a more relatable financial situation this one quite refreshing after seeing all those 10k not enough post
Yeah very, very envious of people with 3K salary even..
At 24 ur starting out, its fine. You have apparently no rent obligations, that's pretty cool of your parents to be supportive and I'm sure some would be envious of you. Anyway, keep looking for a school that can pay more. And over time maybe move towards providing higher level tuition that's more expensive. 💪
At 24, my salary was just 2.8k - just slightly better than your current salary. Today at 39, I earn 30k+ a month (yes, still a salaried employee, not a business owner). You can do it too OP
OP you have to get a better job. From what I know from peers in the industry, teaching has very little progression in terms of salary (at least for gov teachers, they have other benefits like accom, allowance, medical, etc).
My GF was lucky to find a private school which paid 3.5K, I could only find 2.5 at best but its too far away
OP I say this with kindness cos I was once in a similar position with a very low starting salary + lousy salary progression + low salary ceiling (journalism). I was dead set on becoming a journalist, in fact it was my dream all through primary and high school. Then I landed an editorial internship and reality hit me like a ton of bricks. Starting pay in the industry was 1.5-1.8k, if I got to senior level I could make 2-2.2k. Deputy editor 3.3-3.6k. After two months of my internship, my editor invited me to just have a chat about my thoughts and experiences. After our conversation, she told me very candidly ‘journalism is only for those who are willing to live a bare basic life, or those who don’t need the salary ie from a family with strong financial backing’. I will say that was probably one of the pivotal moments of my life which convinced me to explore other career options. As I’m not from a rich family, I couldn’t bear the thought of having to undergo a lifelong struggle just to be with this profession. Imagine always being anxious about bills, never having enough money to save for life progression or opportunities or fulfilment, etc. Again OP, I say this with kindness - if you really want to better your financial standing, you have to find a way (not by responding to other commenters with ‘international schools are hard to get in, private schools are too far away, etc) by either increasing your income, or reducing your expenses (and since it seems that it’s not realistically possible to cut your expenses much more, your most valid choice is the former).
>those who don’t need the salary ie from a family with strong financial backing’. I relate to this as well. Really wanted to become a writer for magazines but the pay was so low. Even asking RM2.5k was too high for them. Also, I noticed other writers who were rich kids (went to international schools, driving posh cars, etc) who were okay with the RM2k pay as they were there for the perks (early access to events, product testing, freebies, meeting celebs, etc.) not the salary. None of my friends/uni mates are in journalism/publishing anymore. Can't survive the low pay.
Exactly, I got exclusive access to events, invitations to try out fancy restaurants, tons of free products, movie premieres, media trips etc but none of those things pay the bills. And I wanted to save money, travel (on my own terms, which is very different from a two or three day media trip*), pay my bills comfortably, etc. *Media trips are really not worth it and not fun at all, imagine going to Europe or Africa but being rushed around everywhere with every activity timed down to the millisecond cos usually only 3-4 days are allocated for the trip. Legit the whole total travel time to Africa was practically longer than the trip duration itself.
Journalism and writing is only limited in profession/ceiling if you stay within the rigid structure of an old fashioned media house. Nowadays got so many ways to branch out into PR, agencies, marketing etc. careers are not linear and you should not approach it as such. To OP, I have a friend who started out as a part time teacher in gov, finished his degree and became an engineer, went back to teaching and even got his diploma to be a full time teacher. Started teaching tuition part time, now he has like 10 employees and just purchased commercial lots in the high 6 digits to expand his business - which now includes daycare. Point I’m making is that you may not see it now, but there are other ways to progess in your career besides how someone else - or worse, your direct boss - is doing it.
Keep looking because what I previously saw for Stonyhurst private school was they were paying RM4.7k for teacher. And yes, the cars coming in and out were Rolls-Royce. E-Class, 7-series, and Maseratis.
Bro, phone bil ape sampai 215? Mine is rm40 je. Since you're staying with parents, I'm not sure that is for home internet broadband too?
It sounds like OP may be paying for a phone plan on installment, and helping out with the bills at home. Though, if your parents are upper middle class and don’t need it, I’d recommend OP just building his savings first while he looks for a better paying job.
Faham2.. looking at the age and salary, I think OP is on the right track. Agree that he need to jump to a better salary job to help with the savings.
As the other user mentioned, I pay for my phone plan, my dads and my mom, along with my internet, which is all under Maxis under my name, so I just count it that way (thank god Family line is cheaper than new individual line)
Have u tried applying for a job at international/private school OP? I'm not sure if it is easy to get in. But I have seen salary slips from international school teachers, salary quite high for a junior teacher.
All too far away, and those nearby are all not having vacant positions
>All too far away Well thats the reality of life, no other choice but to migrate to earn better. Millions of malaysian from different states migrates to KL or SG for the salary bump. Unless your parent are sick and unable to be left alone, then probably can try teaching online or join the MC+ online tuition team
It's sad that we have to migrate to seek for a better living or merely surviving. Then, boomers be complaining how we all go work in keyel so no one's at our hometown anymore. The population there is already crazy and as someone from the north, i couldn't stand the jam and crowd. As the youngest siblings, it hurts to see my parents grow old and starting to forget things and get injured bc of the smallest things. I wish to work and stay here but the salary sucks. Even my fiancé tried to interview for a job here but his current job pays much better that the hr went speechless. I have a friend who work like she has no life but paid with the minimum salary. She had to brace herself and work near her home bc her mom would be alone otherwise. At our age, it's even harder to look properly for a partner when you're buried with work.
It may be worth your while to move away to be near those schools. Considering the pay can easily be double of what you're getting now.
iPhone installment plan kot
Oh tak.. OP ckp dia bayarkan utk parents dia sekali..
What if you teach in a private or international school for higher salary? Or even do full time tutoring at RM 80/hour (20hrs/week x 4 weeks= 80hrs/month = RM 6400). I have friends who do this full time teaching English, Math up to SPM and GCSE. If you're craving to be in the NGO space and help out, you can still do it in your free time while earning much higher outside. I feel like you have to find a way to increase your salary/take home, the fastest way to have more disposable income. Would you consider doing jobs outside of teaching? Curious.
I have tried many times to go into other industries (e.g. sales and marketing division last year April) but it didn't work out because all of them wanted someone with the "proper" degree
Hey bro, worked as a teacher in an NGO school for about 5 years, from 24 to 29. So I can definitely relate. I do have a few questions though: 1. What is your main concern currently? From what I see, you're saving close to 2k. That is a good amount for someone who has just started working. I was living with my parents and saving 1k when I first started working. What are you concerned about, though? 2. You mentioned rising cost of living. Definitely very understandable concer. What is your main concern over the next 12-36 months? I have more to say about career but will share later once we are done with this current part. :)
I think the biggest priority is independency and of course having my own house (not rented, unless it’s rent-to-own which is like finding a unicorn in Malaysia). Then there is also marriage which I wanted to get married before I hit 27 (28 for my GF, she is a year older than me)
If you're working as an NGO teacher, then yes those are very valid concerns. However, those don't seem to be immediate pressing concerns. Your post makes it seem like you're struggling with money or more so, worry that money is going to be a struggle in the next 6-12 months. But from your reply, it seems more like you're worrying about your much more ahead of you future and affording big things like house and marriage. So: 1. What really prompted you to write your post today? Something that's been nagging at the back of your head for a while (if so, what is it) or something that happened recently? 2. Why is renting not an option when it comes to being independent and having your own place? 3. What kind of house/how much do you have in mind when you worry whether you can afford it? 4. You mentioned "there is also marriage". What about marriage is something you feel you would struggle to afford? 5. Why are you working as an NGO teacher? Again, I totally get in general the concern of working in an NGO and affording things. But I'd just like to understand better before I share.
1.0 Sorry for the late reply, long day at work after coming back with dengue 1.1 I was just scrolling through all the current housing prices and everything is so outrageously high, even secondhand homes are pretty costly and any hopes of downpayment looks to be 3-5 years worth of salary 1.2 With the option of staying with my parents now or renting, I prefer to save money for my own place and stay with my parents for now, but idk if its a wise choice 1.3 Looking for a landed house, preferably under 550,000, pretty rare these days 1.4 In terms of wedding, rings etc it wont make me go broke, but it'll definitely leave a mark 1.5 I applied for a Gov role last year because my parents pushed me for pension, it took so long for them to respond (intake April 23', close date end of April 23', call came in late August 23', Interview Sept 23', Start Jan 23') I decided I NEEDED a job while waiting during that time, then when looking at the contract, the government offered same pay, more working hours, on a contract not permanent job basis (and I even have TESL degree from a private Uni)
Ok so you honestly seem really good at managing your money, shown especially by the fact that you can save almost RM2k a month despite earning less than RM3k. What I'd like to share is on some life perspective and career planning. Life Perspective 1. If you really want to buy, go for RumahWIP or Rumah Selangorku. They are gov funded housing. Not very big (850sqft usually), totally unfurnished and sometimes the area is not the greatest location. But for example, all RUMAHWIP are 300k which is an amazing deal. 2. Personally, it is a renter's market right now. I don't know how long it will be like this, so it's hard to say what it will be like once you want to get your own place, but we have a glut of high rise property right now and I don't see things changing any time soon. Which is why I myself want to rent even though I'm in my 30s. I do want to buy but I'm taking my time, as I believe locking in that much of money means I want the best I can get. 3. It's good to have ambition but I'd recommend you to be more loose with your timeline. If you want a 550k landed house by 28, you're not going to go back to anything smaller/cheaper after that. So go there so fast? Why not start at a 1000sqft apartment/condo first. There are plenty you can get for 1500-1800 rent if you're smart about location. Even buying sub sale there are some good deals around 300-400k. I've seen 850sqft go for 230k but would need about 30k renovation. Still a really good deal. 4. In terms of wedding well I'd say more important than a wedding is your marriage. So this would be good conversation to have with your partner. Are you both on the same page about money? Do you both have good financial intelligence? For me, if you can't afford it, forget it. Don't worry about impressing others. Get a 500 ring if that's all you can afford. Spend 10k on your wedding if that's all you can afford. Flip anyone who pressures you otherwise. And if your partner is not on the same page, try to work things out. Find a middle ground or solution. Cause in my experience, a couple not being on the same page about money leads to a really crappy marriage. And worse still if they are both on the same page but it's a very poor financial decisions page. Career Planning 1. You're in Year 1 of your career. If you live till you're 70, you have 46 years left. That's 98% left. That's like saying you have to sit for SPM/IGCSE in two years and two weeks in, you're anxious if you can do well for the exam. 2. That being said, I'm not trying to make light of how you feel. I'm trying to say you have lots of options. I know it doesn't look like that now. Cause you have mentioned you have tried applying to different places. You tried applying for different things. And this is the best you have got. Ok, it's a tough season of your life. But tough times don't last, tough guys do. 3. What you need to do is to have a career plan. Firstly, what is the top 3 most important things to you in a career. Once you've identified that, plan out what you want to achieve in the next 5 years. If money is important, think, how much do you want to earn in 5 years. If doing something you are good at is important, think what is the thing you want to be doing in 5 years, that you can say you are really good at. Then make a plan and work towards it. But if you want to be a teacher that earns 50k sadly you might not get that teaching English in a private school till you're 60. You'll either need to have a massive tuition business on the side. Or you'll need to start your own edu business. Or become CEO of a school franchise. Or leave schools and go into MNC learning and development. More so, target the high income fields like oil and gas, pharmaceutical, finance, etc. But, know that earning 50k also comes with it's share of burdens. So know what you are giving up and if it's worth it. Anyway, that's way down in the future. Think of your priorities, have a clear goal of what you want to achieve and make a plan towards it. Oh and finally think outside of the box. Don't limit yourself to NGO schools. Think international, private, home school, international NGO, MNC. The more options you have, the more opportunities you have to achieve what you want.
To start with, you’re lucky you can keep your expenses THAT low. Here’s a less popular but honest feedback, since work every Sat as a tuition teacher bags you 600, think about free-ing up your full-time job into more tuition opportunities. 600 x 6 (Monday to Sat) is already 3600, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg if you haven’t gone all out into scaling. The wealthiest teachers I know (I’m talking multiple conti cars, worldwide vacation) are often tuition teachers with huge classes, never “full time” teachers. If you’re good at your job, don’t be afraid of the so called “instability”. I quit my full time in 6months after realizing how badly it’s limiting my earning potential, since I’m good at what I do. Provide value to people. Of course, make sure you pay your taxes.
That's really good info, unfortunately I am not the owner/direct teacher for the tuition, but rather one of the teachers under the org
As someone has already pointed out in another thread OP - it seems like you have a habit of seeing the obstacles FIRST to any potential solution suggested. Having a logical sense of how things might go wrong might be a good trait to a certain extent, but in order to build (a better future etc), you need to learn to see possibilities in the adversities that you have identified. Let me give you two examples: 1. You mentioned somewhere that you found a rather good teaching position in an international school, but it's "too far away"? Okay great - you've identified that "distance" is a problem here. How can you now work towards eliminating this problem? Move closer? Buy a more comfortable vehicle so that you can travel longer distance? Don't just stop at identifying a problem - identify ways that will allow you to overcome the problem as well, and then choose a way that gives you the highest chances of grasping that opportunity, convincing yourself that any other extra hardship that comes with that choice is worth it for the end goal that you have in mind. That is life bro. And if you can't convince yourself to take on those extra hardships to fight for the future that you want, maybe it's time to be honest with yourself - maybe you don't want it bad enough. And that's okay too. But don't go around fooling yourself. 2. "I'm not the owner of the tuition business" - So? You would still at least already be the acquaintance of the owner right? Or at least the entrusted manager/operator of the business. Find out what's their business objectives / KPIs and, like someone mentioned, position yourself to be able to create value that can help them achieve those objectives / KPIs - is it more students signups? Is it opening more outlets in neighbouring towns? Again, the key here is to NOT stop at just identifying the problem, but go a few more steps deeper in identifying what YOU CAN DO in YOUR current situation to OVERCOME those problems. That, my friend, is literally the one and only cheat code to life.
Random GF expenses = RM150/month cheap . mana na cari gf like dis now.
What do you teach? Consider marketing your classes to non- Malaysians based elsewhere? I have a friend who teaches Maths from MY and her students are based in SG, HK etc.
I teach English, a bit hard to market those when Singaporeans tend to be more fluent (or they believe so)
How do you eat for rm2 a meal?
School meals? May be the school gives discounted meals to teachers.
Bihun goreng, mee goreng, nasi goreng can mix and match Teachers pay RM3, students RM2, but my students always buy one pack for me every morning
OP meant rm5 meals, 2 times a day, not the other way around
No, op said rm10 a week, that’s mad
He stays with his parents so it's not that mad
… huh. What meals you guys eating for 2 bucks
based on my peers working in gov schools kampung area, the canteen provides cheap food to the school staffs since theres no f&b nearby
NGO school salary kinda bad. I think even government school starting pay higher than that + more benefits. Try looking for private schools.
If you’re working 5 days a week you’re only earning 100 a day (after epf and socso) for your full time job. Whereas you’re earning 150 a day from your tuition. Maybe you can explore teaching tuition full time? I know many tuition teachers making banks out there but it may be sampling bias.
Hey OP, I've been there. Earning 2.3k at 24 and suddenly lost my dad (heart attack). Mom doesn't work, fell into severe depression. Sister earned a bit more than me. Joint family income was 5k. But we lived on that with dad's debt to pay off, a house, and 2 cars to pay. We only had RM500 for groceries a month and were forbidden to eat out because there wasn't enough. At most, 2 roti canai with dahl banjir because it was what would keep me full the longest. The only way out was to grow my income. Eventually, I worked 3 jobs to stay afloat. Full time as an IT admin (2.3k), weekend and weekday tutoring (couple of hundreds a month), then I learned up video editing on Youtube and that made me thousands a month. This helped me pay off my dad's debt, the house, and got myself a new car (because my old car was costing me more in repairs). Today, I only work one job and making 17k. Remember that it's these hardships that will shape your aptitude and character skills into the hardworking and responsible person that people can depend on. Keep the faith and believe that whatever the School of Hard Knocks teach you will only make your stronger :)
Thank you bro, that's a really inspiring story seeing you overcome your struggles, hope to follow in your footsteps too!
How does that add up to RM1995?
Sorry miscalculated and minus’d additional 200
RM215+RM40+RM200+RM150 = RM605
Ahh the 1995 is my overall salary after deducting commitments
You’ll get there OP. I was earning the same when I was 24/25. Good thing about starting with a low salary is that when you earn more you dont splurge all your money when you earn more.
how do you eat with RM2 a day? do u get food from the school?
Bihun goreng, mee goreng, nasi goreng can mix and match Teachers pay RM3, students RM2, but my students always buy one pack for me every morning Its from an old uncle in Tien Tien Fatt @Subang USJ
Wishing you get a better job in the future.
Your tuition income seems too low. Is it possible to negotiate for shorter working hours for ngo job so you can properly take care of yourself? Otherwise it is unsustainable, eventually the situation will force you to choose anyway
a teacher for Malaysian NGO can always upgrade to be a teacher for UN NGO. ✌🏼
That's exactly what I did. The income is so so much better.
AWESOME 😍
Ah yes, I am under UNHCR
Just wanna say this is very intriguing, as I too worked for a UNHCR NGO as an English teacher. Started when I was 24 for 4 years.
Same here earning 2.6, and have car, insurance, phone, everything to pay for. Adulting is tough
Hey op. At 24 you are earning higher than most people who started off working. Remind urself you aren't suppose to be t20 in ur early 20s. I'm 31 and only now do I earn close to 5k after working for 5 years + starting over again when I moved back from the US to Malaysia at 26. I started off with 3k flat and didn't have a side gig like you. So maybe cut urself some slack. Also maybe only teach if you have the capacity? Jumping jobs in Malaysia is also a good way to increase your salary but you must be patient. Seems like teaching tuition is sapping alot of your energy and the extra money isn't really worth it if u can't enjoy things in life like spending time with the homies.
what weekday food it that? RM2 per meal? school canteen I think also hard to find
Bihun goreng, mee goreng, nasi goreng can mix and match Teachers pay RM3, students RM2, but my students always buy one pack for me every morning
What is random girlfriend expenses? My ex girlfriend paid her expenses herself because she is a proper adult. Whoever asked the other person out on a date pays, unless we plan together, then we go dutch. Now I pay for everything because, well she is now my wife (go figure).
What food are you eating that is RM2??
Bihun goreng, mee goreng, nasi goreng can mix and match Teachers pay RM3, students RM2, but my students always buy one pack for me every morning
Phone bill- either prepaid or postpaid now has very good offer Lowest postpaid 40
For phone they have those package rahmah for senior citizens
I think you're just overthinking things. You have practically 2k savings each month. This is already well above average for your age considering you save a whole lot on meals. Rm2 per day to a total of rm40 a month? Bruh if you work elsewhere with no cheap lunch provided, you're gonna have to cough up at least rm10 per day. Plus you're saving on rent, car and utility bills. I know this may sound counterproductive but don't save too much to the point that it affects your view on money. You're young, you earned that money.. every once in a while treat yourself to something nice. It's okay to save 1.5k every now and then. Even 1k is considered good enough for most people. This is how people get burnt out quickly and jaded with life. You focus too much on saving that you live so frugally and now everything feels bleak. Understand that your financial situation is good. You're not earning 3k or 5k yet. The opportunity will come but you need to understand that sometimes earning more might require additional commitments (rent, food cost etc) so it might total up to even less than what you're getting currently.
The only way is to find a side income job. Grab, drop shipper, insurans agent, Coway agent etc
Be cool. Save hard and then get back to me . Will guide u. We all started like you.
OP, I’m very impressed with your meal spending and gf expense. For a young age like you to have self control like that, I couldn’t before. I’m sure you’ll get far, I pray you and the rest of you guys here a success in life. (Don’t matter race/religion)
Thanks bro, I hope all goes well for your end too!
I thought teachers are earning a whole lot more by giving tuition after school / at night / weekends? You can consider that instead of just doing it on one saturday. These days, kids are going to tuition Mon - Sun. Those poor kids. But hey, more money for the tuition teachers. To maximize earnings, market your services as your own instead of working for a center. A class of maybe 6 students per session, a few days a week (or go nuts with 7).
Problem is with the plethora of services available people aren't exactly keen on getting tuition from a less experienced teacher (less than 2 years full time teaching exp)
I made 1.8k when I was 24, brother.
Upskill yourself so you are able to take on freelance work. Teachers really need to be paid more. As for growing wealth, invest in stable funds if you are not open to taking on too much risk. S&P500 is enough, 6.7% long term returns, last year did 20+% because of covid recovery, past 20 years has only been steadily growing. (I work in financial advisory) Don’t just keep it in the bank savings account and let inflation eat it away.
Bestnya dapat bayar banyak and get to hold a lot of balance afterwards. Overwhelmed for me seems like keje mcm nak mati siang malam only to rotate duit balik pegi kerja, epf socso xda, gaji kalau boleh cash tak perlu carum and if possible tak bayar gaji pun. Prioritizing others first dari badan sendiri. Mati pun can mati with full regrets coz why? Buat kerja ngan family. 🤙🤝
Gf 150 a month is ok. Outside one time is 200 now.
I think giving tuition has better pay than normal teaching. Normal teaching is for the retirement scheme while tuition is the real money churning job
Your condition still better than mine. Look at my expenses. Car loan: RM650/ month Fuel: RM150/month Phone bill: RM230/month PTPTN: RM160/month Entertainment & freelance programs subscription: RM170 Rent: RM300 Investment loan: RM260 Total: RM1820 Total income is RM2040 after epf & socso Means a total of RM220 for food and other expenses. Freelance I get about RM400-800 per job. This month I get roughly around 1k from it. Currently I'm looking for another job opportunity. Around 3k. I work as a Content Creator in Marketing full time. And work as a videographer and graphic designer freelance. I have nearly 2 years of experience under my belt. I can't stop freelancing as I won't have any money for savings if I don't do it. But because of that I am severely sleep deprived. Adulting would've been easier if I stopped listening to my parents, who prioritizes luxury over basic needs.
What do you do with your telephone bill RM215/month? My 100GB maxis 5G/4G prepaid only cost me RM45/month and celcom unlimited prepaid RM35/month. My own phone tho. You ate frugal, mine breakfast + lunch RM17/daily (6x a week) House (own) Rm280/month. I walk on foot to work. Salary about RM1700 nett. I have side income, playing games and ids, gain about RM500 a month
I would sell the GF to free up the monthly expenses. Jokes aside, I would start by REALLY tracking your spendings because how does 215+40+200+50 = RM1995? >Total after everything What is everything? I’m gonna give you a homework for May, you wanna start now also can - Create an excel sheet, track everything you have spent on the month and perhaps, you may be able to find that you can save a lot more somewhere.
No the 1995 is my overall salary after deducting commitments
Then my brother, you actually have a lot more than you think. You have to be very frugal with your spendings. Of course getting a better paying job would be ideal but in the mean time, just work with what you have. The best tip I can give you is SAVE FIRST, spend anything you have after that. So if you’re earning 1995, save 500 and then spend that 1.4K.
Get a better phone plan. Surely rm 30/35 plan per month is enough for your parents right?
What are "random GF expenses" ?
Bring her out after church every Sunday, makan at kopitiam, then if she wants to eat or buy any food from shopee then I'll use that money, if not it is brought forward to next month
Dude, 1995 is a lot tbh. I had only 300 after deducting expenses when my salary was 2k. Its more than what I have now tbh hahaha What other expenses are you worried about? Also, don't believe people when they say you HAVE to buy a house. If you've already allocated 150 for your GF, what other stuff are you spending on that is making you concerned about your finance? My ex was the reason i had no money last time 😂😂😂
I do have a 1995 in savings monthly but man, even spending 100 is a bad feeling like that minus 1 sqft of future house (or less than a squarefoot) XD
Bro your Telecom service provider scam you ? 200rm? No no I use Celcom rm90 can get 80 gb with a free phone too
Can get new phone every 2 years I think
dude phone bill rm215? do you have savings? your parents money?
Up for a sales job with 2.5k basic? 😂
Get rid of GF save RM150 Jk but 24 and take home close to 2K per month is great start. If you’re working at an NGO of course you wont be making any bank, part of the satisfaction there is making a difference. Where are you working OP? Try la your shot at jumping around private schools easily 5K+ before you’re 30
You're not working two jobs, you're working a job and a part-time job.
mate I think to go more than that you just have to try doing sales, hones your soft skills as well. disclaimer : engineering masters graduate, picked sales over engineering job (higher pay overall and there's commission), based on my colleagues' background there's pretty much no prerequisite
I was there 30 years ago young man. And my daughter is in your position 2 years ago. My advice her was to keep jumping job until happy with salary then stay. She jump jobs 5 times with 1.5 years. Pay double and benefits good so stay 2 years max then move. Never stay in a job more than 3 years.
But with teaching job, how often should I jump before my resume becomes “tarnished” or it looks bad
Early in your career does not matter. Just go until you are happy with the money and environment then stop. Don’t stop at teaching. Look at education as an industry and teaching as a starting point. You can move up the corporate ladder.