Would you choose a fair work-life balance over a big fat paycheck? Well, according to a survey carried out recently, Malaysians prefer a happy lifestyle, centred on work-life balance, over a successful career that brings in the big bucks.

The Kelly Global Workforce Index (KGWI) carried out by global recruitment firm, Kelly Services, found that 67% of Malaysians felt that way together with 65% of respondents from China (surprisingly) and 76% of respondents in Thailand. Singapore stands on its own with 57% of respondents feeling the complete opposite. No surprises there.

But while we’d prefer a less-stress life for lesser income, can we sustain our current living costs? Everyone’s feeling the pinch and the only so-called good thing happening right now is the drop in petrol price. Everything else seem to be going up in cost - electricity, food, transportation. Just today, school bus operators are implementing a 20% hike in their fares despite the drop in fuel prices. Their reason for the hike? The escalating operating and maintenance costs.

So, how are Malaysians going to survive on a mediocre monthly income?

Can Malaysians really have it all; can we choose a work-life balance over higher salaries and still be happy?