Today, on my way to Kuala Lumpur (KL) by the Electric Train Service (ETS), I had an interesting conversation with a stranger. He’s a KL person working in Penang, heading back to KL for a visit, while I’m a Penangite heading to KL for a short trip. Our chat naturally gravitated toward the topic of work-life balance in Penang, KL, and Kelantan, where I currently work.
It’s fascinating yet concerning how hectic life has become, especially in Penang and KL. Despite work hours being officially 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the reality paints a different picture. For many, the commute alone can take 1-2 hours each way, which means leaving home by 6:00 a.m. to avoid traffic and only getting back around 7:00 or 8:00 p.m. What’s left of the day is barely enough to eat and rest, let alone spend quality time with family or handle household responsibilities.
In contrast, life in Kelantan offers a refreshing perspective. Yes, Kota Bharu is seeing increasing congestion, but the balance is still there. If work starts at 8:00 a.m., leaving home at 7:00 a.m. is manageable. And after work, you can realistically be home by 6:00 p.m. People here still seem to prioritize family and personal time, something that’s becoming harder to maintain in other urban areas.
Another point we discussed was the cost of living. Penang and KL have significantly higher expenses, from rent to food, leaving many struggling to save. In Kelantan, the lower cost of living allows for better financial stability and, perhaps, a more meaningful quality of life.
It made me think: we’re all so busy running after money and chasing material goals, earning, saving, buying a house, getting a car, that many of us are forgetting to truly live. Life shouldn’t just be about ticking off financial milestones. It should be about earning, living, experiencing, and prioritizing health and happiness.
What’s the point of working hard if we’re too exhausted to enjoy life? If our quality of life is reduced to a few hours of rest between 8:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., are we truly living, or just surviving?
Perhaps it’s time we shift our aim not just to earn more, but to live better, healthier, and happier lives. After all, the goal should be to create a life worth remembering.
Dr. Pavitira Manogaran is a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Hospitality, Tourism and Wellness (FHPK), Universiti Malaysia Kelantan. She specializes in Business Information Technology, Hospitality Management, and Sustainable Practices. For inquiries or collaborations, she can be contacted at [email protected].
