TOO LOW? | After viral Twitter post, netizens debate if P37K starting salary is good enough

April 30, 2021 , 03:36 PM

(April 30, 2021) – Is a P37,000 starting salary more than enough?

Netizens were split on the sudden issue after a Twitter user shared he got turned down by a fresh graduate applying for a job because the offer of P37,000 as starting salary was too low.

“I just made a job offer to an Ateneo fresh graduate, and I was shocked that she declined a P37K starting salary. The role is for an entry-level marketing associate. I asked for her reason and she said that she expects at least P60K because of her educational background. I’M SPEECHLESS,” read the Twitter post.

I just made a job offer to an Ateneo fresh grad, and I was shocked that she declined a 37k starting salary. The role is for an entry level Marketing Associate. I asked for her reason and she said that she expects at least 60k because of her educational background. I’M SPEECHLESS.

— Kume (@DearKume) April 29, 2021

The post has already gone viral with over 8,000 favorites, 5,700 quote tweets, and nearly 670 retweets, as of writing. “Ateneo” also became one of the top trending topics in the Philippines with more than 5,600 tweets and counting.

Netizens were quick to give their take on the costly case, with plenty expressing that the offered amount was indeed too little, especially considering that the applicant graduated from a prestigious university.

37k really isnt much when u compute the bills and expenses in a month, coming from a single 25 year old woman who lives in her family home. Lol just bcos other companies give out slave wages doesnt mean we cant be picky lol

we need to raise wages. all else did. https://t.co/MKAcr1VuY1

— hands off activists (@chanakngqc) April 29, 2021

I think ang issue lang dito, akala niya malaki ang 37k. For an avergae Filipino, it is. But for a competent Ateneo grad? It isn’t. I mean this is someone who has spent 6 digits per semester & has assumingly thrived in the best university in the country.

— Ed Alegre, Jr. (@edgardoalegre) April 29, 2021

How is 37k a livable salary in Metro Manila in 2021

— Gottmikmik (@notbismarkymark) April 29, 2021

Even at 37k ($740) it’s still not enough considering food expenses, healthcare, commute/gas, etc! It doesn’t matter if it’s higher than your regular salary because bottom line is it’s STILL. NOT. ENOUGH. Workers across all industries in the PH are overworked and undervalued.

— XΞLΛ ⚔? XLLNN ? (@Xelalanana) April 30, 2021

Others put it in the perspective of the COVID-19 pandemic, with millions of Filipinos getting laid off from work, noting that P37,000 as starting salary is way higher compared to wages of most workers.

While I agree that 37K is NOT a livable wage, sobrang laki pa rin niya compared to what I’m earning now and it’s making me anxious na ito yung baseline amount sa conversation 🙁

— Angelo (@gleenonseagal) April 29, 2021

37k is enough for a fresh grad. If he wants more, earn experiences. Your employer will reward you for your service.

My former colleague had a 20k adjustment after 2 years. He was exceptional.

Demand for higher pay is only APPLICABLE FOR CANDIDATES WITH EXPERIENCE.

— Lucas (@Bert_Control) April 29, 2021

People may price themselves according to their own worth. Pero 37k’s already high enough for a fresh grad. It’s more than double the industry standards. However, paying someone 37k with little experience would be nonsensical unless she has some aligned with the same industry. https://t.co/PDvKpGagiK

— epoy (@Tylrsw1ft) April 29, 2021

Some Twitter users were neutral on the debate, saying it always depends on the situation of the person.

So much energy spent on arguing whether an applicant is arrogant for rejecting a 37K salary for a 1st job. Others would accept the offer w/o a doubt, of course– and they are who we should be protecting so their vulnerabilities don’t become reasons companies keep their offer low.

— Ash Presto ? (@sosyolohija) April 30, 2021

The tweet about the Ateneo graduate rejecting the 37k starting salary just highlights how different situations are for graduates nowadays. 🙁

She was able to decline the 37k most probably because she can afford to look for more jobs and her family can still provide for her.

— Lorena Miranda (@slowrenamiranda) April 29, 2021

According to a recent study done by iPrice, an international consumer firm, Manila is Southeast Asia’s third most expensive city to live in, despite having the lowest average salary for the working class.

The study showed the average monthly cost of living for a single person in Manila is at P50,798, which is in contrast with the average net salary of only P18,900 per month, the lowest among the cities in Southeast Asia included in the report.

In short, the study said, the average cost of living in Manila is 168% higher than the average salary of residents.

“This leaves you wondering what other things Manila residents need to bear with given the high costs and low wages. Perhaps leisure expenses or take-outs are kept to a minimum or aren’t enjoyed at all. This, along with Manila having the second-worst traffic in the world, gives you an idea of its residents’ quality of life,” said Price.

(Kiko Demigillo/PM)

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