<h1>Is a working holiday the adventure of a lifetime—or just another way of working minimum wage in a different timezone?</h1><h2>In an episode of BBK Network, Malaysians who went on working holidays shared their real-life experiences, while others who stayed behind weighed in with their own thoughts. Hiredly’s VP of People &amp; Culture, Joselyn Lau, joined the panel with some thoughtful perspectives employers should keep in mind too.</h2><p>Here’s what you need to know before you apply for a Working Holiday Visa.</p><hr><h2>1. It’s Not Just About Travel—It’s Work First, Holiday Second<img src="https://assets.hiredly.com/cms/image_2025_03_26_103754181_bd9f6fb041.png"></h2><p>Many dream of working holidays as a paid vacation, but let’s be real: it’s still a job. Expect long hours doing labour-intensive tasks, from fruit-picking to dishwashing—often in small towns with minimal entertainment.</p><p>But there’s a silver lining. As one participant shared, New Zealand’s strong labour laws meant no overtime, allowing them to genuinely enjoy their evenings, explore nature, and even <i>see the stars</i>.</p><p>🧳 <strong>Key takeaway</strong>: If you're hoping to find yourself while earning an income, a working holiday can be meaningful—but only if you manage your expectations.</p><p>👉 Related read: <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/4-questions-to-ask-before-switching-jobs?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=is_a_working_holiday_really_worth_it?_here’s_what_malaysians_are_saying&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">5 Things You Should Know Before Switching Careers</a></p><hr><h2>2. Some Say “Find Yourself.” Others Say “Don’t Romanticise It.”</h2><p>While some say it helped them discover their goals, others—like Joselyn—argued that self-discovery isn’t guaranteed.</p><p>“If you’re already unclear about what you want in life, changing your environment might not help unless you're ready to reflect and act on it,” Joselyn pointed out.</p><p>In fact, without structure or self-discipline, you might return even more confused, or behind your peers professionally.</p><p>🧠 <strong>Pro tip</strong>: Know <i>why</i> you’re going before you book your ticket. Escaping burnout or confusion isn’t wrong—but have a plan to make the experience worthwhile.</p><p>👉 Related read: <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/career-change-malaysia-how-to-switch-fields?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=is_a_working_holiday_really_worth_it?_here’s_what_malaysians_are_saying&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Career Change in Malaysia: How to Switch Fields Effectively</a></p><hr><h2>3. A Break From the Rat Race—or a Career Detour?</h2><p>Stepping away from the workforce for 6–12 months can impact your resume—especially in fast-moving industries like tech or finance. Some employers may question the gap unless you clearly articulate what you gained.</p><p>That said, others value the independence, resilience, and multicultural exposure that comes with working abroad.</p><p>“If you can explain how the experience helped you grow personally or professionally, it won’t be seen as a red flag,” Joselyn advised.</p><p>💼 <strong>Tip</strong>: Stay connected to your field while abroad—take freelance gigs, follow industry news, or upskill online.</p><p>👉 Related read: <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/addressing-employment-gap?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=is_a_working_holiday_really_worth_it?_here’s_what_malaysians_are_saying&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Addressing Employment Gaps on Your Resume</a></p><hr><h2>4. The Cultural Difference? Respect and Work-Life Balance<img src="https://assets.hiredly.com/cms/image_2025_03_26_104049732_c3bf3f7a03.png"></h2><p>Several guests shared that even in physically demanding jobs like fruit-picking or factory work, they felt more respected abroad than in Malaysia. Their safety and well-being were prioritised, and no job was considered “low class.”</p><p>“Even as a cleaner or dishwasher, I was treated with dignity and given proper training,” said one speaker.</p><p>This contrast with some local work cultures raises important questions about <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/building-a-positive-workplace-in-malaysia?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=is_a_working_holiday_really_worth_it?_here’s_what_malaysians_are_saying&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">how Malaysian companies can better support employee well-being</a>.</p><hr><h3>If you’re thinking about your next move—whether it’s a break, a career shift, or a role with more meaning—explore exciting <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/jobs?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=is_a_working_holiday_really_worth_it?_here’s_what_malaysians_are_saying&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">job opportunities on Hiredly</a>. Take the <a href="https://hiredly.typeform.com/to/K4idZTDK?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=is_a_working_holiday_really_worth_it?_here’s_what_malaysians_are_saying&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Work Personality Test</a> to find a career path that suits your style, or if you're an employer looking to attract Gen Z talent, join our <a href="https://hub.hiredly.com/employer-branding-community?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=is_a_working_holiday_really_worth_it?_here’s_what_malaysians_are_saying&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Employer Branding Community</a> to build a culture they’ll love. Wherever you're headed next, Hiredly helps you get there.</h3><p>&nbsp;</p><h3><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crxQbzHIVFE" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Check out the full BBK episode here</a></h3>

Thinking about going on a working holiday? Hear what Malaysians have to say about the experience—both the good and the not-so-glamorous sides.

Is a Working Holiday Really Worth It? Here’s What Malaysians Are Saying