The reality of life for many MANY people.

The reality of life for many MANY people.

Author
Discussion

Thankyou4calling

Original Poster:

10,595 posts

172 months

Wednesday 19th October 2016
quotequote all
I'd consider myself to be a relatively stereotypical pistonheader.

Powerfully built, company director, opinionated and into cars, property, watches and food.

I'm right of centre, a capitalist, a striver who wants to improve their lot.

Recently I sold a business and am moving house so in the interim I was delighted to secure a short term work contract managing the relocation of a business to new premises 17 miles away. I'm dealing with the planning, implementation, logistics, IT, utility and fixtures and fitting installations to make sure it's a seamless move and business continues.

D day is looming and so far so good.

I'm working with the directors, managers, supervisors but also hands on with the front line warehouse people. There are packers and sweepers and pickers etc and in talking with them I've really had my eyes opened to a society I knew little about.

The company employs a lot of agency workers, they work for minimum wage and have no contract.

They can and are told to go home at any time and contacted by text when they are needed again.

I know a lot of people are employed like this on zero hours contracts but to see it in its rawest form is quite enlightening.

I thought the people working like this would be wasters. Scruffy, unreliable, disinterested. COUNCIL!

The sort you wouldn't trust to tie a shoelace.

Far from it!

I'm going to generalise and I've only had limited dealings but the people doing this work aren't like that at all.

They live in the same towns as you and I but they don't talk about house prices and loft conversions, there lives couldn't be further from this.

Without exception they want to work and they work hard, the wages supplement their benefits and they live day to day, they are all ages, not many immigrants at all, mostly British.

While we on PH talk about Brexit, Heathrow expansion and the merits of DSG gearboxes, they know absolutely nothing about those things or craft beer, costa coffee, Holland and Barrett or waitrose.

It's not that they aren't interested, it's simply that all they care about is earning £50 a day as many days as they can to buy fags, a pint or pay off a pay day loan which they all have.

They all have rubbish phones, most don't have a car, they ride an old bone shaker or walk 2 or 3 miles to work. They aren't looking for a carbon fibre frame, if they get a puncture they are sunk.

If you ask how the weekend was there is no talk of a restaurant they went to or a nice walk or a show they enjoyed. They don't watch much TV surprisingly. No X factor and reality shows, they are on their play station, a lot of gaming.

None have any plans other than hoping they win the lottery (they all buy tickets) they don't scour the web for holidays or right move and they don't go shopping for clothes.

They wear what they have and eat rubbish. Fizzy drinks, crisps, chocolate just stuff that we might have as a snack is their staple food. No croissants, no pasta, no aged steak.

It's quite remarkable to me that there are so many like this in this one firm so I guess there are thousands in the UK.

They aren't scum, they aren't work shy, they are just people trying to keep their head above water.

When their day is done they put on an old jacket and walk home.

It's made me look at people differently, I don't know if it's good or bad but I didn't think about it much.

I don't know if it makes me feel better about myself or worse but it is interesting.

Politicians are always on about trying to help people back to work, these people are at work, they don't seem to have dreams, goals of much hope beyond what they're doing.

I'm not drawing any conclusions just writing my thought.




Edited by Thankyou4calling on Wednesday 19th October 14:56


Edited by Thankyou4calling on Thursday 20th October 21:34

Eric Mc

121,768 posts

264 months

Wednesday 19th October 2016
quotequote all
Did you think differently before you came across the reality.

Foliage

3,861 posts

121 months

Wednesday 19th October 2016
quotequote all
that's the more realistic picture of Britain, but it doesn't sell newspaper advertising space. These are the people we should be looking out for, striving to help in order to further our GDP but alas we don't.

Profit is everything.

sherbertdip

1,097 posts

118 months

Wednesday 19th October 2016
quotequote all
Thankyou4calling said:
I'd consider myself to be a relatively stereotypical pistonheader.

Powerfully built, company director, opinionated and into cars, property, watches and food.

I'm right of centre, a capitalist, a striver who wants to improve their lot.

Recently I sold a business and am moving house so in the interim I was delighted to secure a short term work contract managing the relocation of a business to new premises 17 miles away. I'm dealing with the planning, implementation, logistics, IT, utility and fixtures and fitting installations to make sure it's a seamless move and business continues.

D day is looming and so far so good.

I'm working with the directors, managers, supervisors but also hands on with the front line warehouse people. There are packers and sweepers and packers and in talking with them I've really had my eyes opened to a society I knew little about.

The company employs a lot of agency workers, they work for minimum wage and have no contract.

They can and are told to go home at any time and contacted by text when they are needed again.

I know a lot of people are employed like this on zero hours contracts but to see it in its rawest form is quite enlightening.

I thought e people working like this would be wasters. Scruffy, unreliable, disinterested. COUNCIL!

The sort you wouldn't trust to tie a shoelace.

Far from it!

I'm going to generalise and I've only had limited dealings but the people doing this work aren't like that at all.

They live in the same towns as you and I but they don't talk about house prices and loft conversions, there lives couldn't be further from this.

Without exception they want to work and they work hard, the wages supplement their benefits and they live day to day, they are all ages, not many immigrants at all, mostly British.

While we on PH talk about Brexit, Heathrow expansion and the merits of DSG gearboxes, they know absolutely nothing about those things or craft beer, costa coffee, Holland and Barrett or waitrose.

It's not that they aren't interested, it's simply that all they care about is earning £50 a day as many days as they can to buy fags, a pint or pay off away day loan which they all have.

They all have rubbish phones, most don't have a car, they ride an old bone shaker or walk 2 or 3 miles to work. They aren't looking for a carbon fibre frame,mid they get a puncture they are sunk.

If you ask how the weekend was there is no talk of a restaurant they went to or a nice walk or a show they enjoyed. They don't watch much TV surprisingly. No X factor and really shows, they are on their play station.

None have any plans other than hoping they win the lottery (they all buy tickets) they don't scour the web for holidays or right move and they don't go shopping for clothes.

They wear what they have and eat rubbish. Fizzy drinks, crisps, chocolate just stuff that we might have as a snack is their staple food. No croissants, no pasta, no aged steak.

It's quite remarkable to me that there are so many like this in this one firm so I guess there are thousands in the UK.

They aren't scum, they aren't work shy, they are just people trying to keep their head above water.

When their day is done they put on an old jacket and walk home.

It's made me look at people differently, I don't know if it's good or bad but I didn't think about it much.

I don't know if it makes me feel better about myself or worse but it is interesting.

Politicians are always on about trying to help people back to work, these people are at work, they don't seem to have dreams, goals of much hope beyond what they're doing.

I'm not drawing any conclusions just writing my thought.
Can't see the News, Politics or Economics here, just some rambling with "politicians" thrown in. Put it in The lounge or General Gassing

Funkycoldribena

7,379 posts

153 months

Wednesday 19th October 2016
quotequote all
I've said a few times recently that a lot of posters on np&e have no experience of the 'real world'.
The way posts are written you can tell its riddled with management speak and a lack of interaction with 'average Joe'.
You can also tell they're used to being able to call the shots at work and it doesn't work like that on here.

SilverSixer

8,202 posts

150 months

Wednesday 19th October 2016
quotequote all
I know these people. These were my parents, my uncles and aunts when I was growing up. My parents were desperate to make sure that their children didn't turn out the same. My uncles and aunts weren't and now my cousins tread the same path. My sister and I were the first people in our family ever to go on in education beyond 16. None of my cousins did.

I am most grateful to my parents for giving me the right attitude, and opening my eyes to being able to avoid that kind of life, which is just about all they could afford to give me. My Dad threw his chances away by getting expelled from a grammar school before getting any O Levels, and turned in to the man you describe so eloquently, but he didn't want that for me. I've avoided it all so far, and live comfortably, but I am constantly aware I'm only one wrong step (self inflicted or 'black swan' circumstantial) from losing it at any given moment as I haven't been able/fortunate enough to build a financial cushion (most disposable income goes on mortgage to live in a decent area and private schooling for my children), other than in illiquid property equity (and that's by fortune rather than ability I'll admit). Just hope I can hang on to things long enough to retire and realise the assets I do have.

Yours is an interesting post. It is indeed a tough world.

Orchid1

877 posts

107 months

Wednesday 19th October 2016
quotequote all
The way I see it there isn't really a "middle" class anymore. You can do all the things you're supposed to do ie stick in at school, go to uni, never get into the slightest bit of trouble however when it comes to trying to get a job the wages have been pushed so low that you're either a have or have not.

Gecko1978

9,600 posts

156 months

Wednesday 19th October 2016
quotequote all
What do you mean they don#t go to holland an barret. I assume then they use myprotien online for they post gym shakes

Orchid1

877 posts

107 months

Wednesday 19th October 2016
quotequote all
Funkycoldribena said:
You can also tell they're used to being able to call the shots at work and it doesn't work like that on here.
This as well. Some people need to realise that the second they step out of their office building they have absolutely zero control/authority over anybody else.

Piersman2

6,596 posts

198 months

Wednesday 19th October 2016
quotequote all
When I were but a lad we moved to Aberdeen as a family and my brother and I spent 2 years labouring for our parents converting some steadings to houses. This meant we both took 2 years out of education to effectively be labourers. As such we hung around and made mates with a few of the younger locals in the pubs around where we lived.

It was an eye opener. These guys had 1 fixation each week... to earn just enough to go out on Friday and Saturday night, get pissed, maybe a bit stoned, and see if they could find some slappers (this was a very rare occurence!). Any thoughts of bettering themselves, investing in the future, settling down, putting something aside, etc... just wasn't even a part of their thinking process.

I didn't understand their mentality then and I still don't really, other than to accept that folks are different, with differing aspirations and expectations from life.

Still not sure if it's nature or nurture. I suspect it's more down to nurture though.

Jockman

17,912 posts

159 months

Wednesday 19th October 2016
quotequote all
SilverSixer said:
I know these people. These were my parents, my uncles and aunts when I was growing up. My parents were desperate to make sure that their children didn't turn out the same. My uncles and aunts weren't and now my cousins tread the same path. My sister and I were the first people in our family ever to go on in education beyond 16. None of my cousins did.

I am most grateful to my parents for giving me the right attitude, and opening my eyes to being able to avoid that kind of life, which is just about all they could afford to give me. My Dad threw his chances away by getting expelled from a grammar school before getting any O Levels, and turned in to the man you describe so eloquently, but he didn't want that for me. I've avoided it all so far, and live comfortably, but I am constantly aware I'm only one wrong step (self inflicted or 'black swan' circumstantial) from losing it at any given moment as I haven't been able/fortunate enough to build a financial cushion (most disposable income goes on mortgage to live in a decent area and private schooling for my children), other than in illiquid property equity (and that's by fortune rather than ability I'll admit). Just hope I can hang on to things long enough to retire and realise the assets I do have.

Yours is an interesting post. It is indeed a tough world.
Does the current system work for many people? Can you appreciate why they would want to protest?

johnfm

13,668 posts

249 months

Wednesday 19th October 2016
quotequote all
Seems like an epiphany which has pricked the bubble we live in.

Makes it easier to understand Brexit vote when you realise many people do not care about GBP:USD exchange rate or the FTSE - as they don;t have a villa in Tuscany to complete on nor a share portfolio.

SilverSixer

8,202 posts

150 months

Wednesday 19th October 2016
quotequote all
Jockman said:
SilverSixer said:
I know these people. These were my parents, my uncles and aunts when I was growing up. My parents were desperate to make sure that their children didn't turn out the same. My uncles and aunts weren't and now my cousins tread the same path. My sister and I were the first people in our family ever to go on in education beyond 16. None of my cousins did.

I am most grateful to my parents for giving me the right attitude, and opening my eyes to being able to avoid that kind of life, which is just about all they could afford to give me. My Dad threw his chances away by getting expelled from a grammar school before getting any O Levels, and turned in to the man you describe so eloquently, but he didn't want that for me. I've avoided it all so far, and live comfortably, but I am constantly aware I'm only one wrong step (self inflicted or 'black swan' circumstantial) from losing it at any given moment as I haven't been able/fortunate enough to build a financial cushion (most disposable income goes on mortgage to live in a decent area and private schooling for my children), other than in illiquid property equity (and that's by fortune rather than ability I'll admit). Just hope I can hang on to things long enough to retire and realise the assets I do have.

Yours is an interesting post. It is indeed a tough world.
Does the current system work for many people? Can you appreciate why they would want to protest?
What system? What people want to protest?

Jockman

17,912 posts

159 months

Wednesday 19th October 2016
quotequote all
johnfm said:
Seems like an epiphany which has pricked the bubble we live in.

Makes it easier to understand Brexit vote when you realise many people do not care about GBP:USD exchange rate or the FTSE - as they don;t have a villa in Tuscany to complete on nor a share portfolio.
Indeed. Nor do they understand it.

FN2TypeR

7,091 posts

92 months

Wednesday 19th October 2016
quotequote all
Piersman2 said:
When I were but a lad we moved to Aberdeen as a family and my brother and I spent 2 years labouring for our parents converting some steadings to houses. This meant we both took 2 years out of education to effectively be labourers. As such we hung around and made mates with a few of the younger locals in the pubs around where we lived.

It was an eye opener. These guys had 1 fixation each week... to earn just enough to go out on Friday and Saturday night, get pissed, maybe a bit stoned, and see if they could find some slappers (this was a very rare occurence!). Any thoughts of bettering themselves, investing in the future, settling down, putting something aside, etc... just wasn't even a part of their thinking process.

I didn't understand their mentality then and I still don't really, other than to accept that folks are different, with differing aspirations and expectations from life.

Still not sure if it's nature or nurture. I suspect it's more down to nurture though.
They were tcheuchters living the arse end of no where I presume?

Standard!

danllama

5,728 posts

141 months

Wednesday 19th October 2016
quotequote all
Thankyou4calling said:
Words
Interesting post and perspective. I was one of those agency workers straight out of sixth form (lost my mum and had nowhere to live). Had to turn up at the agency office for 4.30am and you might not even get a shift. It's not a nice way to live. You just have to hope that one by one they become motivated and seek something better for themselves. I'm still only on an average salary now, so I always keep in mind how easy it would be to slip back in to that place. Take nothing for granted etc.

I think it's sad that some people, well most I guess, will not know that struggle. 12+ hours of removal work is not easy.

Jockman

17,912 posts

159 months

Wednesday 19th October 2016
quotequote all
SilverSixer said:
What system? What people want to protest?
Globalisation? Those that cannot afford a decent house in a decent area with kids in private school?

SilverSixer

8,202 posts

150 months

Wednesday 19th October 2016
quotequote all
Jockman said:
SilverSixer said:
What system? What people want to protest?
Globalisation? Those that cannot afford a decent house in a decent area with kids in private school?
Sorry mate, you've lost me. I can afford that stuff (for now) thanks to my parents' efforts and attitudes. Globalisation didn't stop me breaking the cycle. My cousins can't afford that stuff because their parents didn't do the same for them. Globalisation is neither here nor there.

anonymous-user

53 months

Wednesday 19th October 2016
quotequote all
Thankyou4calling said:
I'd consider myself to be a relatively stereotypical pistonheader.

Powerfully built, company director, opinionated and into cars, property, watches and food.

I'm right of centre, a capitalist, a striver who wants to improve their lot.

Recently I sold a business and am moving house so in the interim I was delighted to secure a short term work contract managing the relocation of a business to new premises 17 miles away. I'm dealing with the planning, implementation, logistics, IT, utility and fixtures and fitting installations to make sure it's a seamless move and business continues.

D day is looming and so far so good.

I'm working with the directors, managers, supervisors but also hands on with the front line warehouse people. There are packers and sweepers and packers and in talking with them I've really had my eyes opened to a society I knew little about.

The company employs a lot of agency workers, they work for minimum wage and have no contract.

They can and are told to go home at any time and contacted by text when they are needed again.

I know a lot of people are employed like this on zero hours contracts but to see it in its rawest form is quite enlightening.

I thought e people working like this would be wasters. Scruffy, unreliable, disinterested. COUNCIL!

The sort you wouldn't trust to tie a shoelace.

Far from it!

I'm going to generalise and I've only had limited dealings but the people doing this work aren't like that at all.

They live in the same towns as you and I but they don't talk about house prices and loft conversions, there lives couldn't be further from this.

Without exception they want to work and they work hard, the wages supplement their benefits and they live day to day, they are all ages, not many immigrants at all, mostly British.

While we on PH talk about Brexit, Heathrow expansion and the merits of DSG gearboxes, they know absolutely nothing about those things or craft beer, costa coffee, Holland and Barrett or waitrose.

It's not that they aren't interested, it's simply that all they care about is earning £50 a day as many days as they can to buy fags, a pint or pay off a pay day loan which they all have.

They all have rubbish phones, most don't have a car, they ride an old bone shaker or walk 2 or 3 miles to work. They aren't looking for a carbon fibre frame, if they get a puncture they are sunk.

If you ask how the weekend was there is no talk of a restaurant they went to or a nice walk or a show they enjoyed. They don't watch much TV surprisingly. No X factor and reality shows, they are on their play station, a lot of gaming.

None have any plans other than hoping they win the lottery (they all buy tickets) they don't scour the web for holidays or right move and they don't go shopping for clothes.

They wear what they have and eat rubbish. Fizzy drinks, crisps, chocolate just stuff that we might have as a snack is their staple food. No croissants, no pasta, no aged steak.

It's quite remarkable to me that there are so many like this in this one firm so I guess there are thousands in the UK.

They aren't scum, they aren't work shy, they are just people trying to keep their head above water.

When their day is done they put on an old jacket and walk home.

It's made me look at people differently, I don't know if it's good or bad but I didn't think about it much.

I don't know if it makes me feel better about myself or worse but it is interesting.

Politicians are always on about trying to help people back to work, these people are at work, they don't seem to have dreams, goals of much hope beyond what they're doing.

I'm not drawing any conclusions just writing my thought.




Edited by anonymous-user on Wednesday 19th October 14:56
Just where have you been till now? Of course there are people like that, they've been there in one form or another for decades and sweeping globalisation, western de-industrialisation has increased their numbers significantly.

Why else the Brexit result, and the rise of the likes of Corbyn and Trump?




Digga

40,201 posts

282 months

Wednesday 19th October 2016
quotequote all
Jockman said:
SilverSixer said:
What system? What people want to protest?
Globalisation? Those that cannot afford a decent house in a decent area with kids in private school?
^This. From the ground-up, for many today the world seems stacked against them.

Many of the things - including globalisation, immigration and multiculturalism - that, taken at the bigger picture view are 'good' for the country are extremely tough or frightening for those at the bottom of the heap, or are otherwise an utter irrelevance to their daily grind.