Thinking of returning to Malaysia after years abroad, will I regret the pay cut?

Came back after 8 years, here's my honest reflection. The pay cut is real, don't sugarcoat it, headline salaries here are lower. But you must compare cost of living adjusted, your ringgit stretches much further at home, housing, food, help, family support, so the 'cut' in lifestyle terms is smaller than the number suggests, especially if you saved abroad. What people underestimate: (1) Being near ageing parents is priceless and time-limited, many who stayed abroad for money regret not being there when it mattered, that's the recurring theme I hear. (2) Reverse culture shock is real for a few months (efficiency, driving, bureaucracy) but you readjust. (3) Career-wise, your overseas experience is actually an asset here, many MNCs and local firms value returnees, negotiate on your experience. My regret would've been NOT coming back in time for my parents. Money you can always make more of, time with family you cannot. If your finances are stable, home and family often win. Plan the transition, maybe secure a job before returning, but don't let salary alone decide.