I’ve been through it all — employee, SAHM (stay-at-home mom), self-employed, and now an employer.
Want to know which one’s the best? Read this article.
- Being an employee.
This was my most financially rewarding phase. I had a 20% increment, 6 months bonus, unlimited medical coverage, and 3 months maternity leave (back when that was rare). My boss? Absolutely amazing — a leader from heaven, really.
I got to travel, attend big meetings, and work closely with Heads of Departments and even C-suites — all while I was still very young. That experience shaped my confidence and communication. I had so much exposure, it was hard to replicate elsewhere.
But truth be told, I didn’t love the role. It didn’t fulfil me. And the biggest drawback? I barely had time with my child. The job paid well, yes, but emotionally and mentally, I was depleted. I often found myself wondering, “Is this it?”
Still, if you’re purely looking at money, being an employee gave the most security.
- Being a stay-at-home mom (SAHM).
This phase hit me the hardest. Not because I didn’t love being with my child — but because I felt like I had lost me. I was so used to having my own income, my own rhythm, my own identity. And suddenly, everything needed to be discussed, counted, and rationed. Not because my husband was stingy — he’s the most generous soul — but because I wasn’t used to asking or waiting.
I felt invisible. I had the time I once craved, but my soul was restless. I wanted to buy skincare when I needed it, not only when I could afford it. I felt like the worst mother because I wasn’t fulfilled. I wasn’t myself. And when the mother is unhappy, the whole household feels it.
Some women thrive in this role. I didn’t. And that’s okay.
- Being self-employed.
This phase was a mix of fire and failure. I explored everything — MLM, financial products, unit trust. I was chasing something, anything that could give me back control over my time and money.
But this life isn’t for the faint-hearted.
No sales? No income. Cold calls? Rejections. Clients? Ghost you. You follow up, pitch, present, and still, there’s no guarantee. And the worst part? You’re also the admin, HR, accountant, and janitor.
No EPF, no insurance, no medical leave.
But here’s the thing — I learned resilience. I developed thicker skin. I learned to speak, sell, and survive. It didn’t make me rich overnight, but it prepared me for the next phase.
- Being an employer.
Now, this is my richest phase — not in cash, but in soul. Watching my interns rise to senior roles, giving salary increments every year (even when it hurts), creating a workplace culture I’m proud of — these things fill my heart.
But being the boss also means I get paid last. If there’s money left. I carry the weight of the business. If someone resigns, I step in. I train, I troubleshoot, I take the blame.
It’s the loneliest, most stressful seat. People only see the surface: “Oh, she owns the business, she must be rich.” But the truth? You pay the price in silence.
Still, this is the phase where I finally understood the true meaning of tawakal. I let go. I surrender. I do my best and trust Allah with the rest.
He is my ultimate Chairman.
Maybe that’s why today, I have zero tolerance for people who complain, play victim, or feel entitled without putting in effort. Even royalty has to work for their legacy. Who are we to sit around and expect life to hand us ease?
And through all these roles, I learned something critical — no matter what phase you’re in, you need financial literacy. It’s the foundation. Whether you want to be an employee, SAHM, self-employed, or an employer — money skills matter.
Oh — and by the way, my husband and I? We’ve been bankrupt before. Not “broke”. Bankrupt. And we rebuilt everything from scratch.
After going through all these roles — employee, SAHM, self-employed, and employer — I’ve learned one thing for sure:
You need to be financially literate.
It’s not about how much you earn, but how much you understand your money.
Whether you’re thinking of a career change, stepping into something new, or simply finding yourself again — you don’t have to walk this path alone.
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