Much like many other regions in Malaysia, the job market in Sarawak is evolving (and unpredictable sometimes).
According to the Department of Statistics, the unemployment rate is hovering around 4%. Even with a strong job market, employment search can take time. What about getting a new role in niche industries that can take several months?
And as you search for your next role, you may face temporary income shortfalls, unexpected expenses, or even the need to relocate.
What should you be doing in the meantime?
That’s where a personal loan can come in handy to bridge the financial gap and provide some much-needed stability.
In this article, we’ll explore 5 smart ways a personal loan can support you through a job transition, helping you stay financially secure and focused on your future.
1. Covering Essential Expenses and Protecting Your Credit Score
To begin, let’s be clear that job transitions don’t always happen overnight.
In fact, in Malaysia, the average job search takes anywhere from 3 to 6 months depending on the industry. Meanwhile, bills still need to be paid.
One inevitable reality that comes with changing occupations is a temporary income gap. If you’re not earning money, covering essential expenses like rent, groceries, and utilities can be a real challenge. On the off-chance that you miss payments, it could hurt your credit score. This makes it harder to apply for loans in the future, rent apartments, or even land certain jobs.
A personal loan can act as a safety net during this time. You’ll be able to stay on top of your finances while maintaining your lifestyle until you’re back on your feet. By continuing to pay your bills on time, you protect your credit score and avoid damaging your long-term financial health.
Quick Tip: Consider using free budgeting tools available online to track your monthly expenses during this transition (doing it the old-school way by writing it in a notebook also works!). This can help you prioritise what needs immediate attention, so you can make the most out of your loan.
2. Consolidating Debt for Better Financial Management
Managing debt while in between jobs can feel like juggling too many balls.
Credit card balances, student loans, and other financial obligations don’t just disappear because you’re out of work. These things can pile up quickly, making it difficult to keep track of payments. Add in the high interest rates, reduced income during a job transition, as well as the stress of job hunting itself, things seem to only get worse.
This is where debt consolidation comes in. You basically combine all your existing debts into one simple payment via a personal loan.
And here’s the best part. You may even secure a lower interest rate than you’re currently paying on your credit cards. This will free up more cash flow to focus on securing your next venture.
Quick Tip: Get in touch with us to get a free consultation from Big Grain Credit. We’ll help you compare personal loan options and find the best debt consolidation rates available in Malaysia.
3. Funding Educational Courses, Tools, or Certifications
Downtime doesn’t mean you’re down in the dumps. It means that you’re down for all things productive with the extra time on your hands.
So why not use this time to invest in yourself and level up? That’s right, a job transition is a golden opportunity for career growth and development.
According to the Sarawak Digital Economy Strategy, improving digital skills is critical to future-proofing careers as 86% of employers look for candidates proficient in digital tools. Whether it’s online courses, certifications, or attending seminars, upskilling yourself is a fantastic way to significantly increase your employability.
What’s the issue then? You see, professional development can be expensive. Online courses, certification programmes, and professional tools often require upfront payment. For example, tech-related certifications or courses in project management can cost anywhere from a few hundred to over thousands of ringgit depending on the field and provider.
A personal loan can fund these career-boosting investments without forcing you to dip into your savings.
Quick Tip: Find good deals by checking out online learning platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and FutureLearn. They often offer industry-recognised certifications at discounted rates.
4. Managing Unexpected Costs During Job Transitions
The reality is that there is no pause button in life. Life doesn’t stop for a job transition.
In Malaysia, the general rule of thumb is to always have at least six months of expenses saved as a financial cushion. However, life has a way of throwing curveballs. Unexpected expenses can quickly deplete your savings despite having done your due diligence.
Maybe you’ve lost access to employer-provided benefits like health insurance. Maybe your new job opportunity requires transferring to another city or even country. That alone can involve hefty expenses such as security deposits, moving services, and transportation.
A personal loan can provide a financial buffer. It helps relieve some of the pressure and gives you the flexibility to handle these unplanned expenditures—without breaking your piggy bank.
Quick Tip: Use an emergency fund calculator to estimate how much you might need during the transition, and see how a personal loan can supplement your safety net.
5. Starting Your Own Business
Not every job transition is about finding another job. Sometimes, it’s about creating one.
The rise of startups and small businesses in Malaysia is a sign that entrepreneurship is thriving. According to SME Corp Malaysia, more than 98.5% of companies in Malaysia are small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Many of them are founded by individuals who made the leap into entrepreneurship during a career change.
Entrepreneurship can be a rewarding path if you want to follow your passion, fill a gap in the market, or simply take control of your own professional destiny. For many, losing a job is the perfect time to finally pursue that business idea they’ve been sitting on.
That being said, launching a business requires initial capital to cover costs like registration, equipment, marketing, and product development.
A personal loan can provide the seed funding you need to get your business off the ground. You can focus on building your brand and products without worrying about immediate cash flow, investor money, or emptying your savings.
Quick Tip: Look into government grants or programmes like Tabung Ekonomi Kumpulan Usaha Niaga (TEKUN) Nasional for additional support when starting a business in Malaysia. Combining a personal loan with these resources can give you the runway you need to realise your dreams.
Turning Uncertainty Into Opportunity with Big Grain Credit
Career shifts undoubtedly have ups and downs, but they don’t have to be a source of financial stress.
Whether it’s covering essential expenses, upskilling, handling unexpected costs, or even forming your own company, a personal loan can provide the flexibility you need during this crucial time.
At Big Grain Credit, we understand the unique challenges that come with job changes. That’s why we offer personalised loans with flexible repayment terms and competitive interest rates to smoothen your journey.
Are you ready to take charge of your financial future? Contact Big Grain Credit today for a free consultation.
Let us help you navigate your next career move with confidence.
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